IBM Watson Powers 'Olli' Self-Driving Van

IBM'southward Watson won Jeopardy, learned Japanese, and is trying to cure cancer. And so why not add self-driving cars in? Thus, IBM unveiled Olli, an democratic vehicle developed with Local Motors that cognitive computing system.

Nextcar Bug art The vehicle, which looks similar a cross between a VW Beetle and a city coach, made its recent debut during the grand opening of a new Local Motors facility in Maryland.

"Cognitive calculating provides incredible opportunities to create unparalleled, customised experiences for customers by taking advantage of the massive amounts of streaming data from all devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), including an automobile's myriad sensors and systems," Harriet Light-green, General Manager of IBM Watson IoT Commerce and Education, said in a statement.

With room for up to 12 people, Olli can interact with passengers, understanding questions similar "Can you accept me downtown?" and "How does this feature work" or even "Are nosotros there still?" The conversational vehicle can also provide recommendations on local destinations—restaurants, historical sites, and popular shopping locations, just to name a few.

"Olli offers a smart, safe, and sustainable transportation solution that is long overdue. Olli with Watson acts as our entry into the world of self-driving vehicles," said John Rogers Jr., Local Motors CEO.

Maker of the world's first 3D-printed cars, Local Motors is wasting no fourth dimension getting its cocky-driving van on the road; Olli is currently motoring effectually Washington, D.C. and will launch in Miami-Dade County and Las Vegas earlier the cease of the year.

"Nosotros must do more than to meliorate transit and mobility in our community and the deployment of democratic vehicles is a big step in the right direction," said Carlos Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Mayor.

The new Local Motors National Harbor facility, meanwhile, will

showcase the visitor's 3D-printed vehicles and the first Olli.

Every bit for going forward, Rogers noted that Local Motors is "set to accelerate the adoption of this technology and apply it to well-nigh every vehicle in our current portfolio and those in the very near futurity. I'thou thrilled to meet what our open customs will exercise with the latest in advanced vehicle technology."