Scope and Objectives

The objective of this EU-NSF workshop is to consolidate research experiences in the domain of the disappearing computer and ubiquitous computing (variously called pervasive computing, proactive computing, ambient intelligence) and to map out the core and fundamental challenges for the next stages in this field. This field of research is central for the many aspects of the IST programme of the EU and to many programmes currently active in the NSF. To highlight the importance each state gives to this area - a very rough estimate of funding across projects indicates in excess of $100 million research expenditure in the broad area. Within this significant and emerging field of research both groups (from the USA and EU) have been developing research agendas that highlight the complex interplay between technology and the human that is needed to realise Mark Weiser's original vision of cognitively unobtrusive technology - "calm technology".

Within the EU, The Disappearing Computer initiative has formulated the following overall goal:
To explore how everyday life can be supported and enhanced through the use of collections of interacting artefacts. Together, these artefacts will form new people-friendly environments in which the "computer-as-we-know-it" has no role. The aim is to arrive at new concepts and techniques out of which future applications can be developed.

In order to achieve this goal, three specific interlinked objectives are guiding the activities:

  • Developing new tools and methods for the embedding of computation in everyday objects so as to create artefacts
  • Research on how new functionality and new use can emerge from collections of interacting artefacts.
  • Ensuring that people's experience of these environments is both coherent and engaging
    in space and time.

Within the US, a number of NSF funded projects (for example Aura, Pico, and Active Space) have also been tackling similar problems; albeit from different perspectives. This is complemented by other activities in the US and in Europe, e.g., the EQUATOR project [7] in the UK.

Given this background, we see a unique opportunity for this workshop where we will:
  • Bring together a mix of senior researchers active in various programmes funded by the EC, the NSF or other agencies. We will structure the invitations so that the group reflects the mixture of expertise this interdisciplinary domain demands.
  • Present reflections from the major projects focusing on their insights, core challenges, and perspectives on the domain to seed the discussion; and
  • Structure panels and discussion on the future of this domain.

Moreover, we seek to develop a community of researchers who will specifically target the development of practical and sustainable ubiquitous, pervasive, and ambient environments and provide the key elements needed by future developers of large-scale environments.