Over the past 20 years, the web has transformed from a tool for the scientists at CERN to an information access centre for the world to a platform where people can get things done. Web 2.0 is this transition from the web being a static information access point to a dynamic, customizable and social platform. IIL contributes to this transformation of the web. We are currently working on one extension of Web 2.0, viz. Travel 2.0 where we aim at building technological revolutions in the travel industry. Travel 2.0 is all about “empowering” the user and enabling them to share information online that can be accessed by other travellers. We take the information to the traveller, rather than them searching for it.

Travellers Network

Many a times we travel to places and not have easy access to information (even with a mobile phone, we still need to manually search) that help us in understanding the new things we see, or experience in that location. India Innovation Labs is developing a traveller’s assistant, which will provide information that is contextually relevant to a user, on a mobile device. For example, a traveller in a heritage site is given information regarding the sculpture or monument he is currently visiting, and the information is filtered to suit the interest/profession of the traveller. The users are given options to rate and also share their opinion about the location.

Virtual Tour

Tele-presence robots are used for remote experience, and are controlled by a single user in a factory or office space. Tele-presence robots can also be used in fields like tourism where the robot is placed in a tourist location, and is controlled by a single tour guide but multiple people can view and experience the tour remotely, over the Internet. This project aims at developing online tools that will give users the complete experience of a remote virtual tour.