Ambient intelligence 2.0: Towards synergetic prosperity

Abstract

Ten years of research in Ambient Intelligence have revealed that the original ideas and assertions about the way the concept should develop no longer hold and should be substantially revised. Early scenario's in Ambient Intelligence envisioned a world in which individuals could maximally exploit personalized, context aware, wireless devices thus enabling them to become maximally productive, while living at an unprecedented pace. Environments would become smart and proactive, enriching and enhancing the experience of participants thus supporting maximum leisure possibly even at the risk of alienation. New insights have revealed that these brave new world scenarios are no longer desirable and that people are more in for a balanced approach in which technology should serve people instead of driving them to the max. This novel approach is called Synergetic Prosperity, referring to meaningful digital solutions that balance mind and body, and community and earth thus contributing to a prosperous and sustainable development of mankind. © 2011 - IOS Press and the authors.