The Cognitive Disappearance of the Computer : Intelligent Artifacts and Embedded Agents ( or , do artefact based computers need to be intelligent to disappear ? )

In this paper we argue that embedding intelligence into artefacts is an essential step in making the computer cognitively disappear. We do this by explaining the enhanced functionality that embedded-intelligence can provide to everyday products. In particular we describe how intelligence is the key to groups of artefacts learning to work together to achieve higher level, user-determined goals. We outline a scenario based on an “Intelligent Inhabited Environment”, being built at Essex that will allow experimentation on cognitive disappearance arising from a networked system of intelligent artefacts. We explain the challenges facing those seeking to develop methods of embedding intelligent into computationally compact and distributed cooperating artefacts. Finally we summarize our arguments as to why “cognitive disappearance” requires intelligent artifacts and describe some of the projects we are working on that address these underlying research issues.