TOKYO -- Sony will open artificial intelligence labs in India starting next year, turning to the country that brought the world Bollywood to research applications for the technology in movies and music.
The bases will be in areas with many universities and research institutes. The first will open in Bangalore, the company said Thursday.
Sony plans to hire Indian talent with strong information technology skills by building networks with local researchers. It hopes to attract engineers who return to the country after working abroad.
The Bangalore facility will be Sony's seventh global R&D center, complementing ones in such countries as Japan, the U.S. and China.
Entertainment is a key earner for the Japanese blue chip. Music, movies and video games generated roughly half its sales last fiscal year and about two-thirds of operating profit.
