Connecting with the Emerging Nervous System of Ubiquitous Sensing
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Joseph Paradiso
Director of the Responsive Environments Group
MIT Media Laboratory

Embedded sensors touch every phase of our lives as they diffuse into the objects and environments around us.  Within the next few years, as this sensor information becomes networked and available to applications running outside of each device's domain, this phase change will be at least as profound as the web was to computers.

Creating that ubiquitous electronic nervous system, sensor networks will soon extend across things, places, and people.  Consider the potential of interfacing humans with these networks.  Contemplate a new kind of digital “omniscience” such as building different kinds of browsers for network data.  Or imagine buildings and tools as "prosthetic" extensions of humans that make HVAC systems an extension of one’s sense of comfort.  This keynote explores the potential and promise of interfacing humans to this ubiquitous electronic "nervous system" in the coming years.

Sensors in Space: The Robotic Exploration of Mars and its Environment
Thursday, June 6, 2013
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Raymond Arvidson
James, S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Washington University
Participating Scientist, NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover Mission
 

Today Mars is very cold and dry. Yet measurements from recent orbiting and landed missions indicate Mars was warm and wet with rivers, lakes, and extensive groundwater early in geologic time. 

Key sensor technologies have enabled robotic exploration of the red planet and the ability to explore its past and present. Rovers using machine vision technologies for science and traverse implementation Rovers sample surfaces as well as the interiors of rocks and soils with specially placed instruments and drills. In both orbital and landed instruments, infrared sensing systems detect and map minerals formed in a water-rich environment. And what’s next on the horizon for utilizing advanced sensor-based systems to enable human cooperation and interaction with rovers on Mars?

Participating in virtually every Mars landing since Viking 1 in 1976 and including the 2012 Mars Curiosity Rover Mission, Dr. Arvidson presents his first-hand, expert perspective on today’s innovations and the promise of tomorrow’s technologies in remote sensor-based systems from space.

And don't forget: 

Networking Breakfasts

Wednesday, June 5 & Thursday, June 6
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (prior to Keynote sessions)
Location: Foyer of Keynote room

Start your days off right with a Networking Breakfast in the foyer of the Keynote room. Reconnect with colleagues, mingle with speakers, meet industry press - all before the event begins!