Advanced machine-to-machine (M2M) technology offered by Sprint and powered by the carrier’s 3G and 4G networks is said to be driving a transformation in the Transportation and Logistics arenas.

According to this Businesswire release, this transformation will create significant environmental, safety, efficiency and operational benefits. This was the focus of Sprint CEO Dan Hesse’s (News - Alert) keynote address to the Detroit Economic Club.

Hesse unveiled the company’s M2M Connected Transportation initiative, while also sharing examples of how Sprint (News - Alert) is working with innovative and industry-leading partners to pioneer M2M solutions. The aim of these solutions is to solve complex challenges through a reduction in environmental impacts, an increase in public safety, support of the energy/smart grid and a reduction in distracted driving. 

“At Sprint, our vision goes beyond connecting millions of cars. We want to provide ‘Connected Transportation’ to trucks, buses, subways, taxis, planes, police cars and ambulances so that they can be instantly linked through voice, data and images,” said Hesse in his speech.

He added, “These capabilities can turn a vehicle into a multi-dimensional communications centerto improve driver performance, help reduce accidents, provide significant safety benefits, enhance fleet management logistics for businesses and have a potentially profound impact on environmental sustainability.”

With connected transportation, companies can better manage the logistics necessary to optimize, schedule, monitor and track deliveries, personnel and vehicles. With these capabilities, drivers are able to waste less fuel searching for delivery destinations, gas stations and other locales. Drivers also reduce emissions and carbon footprints. This overall approach to reducing costs also creates enhanced personnel comfort and organizational efficiencies.

The technology used in Connected Transportation is also helping first-time and professional drivers to learn safer driving habits. Hesse made note that there are three significant partnerships relying on Sprint’s networks and M2M technology.

The first strategic partner, Aeris (News - Alert) Communications, will leverage Sprint’s national network to provide cellular connectivity to Hyundai Motor America’s Blue Link connected vehicle program, set to launch in 2011. The Blue Link system offers Automated Crash Notification, SOS (News - Alert) Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and a full range of other features to help with navigation.

Second on the partner list is PACCAR, parent company of Peterbilt and Kenworth Class 5-8 commercial vehicles. The company is working with Sprint to introduce a new integrated mobile  computing, telematics, navigation and business systems that will be branded the SmartNav for Peterbilt and NavPlus for Kenworth.

Third, Sprint is also working with ECOtality, an advanced transportation, energy systems and alternative fuels company. The two will work together to provide more than 15,000 residential and commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout ECOtality’s nationwide Blink Network.

Sprint is also working with a full range of partners to develop a growing variety of other emerging solutions what will require Sprint’s advanced wireless network to help support environmental sustainability, foster advances in safety and strengthen competitive advantages.

Want to learn more about M2M technologies? Then be sure to check out the M2M Evolution conference, collocated with TMC’s (News - Alert) ITEXPO East, taking place Feb 2-4, 2011, in Miami. The M2M Evolution Conference is for those industry professionals interested in capitalizing on a rapidly growing segment of the telecom industry. The M2M Evolution Conference embraces the any-to-any strategy of the Internet today. Co-sponsored by TMC Partner Crossfire Media, it showcases the solutions, and examines the data strategies and technological requirements that enterprises and carriers need to capitalize on a market segment that is estimated to grow to $300 Billion in the year ahead. To register, click here.