Ambient Intelligent Space Research Articles

The role of Smart Home in Smart Real Estate

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review an emerging type of dwelling, indicated as Smart Home, with a focus on future user lifestyles and needs. Trends toward sustainability and technological changes dramatically alter the concepts of Smart Home. Consequently, real estate decisions are going to be affected by the Smart Home development. Inspired by research in the field of user centered design and future lifestyles, the authors redefine the housing design to increase the acceptance of Smart Homes in the society.Design/methodology/approachUpcoming trends and developments in housing technologies and concepts are reviewed and analyzed. A multidimensional definition of a Smart Home is suggested which allows a better understanding of the new elements and spaces of this future home. A new concept of a home environment is presented in which virtual space and ambient intelligent space is integrated within the physical space. Furthermore, possible changes in lifestyles enabled by new technological developments are identified. Linking the new home environment concepts with the user's lifestyles provides a research framework for the investigation of Smart Homes. This framework is helpful in addressing the trends of sustainable society inside the domain of Smart Homes and Smart Real Estate.FindingsIn this paper, the authors provide answers to questions on the feasibility and impact of new technologies on future lifestyle and dwelling in the domain of real estate.Originality/valueThe presented research framework is not only relevant for academic researchers but also for real estate investors, because it highlights the risks that need to be managed when developing Smart Real Estate.

Lower-Limb Movement Assistance through Wearable Robots: State of the Art and Challenges

Recent technological advances made necessary the use of robots in various types of applications. Unlike traditional robot-like scenarios dedicated to industrial applications with repetitive tasks, the current focus of attention is on applications that require close human interactions. One of the main fields of such applications concerns assisting and rehabilitating of dependent/elderly persons. In this study, the state-of-the-art of the main research advances in lower-limbs human assistance is presented. This includes a review on research covering mainly lower-limb actuated exoskeletons. Some case studies related to full-limb exoskeletons are presented as well. Lower-limb movement restoration using functional electrical stimulation and treadmill-based rehabilitation devices is also investigated. In addition, the seamless integration of wearable robots in ambient intelligence spaces appears as one of the major challenges for ubiquitous environments and ambient assisted living. Some open issues related to this integration are discussed in this paper.

Creating ambient intelligent space in downstream apparel supply chain with radio frequency identification technology from lean services perspective

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology realises ambient intelligence (AmI) in real life and offers not only user-friendly shopping experience to customers, but also agile and responsive store operations to merchants. Applying lean services in apparel retail operations may equally benefit to this industry. In this research, recent studies on RFID technology adoption were evaluated to help develop research instrument. It followed by a comprehensive case study on the implementation of an RFID-based smart retail system in an apparel retailer. Four adoption factors of this new initiative from both individual and organisational perspectives were identified: 1) compatibility; 2) costs; 3) ease of use; 4) security and trust. A business value-added framework was then proposed for further research based on the adoption factors and lean improvement objectives. Lastly, managerial implications were discussed with the aim to provide insights of better adopting this technology through the alleviation of practical problems and user concerns.