IBM, Seat to partner on Watson-based urban mobility technology

Feb. 26, 2019

IBM has announced an agreement with Spanish automaker Seat to launch a "mobility advisor" that will use Watson-based artificial intelligence to help urban residents make transit decisions using a mobile app, according to a joint release from the companies.

The app will help urban travelers determine the most efficient way to reach their destination, whether by car, scooter, bike, public transit, or a combination of transportation modes.

"Traffic congestion and environmental challenges are putting huge pressure on cities to transform," Jordi Caus, head of new urban mobility concepts at Seat, said in the announcement. "At Seat we are leading the way by working with innovative cities and technology companies to make mobility easier and more efficient."

The app will use IBM Watson technology to incorporate information such as daily traffic updates, weather reports and events being held in the city with the user information such as appointments and historical data. The AI-based system may then recommend a particular mode of transportation, or even suggest ditching the ride altogether and walking to a particular destination.

The announcement comes a day after Seat, a unit of Volkswagen Group, launched its Minimo concept car,  an all-electric, zero-emissions quadricycle for city driving. The car can travel approximately 62 miles on a single charge.

The Minimo, which measures approximately 8 feet long by approximately 4 feet wide, is designed to navigate congested urban streets and tight parking spaces. The vehicle is equipped with Android Auto wireless technology, which allows the driver to focus on the road while completing other tasks and is also designed for ride sharing.

Topics: In-App Payments, Mobile Apps, Region: EMEA

Companies: IBM Corporation

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