Cognitive Computing in Travel: Probable or Pipe Dream?

Summary

In Travel Innovation and Technology Trends 2015, we predicted the increasing importance of cognitive computing in the travel value chain. Cognitive computing is often confused with artificial intelligence (AI). The difference is that devices and services employing AI actually possess intelligence, while cognitive computing merely mimics human thought processes to arrive at an answer or necessary action by exercising these thought processes. It is unlikely that we will see true AI for at least a decade. However, in the meantime and as a precursor, we can expect significant growth in cognitive computing as consumers become exposed to cognitive computing-enabled Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) products like Siri (Apple), Google Now, Cortana (Microsoft), Hear 360 (Nokia) and major server-side initiatives like WayBlazer (IBM). Since Siri was introduced in 2010 (purchased by Apple and launched as part of its iOS in 2011) there has been increasing interest in cognitive computing for travel.