IBM launched on Friday a few innovations which could revolutionise the transport system by introducing artificial intelligence in vehicles and traffic management systems, voice recognition technology and traffic-related information transfer through cell phones.

The innovations would make travelling by planes, trains or automobiles a more convenient and hassle-free experience within the next few years, a company release said. It would also curtail fuels wastage and incidence of accidents.

"Researchers and strategists at IBM think that the cure for transportation problems is not building more roads or adding flight" said Daniel Dias, director IBM's India Research Laboratory.

The emerging technologies especially in communication will make travel safer, more streamlined and able to accommodate ever-increasing growth demands, he added.

Under the driver-assist technologies, automobiles would behave as if they have reflexes. They could sense other cars and avoid hazards.

They would also be able to exchange information with each other, take corrective action where it was appropriate and provide essential feedback to drivers.

The voice recognition systems in vehicles would allow drivers to get real-time flight updates,respond to emails and get directions through simple voice commands.It would also help them adjust cabin temperature and make phone calls keeping hands on the wheel, the release said.

Intelligent traffic systems will help make adjustments to traffic lights to ease congestion and clear paths for emergency vehicles.Sensor technologies, GPS and satellites will provide information to motorists on the routes to be avoided for driving and parking during peak hours.

 Travellers would get notification of train and bus delays via cell phones and also on whether an alternative route was safer and more convenient.

The new innovation for airtravel would help passengers 'foresee' delays and avoid stranding at airports. It will also help better handling of baggages and easy retrieval of lost luggage.

These innovations would ease traffic, save fuel and automobile accidents. According to studies, nine billion gallons of fuel were wasted every year in traffic congestion, and automobile accidents cost hundreds of billions of dollars, the release added.