ubiquitous computing

computer science

Also known as: pervasive computing

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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Ubiquitous computing, also known as pervasive computing, envisions a future where microprocessors are integrated into everyday objects and environments, becoming an invisible and natural part of human life. This concept extends the capabilities of the internet and distributed computing, allowing for the sharing of computations among interconnected devices.1

The trend is driven by advancements in microprocessors and the increasing connectivity of the internet. This allows for tasks to be divided and processed in parallel, leading to greater efficiency and speed. Examples include the Global Positioning System (GPS) accessible via smartphones, which, in conjunction with mapping software, helps users navigate. The ultimate goal is for computing technology to be so seamlessly integrated that it responds to natural behaviors, making computers a transparent part of our surroundings, leading to an era of "one person, many computers".1

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Ubiquitous computing
The combination of the connectedness of the Internet with the ability of new microprocessors that can handle multiple tasks in parallel has inspired new ways of programming. Programmers are developing software to divide computational tasks into subtasks that a program can assign to…
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The combination of the connectedness of the Internet with the ability of new microprocessors that can handle multiple tasks in parallel has inspired new ways of programming. Programmers are developing software to divide computational tasks into subtasks that a program can assign to…
Read More

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…Weiser introduced the concept of ubiquitous computing. Arguing that “the most profound technologies are those that disappear” by weaving “themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it,” he proposed that future computing devices would outnumber people—embedded in real environments, worn on bodies, and communicating with…
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…Weiser introduced the concept of ubiquitous computing. Arguing that “the most profound technologies are those that disappear” by weaving “themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it,” he proposed that future computing devices would outnumber people—embedded in real environments, worn on bodies, and communicating with…
Read More