The computing world is moving from the desktop and workstation to an arena of embedded and wearable computers," remarked Sandeep Shukla, who recently received a grant from the National Science Foundation to help solve one of the major problems in this transition.

Embedded computers, he explained, are used in every sphere of modern life. More and more, embedded computers are becoming the brains behind mechanisms that we rely on throughout our everyday lives -- wireless devices, cars, automated elevators, climate control systems, traffic signals and washing machines, to name a few. "Some experts estimate that each individual in a developed nation may unknowingly use more than 100 embedded computers daily," Shukla noted. "Embedded computers also constitute the backbone of our complex systems, such as space mission controls, avionics and weapons systems."

Most embedded computers are powered by rechargeable batteries. Because space is limited in their host devices, they typically operate on small, low-power batteries. Shukla's goal is to support the current and future uses of embedded computers by developing a power usage strategy that can guarantee maximum performance. This entails analyzing the complex probabilities of when computers will require power and how much power they will use. >from *Virginia Tech Project Seeks to Balance Power and Performance in Computers of the Future*, january 29, 2003

related context
> (re)distributions: a culture of ubiquity. july 15, 2003

imago
> batteries to power the computer brain