IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced five innovations that have the potential to change the way people travel. These next generation transport innovations focus on driver–assist technologies, intelligent traffic systems using sensor technologies, advanced mass transit systems connected to mobile phones, ultra sophisticated voice recognition systems and smart airport system. The application of these innovations will make traveling by planes, trains or automobiles a more convenient and hassle free experience. IBM’s ‘Five Transport Innovations’, employ emerging technologies from IBM’s Labs around the world and reflect market and societal trends.

“We believe these innovations will be available within the next few years. Some of them, such as the traffic notifications via cell phone and intelligent traffic systems using sensor technologies are already in limited use, but all of these innovations are being worked on today in IBM’s Research labs,” said Dr. Daniel Dias, Director of IBM’s India
Research Laboratory. “Our researchers are focused on the application of technologies in ways that matter to people, business and society, he said.

Every year, nine billion gallons of fuel* are wasted in traffic congestion, auto accidents cost hundreds of billions of dollars and by 2020 the number of airline passengers is expected to double, soaring to an annual rate of more than seven billion worldwide.** In the next two years, these statistics will change through technology innovations in the following
ways:

• Our cars will be able to sense other cars and avoid hazardous road conditions. The future is collaborative driving. Cars in the near future will have driver-assist technologies that will make it possible for automobiles to behave as if they have ‘reflexes.’ Vehicles will exchange information with
each other and with the road infrastructure, take corrective action where
appropriate, and provide essential feedback to the drivers. Highway and
city merging and traffic flow will be smoother and safer and harmful
emissions will be reduced.

• Travelers will get notifications of train and bus delays via cell phone.
In the near future a new technology will call or text message riders to
alert them when the next bus or train is due to arrive. Using sensors, GPS
technology and in-vehicle communications, an innovative transport system
will send notifications of train and bus delays, or if an alternative route
will be faster or more convenient. The same systems will allow schedulers
to make real-time route corrections, making “bus bunching” a thing of the
past.

• Drivers will converse with their cars.
Increasingly sophisticated voice recognition systems will allow drivers to
get real-time flight updates, read and respond to emails, get directions,
avoid accidents, play DVDs or select music through simple, conversational
voice commands. Voice recognition navigation and entertainment systems also
will allow drivers to adjust cabin temperature or call home while keeping
hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

• Cities will find the cure for congestion.
Intelligent traffic systems will make real-time adjustments to traffic
lights to ease congestion and clear paths for emergency vehicles. New
sensor technologies, GPS and satellites will provide info to motorists on
the best routes to avoid driving and parking during peak busy hours. Fewer
traffic jams will result in cleaner air and safer roads.

• Travelers will gain control over route changes and get a better handle on
lost luggage.
The location of jets, crews and airport gates will be optimized as a smart
system “foresees” delays and re-routes passengers before they get stranded
at the airport. Kiosks will give travelers control over route changes and a
unified airline/airport system will enhance security while dramatically
cutting baggage handling errors.

“Transportation researchers and strategists at IBM are concerned that the
cure for transportation problems is not building more roads or adding
flights,” said Dr. Dias. “IBM thinks emerging technologies – especially in
communications – will make travel safer, more streamlined and able to
accommodate ever-increasing growth demands