Deakin University is partnering with supercomputer IBM Watson to develop the world’s first online student engagement advisor using the technology.

Vice-chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander says the IBM Watson student advisor application will provide its almost 50,000 students with instant answers to questions via web and mobile, all day every day.

The platform will begin by serving the needs of new students early next year.

“Students constantly tell us they want accessible, accurate and immediate information that they can find for themselves.

“Deakin’s promise is to offer students a brilliant education where they are for the jobs of the future. We are working hard to make sure our student experience is the best it can possibly be,” den Hollander says.

IBM Watson is the cognitive computing platform that reads and understands natural language, processes unstructured data and learns as it operates.

It shot to fame back in 2011 when it became the first computer to beat human contestants on the game show Jeopardy!.

Around the world, companies are developing systems using Watson in areas including healthcare, legal and travel.

ANZ bank is currently preparing to launch its Watson engagement advisor tool.

IBM Watson’s Keith Mercier was in Australia last month to pitch the technology to retailers, speaking at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week’s industry event.

READ: Watson on the runway – Q&A with IBM’s Keith Mercier on Watson’s role in transforming retail

Customer experience and contact centre solution provider Genesys announced in June that it would put Watson to use in its call centres.