Project for an Ambient Intelligence SpaceLab (AmI SpaceLab)
- Paper number
IAC-06-E5.2.04
- Author
Mr. Armengol Torres, Signaletics, Spain
- Year
2006
- Abstract
This is a proposal for designing and stablishing a R&D lab oriented to advanced space applications based on Ambient Intelligence.
”Ambient Intelligence implies a seamless environment of computing, advanced networking technology and specific interfaces. It is aware of the specific characteristics of human presence and personalities, takes care of needs and is capable of responding intelligently to spoken or gestured indications of desire, and even can engage in intelligent dialogue. Ambient Intelligence should also be unobtrusive, often invisible: everywhere and yet in our consciousness – nowhere unless we need it...”. (Istag, 2001)
Having this introduction in mind, it is fear hard not to imagine how AmI concepts and technologies are still not applied at a large extentent in space, where ambients use to be rather as small as complex. Besides, work in space finds quite little space for mistakes when manipulating complex experiments and devices. Enven, life and surviving is not simple and needs continuous support from context and earth.
An opportunity and need are found for developing space applications and for developing living and working environments around emerging technologies like RFID, Virtual Reallity, Voice Recognintion, Robotics and others, configuring Intelligent things in an Ambient intelligence context. Results of studies and developments will be directly addressed to improve space living and working as well as looking for direct applications on earth. This is an opportunity that is already finding synergies and support in Barcelona region where an aerospace cluster is currently promoted.
In this context, two associated project proposals are proposed for starting this AmI SpaceLab as a sample of what can be developed, both finding also large earth applications in potential spin-offs.
- ”ThisIs”: an application for facilitating remote autoID and monitoring of spacecraft parts, experiment samples and components manipulation. Based on tagging critical objects with RFID transponders and astronauts wearing a special glove with embedded reader. He and earth controllers could follow each of astronauts movements and objects manipulation.
- ”FireFly”: an application for remote automated and unattended sensor monitoring of large surfaces and components and risk alert. Based on the use of unattended buried/embedded to surface Zigbee devices.
Some outputs expected: Innovative space applications, Spin-offs, Patents, Synergies with local industry, Rapid earth applications implementation (critical, medical, defence, nuclear, dangerous materials, environment, clean energies, forest fires,. . . )
Institutional support, partnership and funding are sought for this project.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E5.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.