Keywords
Knowledge-based systems, ontology evolution,
mobile computing, autonomous systems, pervasive
computing, sensors
Expertise
The ‘mobile computing’ revolution has changed the way
in which people make use of technology at home, on the
go and at work. The near-continuous access to high-
speed networks, coupled with sensors that can detect
the user’s location, orientation and locomotion, is
spurring demand for location-based and contextually
aware services on the fly. These services must intelligently
exploit the data acquired by a device’s sensors and other
information sources to enhance the user’s experience, for
example to help them use public transport in unfamiliar
locations, or by providing relevant details within cultural or
entertainment spaces.
To achieve this, services need to be discovered autono-
mously; the capabilities and data they provide should be
meaningful to the user’s device. But this raises further
questions: how do devices understand each other, and
come to a consensus over how they communicate?
How can devices discover only those services relevant
to the user’s context autonomously, without repeatedly
disturbing the user? How can such systems work within
noisy and dynamic environments, such as on a user’s
smartphone? Is the software controlling contextually-
aware systems reliable and secure and are the sensors
supplying contextual data accurately?
The Dynamic Autonomous Knowledge Lab has
significant expertise in the use of decentralised artificial
intelligence to help devices ‘agree’ on what knowledge to
share between them (through collaborative search and
meaning negotiation). We also look at how to provide de-
vices with a decision making context: an ontology, beliefs
and facts. In addition, the lab has strong
experience in the description, discovery and reliable
provision of services in uncertain environments, where
service demand can be highly volatile, resources are
limited, or services themselves may be unreliable.
Capabilities and facilities
The Dynamic Autonomous Knowledge Lab focuses
specifically on the description and use of knowledge
by autonomous and mobile systems within highly
dynamic, sensor rich environments. It brings together
research in:
•
Ontological engineering and knowledge
representation
•
Service description at the knowledge level, and the
use of autonomous service utilisation
•
Mobile systems and their implementation, within
Apple’s ecosystem.
The lab is ideally placed to explore and exploit
research, technology transfer and training,
including the development of mobile applications
(
in particular, Apple’s iOS environment), and their
interaction across wireless communications.
Digital Technologies
153
3.2
Mobile and pervasive computing and devices
Also see:
Digital Technologies –
4.
Autonomous systems, page 155
For further information
on all our specialist
centres, facilities and
laboratories
go to page
179
