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The service will aim to create a set of multimedia interactive search facilities for CBeebies by using Marvel, IBM's research system, which recognises image and video content. Previously the BBC's archive only returned text-based searches.

The BBC said the new service would enable users to access a greater amount of its content by improving the search technology available on the BBC to include image-based searches.

It is understood the BBC is also in discussions with IBM about collaborating on content distribution, customer relationship management, rights management and joint research.

Initially, the technology will be used for CBBC output, which includes 'Shaun The Sheep', 'Blue Peter', 'Raven' and 'Cave Girl', with a view to extending the service to other BBC output in the future.

The technology will be of particular use for the corporation's pre-teen viewers, who are more susceptible to image and video based media. The service will also simplify the digitisation process of the BBC's 1.4m hours of TV and audio archive material.

IBM will also be working with the corporation's technology partner Siemens to pilot a media hub for new business processes and improved methods of working with the BBC's creative teams.

Ashley Highfield, BBC director of future media & technology, said: "Combining the BBC's massive TV and radio archive with IBM's cutting-edge research into video and audio search technology should provide the means to unlocking huge talent value in our long tail of content."

On Friday the BBC signed a deal with YouTube to put clips and behind the scenes footage of its programming on to the video sharing services, including 'Life on Mars'.

In September last year the BBC and Microsoft signed a strategic partnership outlining the corporation's future digital strategy, which it said would focus on developing next-generation broadcast technology.