The next major change in ICT since the Internet and Web has already begun.
According to VTT, the change will introduce a new type of connection between
the physical and digital world. One can talk about real intelligent
interaction between man and information technology equipment, which will
change our use of time, actions, and even the way we think. Its effects should
be seen already in 2015, though it has been estimated that the actual
breakthrough will take place in 2020–2025. This will offer major new major
business opportunities to companies.
Development targeted at the bridging, or connection, between the physical and
digital world is known under the following terms: ubiquitous computing,
ubicom, pervasive computing, ambient intelligence, and the Internet of things,
which all mean the merging of concrete things (such as cars, homes, machines,
and bus stops) with the digital world. Today, everyday things are commonly
equipped with IT features. Some examples of the ongoing ICT change are NFC
identifiers (Near Field Communication), through which information about a
particular place (e.g., a bus timetable or theatre programme) can be obtained
by touching it with a mobile phone.
In the world today, there are about twenty embedded computers per person,
which are used in cars, domestic appliances, and mobile phones. In 10 to 15
years, there will be hundreds of embedded computers, even a thousand per
person. This means 7000 billion embedded computers in the world.
The aim is to make those computers that are close to users at a given point in
time and match their goals to understand each other. VTT is working towards
this vision by developing a technology that will allow interoperability
between different types of objects, equipment, and facilities containing
information technology so as to make them, in a sense, understand each other.
It is also developing interaction between man and information technology
equipment towards real intelligent interaction.
Research and product development ensure the competitiveness of the ICT
An intelligent space providing the user with useful information and services
in a particular environment through easy-to-use means and in an understandable
manner enables the introduction of entirely new operating methods. Examples of
already existing intelligent facilities are smart homes and smart cars. There
are major actors in these sectors with whom VTT pursues cooperation. The
ongoing ICT change does not offer opportunities to major household electronics
manufacturers or vehicle manufacturers only. The embedding of information
technology in everyday objects and processes affects practically everything.
It offers new business opportunities to small innovative companies and
traditional industry, services and agriculture alike.
One example of an intelligent environment can be a greenhouse. Different
senses, or sensors, can be embedded in it to monitor the amount of light,
temperature, water height, and the pH value, for example. The embedded
intelligence makes conclusions on the basis of sense-based findings and
learned information. Motors and equipment act as muscles that carry out the
desired measures, regulating heat, lighting, ventilation, and water movement.
The functioning of the whole is based on the fact that pieces of equipment
traditionally regarded as separate, such electric motors, sensors, and
computers, converse with and understand each other in order to work towards a
The digitalisation of the world offers companies a major business potential,
which Finnish companies cannot afford to neglect. Companies must launch more
active product development measures and take advantage of the situation. It is
important to invest in research, competence, and product development in the
Greenhouse demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvOR1qu1M9U