By IANS
Bangalore : The research division of the global IT major IBM has come out with a slew of innovations that have the potential to change the way people travel.
The next-generation transport innovations revolve around 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 travelling by planes, trains or automobiles more convenient and hassle-free experience. The innovations are part of the research being carried out by IBM Labs in India and five other countries worldwide.
"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 in our labs," IBM India research lab director Daniel Dias told IANS.
Every year, nine billion gallons of fuel is wasted due to traffic congestion while auto accidents cost hundreds of billions of dollars. 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 numbers will change through innovations in more than one way.
Cars will be able to sense other vehicles 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 required feedback to drivers. Traffic flow through highways and cities will be smoother and safer with less emission.
Commuters will get notifications of train and bus delays via cell phones. Wireless devices will call or text message people to alert them when the next bus or train is due to arrive.
GPS (global positioning system) technology will allow schedulers to make real-time route corrections, making bus-bunching a thing of the past.
"Our researchers are focused on the application of technologies in ways that matter to people, business and society," Dias noted.
Sophisticated voice recognition systems will allow drivers to get real-time flight updates, read and respond to e-mail, get directions, avoid accidents, play DVDs or select music through simple, conversational voice commands.
Voice recognition navigation and entertainment systems will allow drivers to adjust cabin temperature or call home while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
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 information to motorists on the best routes to avoid driving and parking during peak busy hours.
In the case of civil aviation, the location of jets, crews and airport gates will be optimised as a smart system will be able to foresees delays and re-route passengers before they get stranded at airports.
Kiosks will give travellers control over route changes and a unified airport system will enhance security while cutting baggage handling errors.
"Transportation researchers and strategists are concerned that the cure for transportation problems is not building more roads or adding flights. We think emerging technologies – especially in communications – will make travel safer, more streamlined and able to accommodate ever-increasing growth demands," Dias pointed out.
Â