Another innovation is built around sound. A distributed system of clever sensors will detect elements of sound like sound pressure, vibrations and sound waves at different frequencies. These inputs can then be interpreted to predict, for example when trees will fall in a forest or when a landslide may occur.

"Such a system will 'listen' to our surroundings and measure movements, or the stress in a material, to warn us if danger lies ahead," the company statement said.

Also, by learning about emotion and being able to sense mood will help improve customer call center interactions or allow seamless interacting between different cultures.

IBM said its researchers are also developing a computing system that actually experiences flavor, to be used with chefs to create the tastiest and novel recipes, it said.

During the next five years, tiny sensors embedded in computer or cell phone will be able to detect if one is coming down with a cold or other illness.

"By analyzing odors, biomarkers and thousands of molecules in someone's breath, doctors will have help diagnosing and monitoring the onset of ailments such as liver and kidney disorders and asthma by detecting which odors are normal and which are not," it said.

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