Upon waking, Sal is greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Her alarm clock, sensing her restlessness, quietly inquired if she wanted coffee a few minutes earlier, to which she sleepily responded ‘yes.’ This simple interaction sets off a chain of events as the alarm clock signals the coffee maker to start brewing, signaling the start of Sal’s day.
Mark Weiser, a computer scientist and CTO at Xerox PARC, painted this picture in 1991 when he introduced the concept of “ambient computing” in an article for Scientific American. This idea, also known as “ubiquitous computing” and “invisible computing,” focuses on seamless integration of technology into our surroundings.
Ambient computing is not just a technology but a way of interacting with it, similar to desktop or mobile computing. It has been a concept floating around for years, gaining traction with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT). While IoT connects devices, ambient computing envisions a world where technology anticipates and responds to human needs without explicit commands.
While we may not all have alarm clocks that brew coffee, ambient computing is already present in our lives. Smart thermostats adjusting based on occupancy, lighting systems coordinating with security measures, and voice-activated assistants are just a few examples of this technology in action.
Workplaces are also embracing ambient computing with smart conference rooms, adaptive lighting, and automated systems enhancing productivity. From manufacturing to office settings, ambient computing is revolutionizing how we interact with technology.
2024-08-31 15:15:02
Original from www.computerworld.com