Ambient intelligence: Basic concepts and applications

Ambient Intelligence is a multi-disciplinary approach which aims to enhance the way environments and people interact so as to make the places we live and work in more beneficial. Smart Homes is one example of such systems but the idea can be also used in relation to hospitals, public transport, a factory and other environments. The achievment of Ambient Intelligence largely depends on the technnology deployed (sensors and devices interconnected through networks) as well as on the intelligence of the software used for decision-making. We review the characteristics of systems with Ambient Intelligence, provide examples of applications and highlight possible future developments in the area.