Intu aims to put “embodied cognition” in a range of devices. Developers can use the platform to embed the various machine learning functions offered by IBM’s Watson service into shedloads of form factors – from avatars to drones to robots and just about any other kind of 'Internet of Things’ device.

This will allow devices will be able to “interact more naturally” with users via a range of emotions and behaviours, leading to more meaningful and immersive user experiences, IBM said.

Project Intu’s forte is in conversation, language and visual recognition. Here, developers can integrate Watson’s abilities with a device’s capabilities to effectively “act out” interactions with users.

This means that the developer will not have to programme each device’s individual movements, Project Intu does it for them, combining movements that are appropriate for the specific task the device is performing.

IBM’s chief technology officer of Watson, Rob High, said that IBM was taking cognitive technology beyond a physical technology interface like a smartphone or a robot toward an even more natural form of human and machine interaction.

“Project Intu allows users to build embodied systems that reason, learn and interact with humans to create a presence with the people that use them – these cognitive-enabled avatars and devices could transform industries like retail, elder care, and industrial and social robotics,” he said.