Large-scale sensor systems for sentient environments: Emerging research directions

The last decade of research in sensor systems was dominated by two parallel directions: first, improved data collection architectures, revolving around pervasive computing devices, and second, efficient methods to process data and extract values from them, ultimately through artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The maturation and convergence of these two paths heralds a new generation of sentient environments for supporting humans in their daily interactions. Following a vision of pervasive, ambient intelligence, this paper identifies nine research directions that will enable these environments to scale sustainably and reach a ubiquity, that will allow them to weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life.