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The trend to increasing use of computers is showing no signs of
dying away. Not only are they becoming cheaper and more powerful,
but also their processors are getting smaller and smaller, and they
are being increasing hidden in everyday objects. If this continues,
in 25 years there will be computer dust in the opinion of Prof.
Friedemann Mattern of the Institute for Pervasive Computing at the
ETH Zurich. In fact, very soon it will be possible to manufacture
processors in microscopic sizes, which will be in communication
with each other by radio and contain sensors to probe their
surroundings. Integrated invisibly in everyday items, they will
exchange information and even know where they are at any given
moment. But how “smart” can objects be allowed to become?
After all, a technology based on ubiquitous, hidden computers can
have serious repercussions for our society, creating dependencies,
encroaching on our private lives, increasing power consumption and
worsening waste disposal problems.
Your car already “thinks along”
The motorcar provides an excellent example of how pervasive
computing has, almost unnoticed, insinuated itself into an object
of everyday use. Dr. Reinhold Eberhardt of DaimlerChrysler
Telematic Research in Ulm demonstrated very clearly how this is the
case. Already today, automobiles in the luxury class are fitted
with up to 70 computer control and regulating elements which are
networked together and so can communicate with each other. This
trend began in the 70’s with the introduction of computer
controlled fuel injection systems. Electronic diagnosis systems and
ABS (antilock braking systems) followed soon after. Today, drivers
are assisted by ASR, ESP, rain sensors, parking aids and so on. A
high level of comfort is provided by air-conditioning systems,
in-car telephones, audio volume controls and the like. It is even
possible to access the Internet from within some cars, allowing the
user to go on-line and download information on the state of the
road network, the traffic situation, the weather, and for route
planning. In future, the Internet connection will be increasingly
used for on-line remote diagnostic purposes. The financial outlay
for all the software and hardware can easily reach up to 40% of the
cost of the vehicle!
Communications-based systems will, in a few years, provide an
increased level of safety for road traffic users. An airbag which
activates, for example, could send a warning signal to the vehicles
behind. Pervasive computing does, in fact, make a great deal of
sense when used for safety purposes. According to Eberhardt, the
rate of unprovoked, single-vehicle accidents has been reduced
significantly since the ESP stability enhancing program (think
“Elk test!”) has been fitted to nearly all new cars.
Assume the “worst-case scenario”
The EMPA’s Prof. Lorenz Hilty presented a study
undertaken by his colleagues in collaboration with “TA
Swiss” (the Swiss Center for Technology Assessment) on the
subject of pervasive computing. He described the opportunities and
risks associated with this development, drawing examples from the
living, working and health aspects of daily life. In Hilty’s
opinion, it is essential to apply the precautionary principle and
assume the worst-case scenario when performing risk evaluation. The
sustainability of the technology should also be taken into
account.
The use of pervasive computing technology in “Smart
Homes” offers the promise of significant savings in power
consumption. The heating in such a building will only be switched
on when the occupants are on their way home. Housework can be
reduced, for example if the refrigerator makes menu suggestions for
the next meal based on what is in it, and thanks to teleworking,
the home and the workplace begin to merge. On the negative side are
as yet unsolved compatibility problems, which could lead to
pressure on consumers to replace items prematurely when a single
manufacturer monopolizes supply.
The advantages at work include rationalization, increased
flexibility, independence of location, higher productivity, and
reduced commuting. The dark side of this equation is higher
workload on personnel and increased performance expectations. It
seems paradoxical, but the independence of location may actually
lead to an increase in traffic. This rebound effect could occur,
for example, when people travel to a distant holiday home to work,
instead of the shorter commute to the office or staying at
home.
Health monitoring – the permanent monitoring of a
person’s state of health – can of course be a benefit for
chronically ill patients. It gives the patient more autonomy, the
doctors receive better medical data and emergency treatment can be
initiated more rapidly when necessary. But does it not also imply a
removal of patients’ freedom and independence? And what about
questions of data protection?
The consequences for the environment of pervasive computing are not
in general advantageous. Electronic waste has already grown into a
worldwide problem. Because of the miniaturization of computer chips
(which contain harmful substances) and the enormous number in use,
it is becoming increasingly more difficult to separate them from
other waste or recyclable material, to ensure safe disposal.
Each presentation was followed by a question and answer session,
which gave rise to lively discussion. One member of the audience
wanted to know if the mutually communicating pervasive computers
would increase the problem of electrosmog. The answer was no, since
the proximity of receivers and transmitters meant that the
transmitting power involved would be lower than, for example, that
used by mobile telephones today.
What is a Science Apéro?
The EMPA Academy provides a forum for debating current scientific
and socially relevant issues through its Science Apéros.
Held at regular intervals, these usually involve three or four
speakers with backgrounds in research, politics and commerce, who
present results and trends relating to the chosen topic seen from
their particular point of view. After the round of presentations, a
lively discussion usually ensues involving the audience who may or
may not be well versed in the theme under consideration. This
continues during the aperitif after the formal proceedings come to
a close.
The next Science Apéro will take place on April 26th 2004 on
the topic “Materials research for dental
implants”
Location: EMPA Duebendorf. Time: 16:30. No prior
registration required.
Rémy
Nideröst
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