In recent years the European Community Commission has increasingly highlighted the strategic role of the so-called "Ambient Intelligence (AMI) in the policy of strengthening the competitiveness of European companies in the ICT area. In particular, the IST Advisory Group of the European Community has shown how a whole series of strategic enabling technologies (wireless systems, mobile systems, intelligent systems, biometrics, RFID, etc..) can  find a unifying point of reference and synergies both in terms of scientific and technological applications. The IST Advisory Group of the European Community has also emphasized the significant market opportunities that the development of technologies for AMI will provide European companies in the fields of cultural and civil security. Therefore the Laboratory of Ambient Intelligence Technologies will focus its activities on: Ambient Intelligence in the Cultural Heritage, Ambient Intelligence for civil security and intelligent buildings.
 

Ambient Intelligence in Cultural Heritage

Methods, technologies and applications of environmental experiences, combined with progress in all areas of computing, now make it possible to address the management of cultural heritage with innovative approaches and greater awareness of the needs of field operators . In particular the conceptual and computational tools of Ambient Intelligence impact directly on the vast field of Cultural Resources Management (CRM). 

In this scenario the the Laboratory of Ambient Intelligence Technologies will in particular address the following issues for research and technology transfer:

• Semantic Web and multimedia access for cultural heritage. Will be developed and transferred to partner companies, some technologies based on semantic web and multimedia access to content;
• Advanced human-machine interfaces for cultural heritage. Will be developed and transferred to partner companies, some technologies for the creation of advanced man-machine interfaces that allow the use of cultural resources, particularly those in the structures of museums, addressed also to those people with disabilities or limited computer skills.

Ambient Intelligence for civil security and intelligent buildings

The challenge to realize intelligent systems for automatic monitoring of environments was born by the need for security claimed by society and manifests itself in the demand for specific services for individuals and the community, such as control of urban areas, public sites ( stadiums, embassies, consulates, etc.). and sensitive areas (service areas, motorway stations). At the same time there is a growing need to equip the buildings and houses for civil use of technologies that facilitate and make safer the lives of older people and people with disabilities. 

In this scenario, the Laboratory of Ambient Intelligence Technologies will in particular address the following issues for research and technology transfer: 

• Biometric technology. Will be developed and transferred to companies biometrics technologies that can authenticate the identity of an individual through facial recognition and fingerprints;
• Video surveillance environment for elderly and disabled. Will be developed and transferred to partner companies, video surveillance technology of buildings and residential buildings for safety and increased quality of life of elderly and disabled.