Digital Living

Description

Digital technology and artificial intelligence is becoming embedded in objects everywhere, from consumer products to the built environment. Activities and movements are increasingly sensed, digitised and tracked. Much of this by large companies, who then try to profit from data about personal activities online and in the world. This data however, is a hugely powerful resource, which can be harnessed for beneficial purposes. Cities are increasingly keen to understand how data might help them to proactively respond to the needs of their inhabitants, and how it might allow them to dynamically provide services, manage resources and enhance security for citizens.

Cities are places where people come together to live, work and socialise. They have, very literally, people at their heart. However, in the rush towards delivering a future, in which there is open access to computing, people are all networked through smart phones and digital technologies become embedded in buildings, clothing and even people, it may be easy to become fixated on the technical challenges ahead. In doing this, there is a risk of losing sight of some important human concerns. What value does a technology provide for a user? Does it matter if people give up some of their privacy to a large corporation in return for a better digital product or service? How can digital technologies be used to make the experience of living and working in a city a better one?

At Northumbria, world-leading experts in artificial intelligence, information processing/modelling, architecture and the built environment and Human-Computer Interaction are brought together to explore the future of the human-centred smart city.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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Northumbria University
London