Tuesday, September 3, 2002

IBM Introduces 'Smart' Washing Machines on College Campuses By ERIC HOOVER The campus laundry room entered the cyber age last week, when IBM announced that it planned to link 9,000 washing machines and dryers on college campuses in several states to the Internet. The International Business Machines Corporation's "e-Suds" system will allow students to log on to a Web site to find out if machines near them are in use and to receive an e-mail message when their load is finished. Students will be able to pay for their washes by swiping their ID cards through a slot and deducting the funds from an online account. IBM says the system also will allow laundry operators to monitor the machines' performance online, reducing the number of on-site service calls. The company plans to install the "smart" washers and dryers this fall on at least 40 campuses, in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio, according to USA Technologies, IBM's partner in the venture. Easy-to-print version E-mail this article

Federal judge rules that scientists may study 9,300-year-old skeleton Reform movement seeks contested elections for American Political Science Association Boston U. plans to cut 450 jobs as belt-tightening continues New York State sues marketing firm over collection of student data Florida taps 2 officials to lead new higher-education divisions Israel's Hebrew U. starts affirmative-action program, and sets off controversy 14 colleges announce events to mark the anniversary of September 11 Student-aid rule that limited online programs is dying, but fears of federal regulation remain  IBM introduces 'smart' washing machines on college campuses