Located in the University of Aarhus, Denmark, the Centre for Pervasive Computing is a multifaceted hub for research and innovation in the realm of pervasive computing. The phrase ‘pervasive computing’ describes the condition in which technology has become an integrated influence in our everyday environment. Whether infiltrating and servicing people’s lives at a micro level via the prevalence of small devices or appliances, or demanding attention in the form of large scale, technologically augmented surfaces, buildings or furniture, pervasive computing refers to the arrival of a next generation of computing environments in which information and communication technology is available everywhere, for everyone, and at all times.
The Centre for Pervasive Computing is committed to bolstering this rapidly unfolding reality by contributing to the development of new concepts, technologies, products and services based on a broad spectrum of available media and resources. Beyond harnessing and understanding these technologies, the centre facilitates innovative interaction between universities and companies to assist with the implementation of new business models based on pervasive computing, as well as providing a strong future basis for educating IT specialists.
The size and scope of the centre positions it as a world leader in the development of next generation computing environments. Housed within the centre are a number of departments that cut across research areas and involve several traditional research traditions, attesting to the widespread implications pervasive computing bares for several aspects and levels of society.
Research pursuits range from exploring the effects of sound in its functional and emotional roles in day-to-day life, to addressing the impact of 3D visualization and interaction technologies in areas of life and industry as diverse as architecture, city planning, industrial design, medicine and the arts. Current joint research projects involving both companies and universities aim to examine and develop new information technologies for workplaces and the manufacturing sector; others seek to provide new ways to deliver services and dynamic content to mobile computing users.