IBM labs promises five innovations

The ability to "talk" to the Web, information collection and retrieval systems that alleviate forgetfulness, and solar technology built into asphalt, windows and even paint are among the advances IBM sees emerging from its research labs in the next five years.

IBM compiled the following list, which is becoming an annual tradition, by consulting with leading innovators at the company, said Sharon Nunes, the company's vice president for Big Green Innovations.

-- Energy-saving solar technology will be embedded in asphalt for sidewalks and driveways, as well as in siding, paint, rooftops and windows. Thin-film solar cells that can be made 100 times thinner than silicon-wafer cells will find their way into construction projects, infrastructure projects and also into consumer electronics and vehicles.

To continue reading, register here and become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

The ability to "talk" to the Web, information collection and retrieval systems that alleviate forgetfulness, and solar technology built into asphalt, windows and even paint are among the advances IBM sees emerging from its research labs in the next five years.

IBM compiled the following list, which is becoming an annual tradition, by consulting with leading innovators at the company, said Sharon Nunes, the company's vice president for Big Green Innovations.

-- Energy-saving solar technology will be embedded in asphalt for sidewalks and driveways, as well as in siding, paint, rooftops and windows. Thin-film solar cells that can be made 100 times thinner than silicon-wafer cells will find their way into construction projects, infrastructure projects and also into consumer electronics and vehicles.

IBM is in discussions with partners to have them develop tools to process the cells, which can be "printed" and placed on a flexible backing, as opposed to solar panels that are much larger and less cost-efficient.

-- Genetic "maps" based on an individual's DNA will become a routine part of health care, notably for screening and preventative treatment because the price will drop to under US$200. Cheaper computational power means that information processing for genetic mapping can be done inexpensively, Nunes said. IBM's role is to provide the software analytics.

Using herself as an example, Nunes said that her family has what seems to be a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, so a map of her DNA would tell her if she inherited those traits. If it turns out she did, her doctor could place her on a preventative program including diet and exercise and she would know not to "have that second creme brulee" for dessert. Or, conversely, that she can indulge without as much worry.

-- IBM anticipates that the Web "will change dramatically in the next five years," with widespread use of voice commands to navigate the Internet. Visuals and keypads will not be necessary to use the Web.

The "spoken Web" project comes from more than 30 years of IBM research in speech recognition. While voice recognition has been full of promise for years, Nunes is adamant that it will fulfill its promise soon. "The fact is the technology is there in bits and pieces -- it's really scaling and social acceptance" that are needed for wide use, she said.

IBM envisions a range of applications for the spoken Web, including using a telephone to verbally respond to and send e-mail and instant messages, as well as providing Internet access for illiterate people or those who do not have PCs but so have mobile phones. Less than 20 percent of the world's population has access to the Internet, Nunes said, but mobile phones are far more widespread.

-- Personal digital shopping assistants in the retail industry will alert salespeople to shoppers who need help and also allow the use of avatars for seeing what clothing looks good. The digital assistants will be set up in dressing-room kiosks using a touch screen and voice activation that allows shoppers to choose the items they want to try on and summon a salesperson to bring different sizes or colors.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.