Dell is creating a division that will focus on developing products, research and partnerships for a field that connects everything from driverless cars to light bulbs to the internet.

The company said it's investing $1 billion over the next three years for the effort, which will employing artificial intelligence and machine learning technology.

Chief Executive Officer Michael Dell is looking for fresh ways to attract customers who are spending more on cloud-based computing services at providers such as Amazon.com and Microsoft. With the Internet of Things, companies may opt to buy Dell's gear that can be placed near a connected device to manage all of the information it's creating.