IBM Offering ‘Watson’ Cognitive Computing for Cars
IBM’s Watson is a technology platform that uses natural language processing and machine learning to reveal insights from large amounts of unstructured data.
January 12, 2016
DETROIT – In one popular television commercial, IBM’s Siri-like “Watson” talks to Bob Dylan about the meaning of his lyrics. In another, he discusses athletic performance with Serena Williams. Now IBM wants to bring the chatty know-it-all to your car to transform your driving experience.
IBM’s Watson is a technology platform that uses natural language processing and machine learning to reveal insights from large amounts of unstructured data, IBM says.
At the North American International Auto Show here, IBM officials make an appealing case as they show a video animation of Watson helping pilot a car, scanning the driver’s Twitter feed and picking out music from some of his preferred artists, along with a little banter about his favorite guitarist’s upcoming gig.
Watson can be “the world’s most intelligent co-pilot,” says Adam Steinberg, leader of IBM’s Cognitive Solutions Practice.
There is plenty of evidence consumers want such technology in the connected cars of the future. A recent study by IBM’s Institute for Business Value, A New Relationship –People and Cars, confirms a high level of interest in self-enabling vehicles that can learn, heal, drive and socialize, says Donna Satterfield, vice president-Global Lead Account Partner.
The technology analyzes unstructured data, understands complex questions and presents answers and solutions, IBM says.
At NAIAS, IBM is showcasing virtual-reality cognitive capabilities that let people experience what driving will look like when powered by Watson.
“The demo allows automakers and infotainment suppliers to visualize how Watson can inform drivers about maintenance issues, road conditions and safety alerts. With cognitive computing powered by Watson, we are sharing the capabilities that are being used to transform the way people interact during their driving experience,” Satterfield says.
IBM currently is in discussions with automakers about the possibility of incorporating cognitive intelligence and Watson into future vehicles. It is a Cloud-based system.
The basic pitch is anchored by three Watson competencies, Satterfield says. This includes the ability to learn who the driver is, her personality in the moment, her driving behaviors and the environment inside and outside the cabin; the ability to process massive quantities of data and enable natural language interactions between people and the vehicle.
“We’ve developed an application of Watson capabilities to enable automakers and infotainment suppliers to deliver next-generation driving experiences,” she says.
“The driving experience of the future will include cars that learn a driver’s behaviors and sense and respond to the vehicle and the surrounding environment to make the ride safer and more enjoyable.”
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