Everything happens automatic in the new buildings where I work and some of it is really starting to bother me. We had a discussion about it at lunch, the way sensor technology is taking responsibility away from us.
My windows open and close automatically according to if there is sunlight on them or not. For some reason they think that sunlight means that it is hot inside. But I can assure you, it can be hot even without sunlight. And the fact that we are located right next to a huge noisy construction site (the new National Broadcast buildings) means that I spend more time closing the windows because they open automatic than I would have opened them if they weren't.
In the hallway the light is automatic, meaning when there is motion it turns on, if there is no motion for a couple of minutes it turns off. I now get disturbed by a 'click' every 15th minute because someone walks in or it times out. A hall way is fairly populated and only after 5pm does it actually stay out for more than a few minutes.
The kitchen cleans automatically. Every morning when I arrive, all things that were placed on the counter the previous night has magically ended up in the dish washer and are all clean. Today I found my espresso maker and the dish brush in there. Fortunately the bag of coffee that I had left on the counter had been placed in the cabinet instead of the dishwasher. But for what use? My espresso maker cannot close the lid now when it has been in the dishwasher...
But I should be happy, this way nothing is my responsibility around here, no lights to turn out when I leave, no dishes to clean, no windows to close. I can lead a carefree life with sensor technology. I wonder if it is a coincidence that my dissertation is about context-aware technology? Kind of ironic.
Posted by Louise at August 20, 2004 01:13 PM