What do researchers do at a ubiquitous computing laboratory?

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Ubiquitous computing is a relatively new branch of computer science. It is also known as persuasive computing. “Ubiquitous” means “omnipresent,” “everywhere,” or “far-reaching.” Ubiquitous computing relates to a field of computing that has far-reaching implications and applications both geographically and philosophically. Ubiquitous computing is computing power and capabilities that are available in any location and at any time. All of the devices are interconnected. They communicate with each other. They pass on data. They interact with one central goal–to improve the quality of life for human beings.

One of the early “prophets” of ubiquitous computing was science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. In his novel, “Odessa 2000,” Clarke introduced the HAL 9000 computer. This was an intelligent computer, capable of learning and drawing conclusions in order to act and make decisions for the benefit of humans. In the novel, HAL went beyond the limits of its programming.

Many researchers question the validity of ubiquitous research. They contend that much work needs to be done before ubiquitous computers can become an integral part of today’s world. To a certain extent, however, ubiquitous computing is already integrated into many aspects of life in the 21st century. It is often hidden and non-intrusive, but nevertheless present. This can be seen by the blurring of the boundaries between previously separate entities.

For example, television was for entertainment. The computer was for work and research. The refrigerator was for food storage and the Internet was a means of communication. Ubiquitous computing solutions formulated in ubiquitous computing labs now enable unrelated devices to communicate and share functionality. Both the television and the computer are instruments for learning, work and entertainment through media-streaming devices. Some refrigerators can now read bar codes on produce and can communicate through the Internet with a local store to order produce. It can also send the homeowner an email that the “use by date” of foodstuffs has passed.

Ubiquitous research labs are continuing their exploration into this new field. They are fueled by new technologies that make ubiquitous computing even more feasible and accessible.

The trend is for the globalization of ubiquitous computing to provide services for today’s global society. Researchers envision a world where the individual can travel from one location to another, from one country to another, and instantly be recognized by a global ubiquitous computing network by virtue of mobile computing devices. Instant recognition means instant access to data that can improve services provided to the traveler. An individual’s hotel preferences, billing for services, communications and other personal preferences would travel with the individual. The hotel room will “know” what is the preferred room temperature, what items the guest prefers in the room’s mini-bar and automatically check for email when the guest enters the room.

While the possibilities are endless, so are the dangers. There is a serious question of privacy and civil liberties that could be endangered by misuse of information or technologies. Ubiquitous computing allows for global tracking without any need for authorization. It becomes a fact of life.

Knowledge that has been discovered cannot be ignored. The discovery of the technology that led to the development of the atomic bomb could not be repressed. In the same manner, ubiquitous computing is here to stay and will continue to develop. It remains to be seen how great an impact it will have on individuals’ lives and on society. Whether there will need to be controls imposed on the nascent technology is a question yet to be resolved.

Resource by Will

I am the editor for TheFreeResource.com, and owner of LinchpinSEO, a small business content creation company. The Free Resource has a select community of talented writers, teachers, and business people (and we are always looking for more) that bring you the most trusted resources on the web and credible articles about many topics.

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