LAS VEGAS (November 17, 1997) -- IBM,* Delco Electronics, Netscape Communications and Sun Microsystems announced a technology initiative today aimed at offering more convenience, work productivity tools, safety and entertainment to millions of commuters who spend hours each day cruising the roads or stuck in traffic.
The four companies say their existing hardware and software technology -- including voice recognition, wireless communications, global positioning via satellite, head-up displays, Java** technology, microprocessors, Web access and collaboration, and other Internet/intranet features -- can be integrated to create a "Network Vehicle" that will have strong appeal to consumers.
To show what a Network Vehicle of the future can do, the companies are displaying a working concept vehicle to the 250,000 attendees at the COMDEX trade show in Las Vegas on November 17. The concept vehicle has voice recognition technology so drivers and passengers can verbally request and listen to e-mail messages being read out loud, locate a restaurant or hotel, ask for navigation help or for specific music or sports scores, and use voice-activated telephone services -- all done safely without interfering with driving.
Drivers can use a head-up display projected onto the windshield similar to that used by jet fighter pilots to navigate to their destination or check vehicle functions without taking their eyes off the road. Passengers using individual terminals next to their seats can do even more, including interacting with the Internet, watching television or playing games. Existing services that could be integrated include theft deterrent technologies and -- if an accident happens -- contacting emergency services and asking for help and giving the vehicle's exact location.
Additional future features include dictating memos and electronically distributing them, altering work schedules, listening to and dictating a response to faxes and viewing videos. "Smart" features such as these are enabled in large measure because of the real-time data-streaming capabilities over a wireless network due to IBM's Java-based technology. Java enables the rapid development and prototype of applications that run within the vehicle. With Java technology, auto makers also have the flexibility to create a Network Vehicle using a variety of hardware and operating system platforms.
"This is another example of IBM's e-business networking solutions, only this time the networking capability will be in vehicles, " said Pat Toole, vice president, global embedded solutions for IBM's Manufacturing Industries Solutions Unit. "We want to offer people more conveniences and safety features, and the capability to be more productive while in their vehicles. This means the human-to-network interface for the driver must not interfere with the vehicle operation. IBM's voice technology is a key part in making that happen."
Dave B. Wohleen, general director of engineering for Delco Electronics, adds: "A Network Vehicle will have tremendous appeal to drivers and passengers, offering a vast array of new features and functions. Much of the technology to do this, including the Delco Electronics' head-up displays, steering wheel-mounted controls and man-machine interface in the passenger compartment, exists today. Working with vehicle manufacturers, these technologies could be integrated into all types of vehicles."
According to Mike McCue, Netscape vice president of technology, "As Internet-based services add new dimensions to the daily lives and work of millions of people, we see great value in extending network access beyond the home, classroom or office by making it easily accessible from anywhere. Our participation with IBM, Delco Electronics and Sun in this technology initiative underscores our vision of a network world where our products run across computing platforms and the new portable devices that serve a mobile life style. Access will be from anywhere, including vehicles."
Jim Mitchell, vice president of technology and architecture at JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems Inc., added: "With today's announcement, Java's smart card to supercomputer scalability now extends to the automobile. Java is the perfect foundation for providing an open, scalable platform to deploy cutting-edge content and applications in vehicles. And Java's 'Write Once, Run Anywhere' core value will bring an array of new possibilities to developers, auto manufacturers and consumers worldwide."
The four companies are meeting with auto manufacturers to demonstrate the advantages of adopting computing and networking standards and tool sets for creating Network Vehicles. Agreement on such standards will greatly reduce the time needed to integrate the electronic components into future vehicles. Consumers could see early versions of Network Vehicles in as little as four years or less, depending on where a car maker stands in the development cycle of upcoming new models, says Toole. "It's possible a large part of the technology could be made available to consumers in as little as 18 months as an add-on to their existing vehicles, " he said.
Computer and networking technology companies are being invited to join in promoting open standards for a Network Vehicle. For independent software vendors this means a new opportunity to develop in-vehicle and network software applications that do not exist today.
Today's announcement builds upon ongoing work between IBM and Stuttgart-based auto maker Daimler-Benz to develop an open, client/server architecture for in-car electronics. Daimler-Benz demonstrated that architecture in the Mercedes-Benz Maybach car at the Tokyo Auto show last month.
For more information a web page is at http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/networkvehicle. For North American customer inquiries please telephone 1-800-426-7777 -- ask for ext. IC907. All other customer inquiries please telephone 1-416-383-5161 -- ask for ext. IC907.
* Indicates a trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
**Indicates trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems Incorporated.