16th Science Apéro

My car thinks too – pervasive computing in everyday life

Mar 16, 2004 | REMIGIUS NIDERÖST
A world in which our daily life is controlled by ubiquitous, barely visible computers interlinked by wireless networks – a vision known as “pervasive computing” – remains today just a vision. But for how much longer? Already many functions in items we use in our everyday life are computer-controlled and regulated, for example in our automobiles. At the EMPA’s 16th Science Apéro, three speakers presented the latest developments, and described future perspectives and the opportunities and risks associated with this technology.
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The ubiquitous use of computers – known as pervasive computing – brings not just advantages in its wake. Electronic waste has already become a problem worldwide. (Photo: Thomas Weibel)
 

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