The launching ceremony of Microsoft Corp's largest research lab for AI and IoT on May 15. [Photo/WeChat account: zjpark]

US technology giant Microsoft Corporation's largest artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) lab was officially put into operation in Shanghai's Zhangjiang AIsland in Pudong New Area on May 15.

The lab will help professionals from related enterprises to develop multi-field integration and make full use of scientific research resources in Microsoft and Zhangjiang.

Alain Crozier, CEO of Microsoft Greater China, speaks at the launching ceremony of the Microsoft AI and IoT lab on May 15. [Photo/WeChat account: zjpark]

"The integration and application of AI and IoT are becoming the latest trends leading the global digital transformation. Statistics show that the global IoT business will exceed $255 billion in 2022, with China accounting for nearly a quarter of that. It is a market with huge potential," said Alain Crozier, CEO of Microsoft Greater China.

"The lab will give full play to Microsoft's advantages in technology, platform, service and resources, and provide partners with comprehensive supports in technology, market and ecosystem."

The lab has received applications from nearly 300 enterprises since March, 30 of which were finally selected as the first batch to settle in the lab.

The selected enterprises are mainly involved in voice interaction, intelligent driving, data collection and intelligent medical treatment, such as ABB Group and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC).

Wang Tong, vice president of ABB China, pointed out that ABB shares the same key R&D directions of intelligent manufacturing and logistics with Microsoft and they hope to find solutions in line with their needs through the lab.

In the next three to six months, the 30 companies will get all-round support and access to the Microsoft ecosystem to share resources. At the same time Zhangjiang Group will provide them with innovation and investment service support.

The building of the Microsoft AI and IoT lab in Shanghai's Zhangjiang AIsland. [Photo/WeChat account: zjpark]