WATERLOO, Ont. — A Canadian telematics and automotive safety company is boasting its new technology is the “world’s first hands-free and eyes-free email solution for in-vehicle use.”

Intelligent Mechatronic Systems of Waterloo, Ont. has unveiled iLane, which allows drivers a safe and convenient voice-based interface to fully access their email messages while behind the wheel.

iLane automatically notifies the driver of incoming emails and other important information by reading a brief summary in a natural sounding voice, in the driver’s language of choice. The driver can then listen to the entire email message; forward or compose a response; and manage meeting requests using verbal instructions. Phone calls, SMS messages, and a number of email attachment types can also be managed using this intelligent hands-free and eyes-free interface.

The device consists of a powerful, small product that interacts directly with existing Bluetooth-enabled handheld devices and vehicle audio systems or headsets to read messages out loud and to listen to driver instructions.

The presence of the driver is automatically detected by iLane, which then assumes control to intelligently capture and manage inbound information as soon as it arrives on the driver’s wireless email device.

It operates independently of the wireless networks and has been tested with a number of industry leading wireless email devices, including the BlackBerry, Palm, and Treo.

“iLane is the first and only solution to provide users with complete mobile data connectivity in a manner that focuses on driver safety,” says Dr. Otman Basir, president and CEO of IMS.