IBM, McMaster Collaborate on “Smarter Transportation” Research

We have all seen the Smart car, now a push is on for a smarter car.

McMaster University and IBM Canada Ltd. have launched a research project to investigate how the automotive industry can connect a vehicle’s multiple microprocessors, which currently work in isolation, to create a “cognitive car” that can predict vehicle failures before they happen, redirect drivers to less congested routes and help reduce traffic accidents.

Engineers at McMaster will study how using an IBM multi-core processor to integrate what are currently disconnected automotive systems could improve vehicle efficiency and driver safety, as part of a Shared University Research (SUR) Award from IBM.

IBM’s multi-core processor was originally developed for video games but now has applications for financial services, energy exploration, information- based medicine, digital animation and oil and gas production.

The research will focus on integrating data from sensors and microprocessors in the vehicle and on roads to help drivers reduce accidents.