IBM Reveals Crystal Ball For Next Five Years

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Coming in five years: intelligent cars that responds to intelligent traffic systems, more powerful and flexible cell phones, energy-saving home grids, and advanced health data systems.

All these and more, according to IBM's second annual set of "Next Five in Five" predictions released this week.

Intelligent traffic systems will automatically adjust light patterns and shift traffic to alternative routes. Cars will respond to other vehicles and roadside sensors. Home appliances will be connected to a computer-based electric grid, making it possible to turn them on and off using a cell phone or Web browser.

Computers will track everything from the climate and soil food was grown in, to the pesticides and pollution it was exposed to, to the energy consumed to create the product, to the temperature and air quality of the shipping containers it traveled through on the way to the dinner table, IDG News reported.

Computers will compare health data to a vast of other patient records, helping with diagnosis and treatment. Cell phones will enable users to snap a photo of an item and access the Internet about where to buy it.