Apple to open 'deep engineering' AI research facility in Japan
Apple CEO Tim Cook has revealed plans for the company to open a new R&D base in Yokohoma, Japan, where the focus would be on "deep learning". Cook's affinity for artificial intelligence (AI) is well-known, from Apple's partnership with IBM's Watson to develop healthcare solutions for elderly patients, to using AI to increase battery life. However, the Yokohama facility looks set to work on ways deep learning and AI could be used in more subtle, much broader contexts. As Apple's iPhone prepares to mark its 10th birthday, Cooks adds: "I think there is an incredible future ahead".
TOKYO -- Apple will celebrate the iPhone's 10th anniversary next year, but in chief executive Tim Cook's view, the technology is anything but mature. The Nikkei Asian Review caught up with Cook aboard a bullet train last week and asked him about artificial intelligence, his plans for Asia, and the experience of succeeding Steve Jobs.

Cook, who was visiting Japan for the first time as CEO, said Apple will open a research and development base in Yokohama, near Tokyo, later this year. The facility -- the first of its kind outside the U.S. -- will develop new component technologies. Cook described it as a center for "deep engineering" and said it will be "very different" from the R&D base Apple plans to build in China.