Photos: Sensor telemetry

Accenture is "working on how to embed intelligence in common objects" using "sensor telemetry" — a combination of sensor and RFID technologies that can be used to gather information. Pictured is the control display of a freight tracking system that can manages the movement of railway cars, their whereabouts and the status of their cargo.

"Some companies take ownership of the cargo. If you don't deliver expensive cars on time you lose money, but if it's fish getting old you have a bigger problem," said Robert Hasson, business development leader for communications at Accenture.