Perspectives of ambient intelligence
in the home environment
(2005)Abstract
Ambient Intelligence is a vision of the future information society stemming from the convergence
of ubiquitous computing, ubiquitous communication and intelligent user-friendly
interfaces. It offers an opportunity to realise an old dream, i.e. the smart or intelligent home.
Will it fulfil the promises or is it just an illusion—offering apparently easy living while actually
increasing the complexity of life? This article touches upon this question by discussing the
technologies, applications and social implications of ambient intelligence in the home environment.
It explores how Ambient Intelligence may change our way of life. It concludes that there
are great opportunities for Ambient Intelligence to support social developments and modern
lifestyles. However, in order to gain wide acceptance a delicate balance is needed: the technology
should enhance the quality of life but not be seeking domination. It should be reliable and
controllable but nevertheless adaptive to human habits and changing contexts.
