RUNES
Reconfigurable Ubiquitous Networked Embedded Systems

Dr Steve Hailes and Dr Lesley Hanna represented the RUNES project during a recent briefing organised by the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. The briefing provided an overview of the pervasive computing field by not only reviewing the current science and technology issues but also identifying policy implications for parliamentarians.

The emphasis of the pervasive computing technologies analysed was on devices (sensors, processors, actuators), connectivity and user interfaces (active, passive, coercive modes). Central to the discussion were example applications in healthcare, domiciliary care, environmental monitoring and transport systems. Beyond the engineering issues, the debate covered extensively privacy, security and safety implications.

The meeting concluded that there is a wide range of potential benefits for government, service providers and consumers as computing technologies become more pervasive. There is debate over how to address concerns over privacy, security, safety and sustainability while still realising the benefits of pervasive computing. Such concerns may need to be addressed by means of voluntary guidelines, legislative measures, physical design, or a combination of these.

The published POSTnote covering the event is available here.