Ambient intelligence

In computing, ambient intelligence (AmI) refers to electronic environments that are sensitive and responsive to the presence of people. Ambient intelligence is a projection of the future of consumer electronics, telecommunications, and computing, originally developed in the late 1990s by Eli Zelkha and his team at Palo Alto Ventures for the time frame 2010–2020. This concept is intended to enable devices to work in concert with people in carrying out their everyday life activities, tasks, and rituals in an intuitive way by using information and intelligence hidden in the network connecting these devices (for example: The Internet of Things). It is theorized that as these devices grow smaller, more connected, and more integrated into our environment, the technological framework behind them will disappear into our surroundings until only the user interface remains perceivable by users. The ambient intelligence paradigm builds upon pervasive computing, ubiquitous computing, profiling, context awareness, and human-centric computer interaction design. It is characterized by systems and technologies that are: Embedded: many networked devices are integrated into the environment Context aware: these devices can recognize you and your situational context Personalized: they can be tailored to your needs Adaptive: they can change in response to you Anticipatory: they can anticipate your desires without conscious mediation. A typical context of the ambient intelligence environment is home, but it may also be extended to workspaces (offices, co-working), public spaces (based on technologies such as smart streetlights), and hospital environments. Ambient intelligence is primarily interesting because of its relationship and advancement in sensor technology and sensor networks. The interest in user experience grew its importance in the late 1990s as a result of the increasing volume and importance of digital products and services that were difficult to understand or use.