Indra is taking part in the Smart Objects For Intelligent Applications (SOFIA) project, which will facilitate the introduction of domotics in cities, buildings and cars, and enable the provision of smart, customized services on mobile devices
|
Indra presented the progress made so far in the SOFIA (Smart Objects For Intelligent Applications) research and development project at a conference on ARTEMIS, the European R&D program for embedded computer systems, of which this initiative forms a part. SOFIA was chosen as the best project from among the 59 presented to the members of the European Commission at the event called the “ARTEMIS & ITEA CO-SUMMIT 2009”.
The purpose of SOFIA is to develop a platform based on semantic web technology, interoperability and intelligent sensor networks that would allow the introduction of domotics in cities, buildings and cars, as well as the provision of smart, customized services, such as geolocation, context information or movement detection using mobile devices.
Emergency alert pilot
SOFIA has many possible applications. Among the pilots already conducted, Indra has participated in the development of an alert system based on semantic web technologies and wireless communications, which will enable information to be provided and sent to the mobile devices of users in emergency situations such as fires, floods, spills or detection of explosives.
In addition to sending notifications in situations requiring evacuation, the solution will offer users an interactive map that will display, in real time, the best route to take to leave the site of the incident or emergency. The final system will also enable communications between different users in the emergency area, so that they can synchronize their actions to deal with the situation in question. |
Another possible application of the platform, in the tourist sector, is access to a “virtual professor” that will explain the characteristics and history of a monument to the tourists visiting it and inform them about other points of interest nearby. Through augmented reality, users will also be able to view a virtual reconstruction of the area or monument on their mobile devices.
SOFIA will also make it possible to check an on-line menu, make a reservation or view comments left by other users merely by pointing a mobile device at a restaurant. Similarly, it will enable users to find out whether one of the apartments in a building at which they are pointing their handset is currently for sale, and to view its price, characteristics and the contact details of the seller.
The SOFIA project consortium is made up of 19 organizations in Spain, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Besides Indra, other important institutions and companies are participating in the project such as Nokia-coordinator-, Phillips, Acciona, FIAT, Sapienza University of Rome, among others. Thanks to all European mobile makers that participate in this consortium, SOFIA technology will be incorporated by default in all mobile terminals from 2012 on. |
