Category: Completed

ArchiveCompleted

DEAL

Distributed Engine for Advanced Logistics

Duration: 04/2002 – 04/2006  Funding: Programme E.E.T. of Senter Novum

Partners: CWI, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Radboud University Nijmegen, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Vos Logistics, DLG, Carrierweb

DEAL

The aim of DEAL has been to speed up negotiations between different parties by using representation through software agents, increasing the number of examined alternatives as a result. The use of software agents also allow for an unlimited number of stakeholders to take part in negotiations, generating an overall optimal solution. With a higher level of detail of the information used in negotiations, such as specific location and remaining driving time, a better deal can be offered.

Reducing the percentage of empty trucks has a significant effect on the environment as well. The amount of goods being moved remains the same, but the necessary mileage is strongly reduced. This leads to less CO2 emission, which contributes to the realization of the Kyoto treaty commitments. A side effect of the reduction in transportation movements is the improvement of mobility as a whole.

DEAL is a research project depending on the collaboration between commercial and research parties. Within the present consortium, wide experience is present on both the technological aspects and the market in focus. The ambition of the consortium is to apply the attained knowledge on a broad scale in products destined for the national and international logistic services.

PROJECT WEBSITE

Contribution

In the DEAL project, Almende focused on the development of a new agent platform, and the design of the individual agents. This platform emphasized distributed representational agents: all actors (trucks, containers etc.) are represented by software agents and distributed locally among these actors. In this way, people or organizations are able to create, programme and interact with their own agents locally, increasing trust and acceptance of the introduced system. Communication between agents is done through internet. A next step was to integrate the agent-platform in existing logistic settings (e.g. DLG). Almende developed methods to generate and initialize an agent-platform from a single XML file. On their turn agents can use this same XML file to send messages to. This allows for agents to migrate to other platform, without losing their settings. Implementation in real logistic settings allowed for extensive research into (computer) resource management and agent behavior (e.g. re-scheduling if internal or external circumstances change).  

Zooming in on agent behaviour, Almende specifically looked into Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problems. Different algorithms were tested to optimize dynamic planning in case of real-time job arrivals, truck-load pick-ups and deliveries with incidents (e.g. route specific constraints or driver / customer preferences).

Results

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 12-08-2021 0
ArchiveCompleted

Credo

Modelling and analysis of evolutionary structures for distributed services

Duration: 09/2006 – 08/2009  Funding: CORDIS FP6

Partners: CWI, University of Oslo, Uppsala Universitet, Technische UniversitÃĪt Dresden, Unites Nations University, Christian-Albrechts-UniversitÃĪt zu Kiel, Norsk Regnesentral, Rikshospitalet

CREDO

The CREDO project developed a compositional modeling and validation framework for dynamically evolving software systems, in which computation, coordination and scheduling are clearly separated from each other. A uniform modeling language is developed in which object-orientated components are combined with flexible communication and timing models. 

The interface composition enables end-to-end reasoning about evolving systems. These interfaces specify services and formalize the context awareness needed for run-time coordination and reconfiguration. The framework helps developers design and maintain systems by validating reconfigurations. The focus of the project is on automatable and compositional validation techniques, including abstract simulations, synthesis, model checking, test-generation, and verification of interface compatibility. 

Contribution

The usefulness of the framework is assessed through two case studies, one of these being carried out by Almende. The focus of Almende is on applying these tools and techniques to the ASK-system, an intelligent communication platform developed by Almende and marketed by spin-off company ASK Community Systems. 

Results

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Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 12-08-2021 0
ArchiveCompleted

Containers in a network

Almende logo

Duration: 01/2006 – 07/2007  Funding: Subsidie Electronische Communicatie of Senter Novum

Partners: Chess, Salland Electronics, Renewi

Containers in a network

In the Containers in a Network (CAN) project, Almende, Chess and Salland Electronics researched how sensors can be applied in bulk container management in a Klok Containers garbage processing plant. Self-learning ad-hoc communication networks predict when containers have to be emptied.

CAN proposed several new techniques to aid an operator at Klok Containers in container management. There are several garbage containers at Klok Containers that are each filled at different rates with different materials. The current, not so elaborate, way to know when a container has to be emptied, is by kicking to its exterior and inferring its fill grade by the sound.

The project’s solution exists out of sensor nodes that measure the amount of dirt in the containers, a wireless sensor network to store that information temporarily in a redundant distributed way, and a PC as network drain and graphical user interface to the Klok operator. The Klok operator receives a signal when a container is full, and he can subsequently inform the drivers of the shovels which container to empty.

Salland Electronics developed an ultrasonic sensor to measure the amount of dirt in the garbage containers at Klok Containers. In cooperation with other parties like the VU in Amsterdam, Chess developed a wireless network mote with an energy-saving information dissemination (gossip) protocol. Those motes are called MyriaNed nodes.

Contribution

Almende developed higher level software on the nodes and on the operator's computer. This level of software adapts to and learns from the environment and is implemented in an agent-oriented way. The system needs to be able to learn and adapt. In the first place, it has to relieve the system installer in fine tuning parameters at installation. Those are parameters like calibration levels when a container is full, and when it is empty. Its second purpose is to implement the forecasting functionality needed on an application level. 

Results

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 12-08-2021 0
ArchiveCompletedSecurity

CIM

Cybernetic Incident Management

Duration: 01/2003 – 12/2007  Funding: TSIT program of Senter Novum

Partners: CWI, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, TU Delft, Radboud University Nijmegen, Cmotions, Trigion

CIM

Human interaction plays a key role in calamity suppression and can be seen as a dynamic system. Humans can experience some events during a real life disaster as completely unexpected. The current problem of an emergency plan is the fact that it has never been tested.

The main goal of the CIM project is to shape the plan on paper into an active structure. The specific challenges are that a calamity might take place but nobody knows when and how. Furthermore, no scenario can completely cover what happens during a calamity. Lastly, it is very  expensive and complex to invest in all operating municipal care services, thus help has to be provided from national care services, which brings extra logistics and coordinating problems. 

The CIM project aimed at generating sufficient knowledge to allow the industrial partners of the project to build the first generation of an intelligent and adaptive agent-based ICT-infrastructure for incident management within 5 years from the start of the project. The used agent technology should allow simulation of the dynamic and often non-hierarchical nature of emergency management by the various involved organizations. 

Contribution

Almende introduced the use of software agents to support people in responding quickly and in establishing communication. The interaction between people and software agents is also used for training (real-life or simulated), which resulted in an increased effectiveness of protocols and efficiency of communication in case of a real incident.

The system contains knowledge in the communication structures. The supporting software are distributed agents that are able to obtain and weigh information dynamically. The maintenance and evolution of the system is achieved by performing simulations and training sessions, both virtually as well as real-life. Measuring the effectiveness of a response and using this as feedback can improve the quality of the protocols and the system itself. 

Results

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 12-08-2021 0
ArchiveCompletedHealth

CCF2: Independent Living

Independent living

Duration: 06/2009 – 07/2010  Funding: Pieken in de Delta

Partners: Devlab Academy, TU Eindhoven, Philips, NH Hotel Group, Orbis

CCF2

The independent living project investigates ways of using technology to help elderly people remain independent for longer, so they can live without needing constant care or supervision. This very general aim is expressed in three different focal points, namely safety, social cohesion, and health monitoring. 

Using wireless sensor networks (WSN), seniors can be monitored accurately and unobtrusively. Ultimately, the system should be capable of registering accidents, and sending help when needed. The project aimed at developing a service platform which does not only track the seniors, but also offers them applications to improve social interaction. For instance, it should be possible to show residents which events are being organized, which of their friends are attending, or how many people are already in the venue. 

An important aspect of the project was taking user demand into account. Throughout the project, user experience was monitored. It was important to assess whether subjects find the system intrusive and to decide if they are willing to use it and are capable of doing so. To this purpose, a WSN with a user interface to monitor movements was installed in an Orbis elderly home.  

Contribution

Within the Independent Living Project, Almende focused on developing the Wireless Sensor Network, which is able to track individuals within a building. Furthermore, Almende developed algorithms to interpret the gathered data and helped creating a user interface to make the system more accessible to participants. 

Results

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 12-08-2021 0
ArchiveCompleted

B4B

Brains for Buildings’ Energy Systems 

Duration: xxx

Partners: xxx

B4B

Buildings need ‘brains’ to be able to respond to user behavior and to enable self-diagnosis and self-optimization. The goal of the current project is to develop scalable and modular solutions that realize 20-30% energy savings. The market value is promising as the impact of these ‘brains’ on energy bills, operating and maintenance costs, and on the ease of use is great. B4B focuses on the development of control and control systems for utility buildings that strive to reduce the energy waste maintenance costs and CO2 emission. Furthermore, the systems focus on an increase of local resources and accessibility of adjustable energy. The systems take the user behavior, comfort, and health into account and ensure the well-being of users. B4B tests and validates open-source prototypes to clarify the market value to companies, building owners, and facility managers. 

Contribution

Results

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 12-08-2021 0
CompletedHealth

ALWEN

Ambient Living with Embedded Networks

Duration: 10/2008 – 11/2011  Funding: PointOne of SenterNovum

Partners: Devlab Academy, TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Embedded Systems Institute, Philips, Roessingh Research and Development, Holst Centre

ALWEN

Ambient Living with Embedded Networks, the combination of Body sensors, Ambient sensors Wireless Networks and Telemedicine, implements a novel approach to zeroth, first and second line care, and addresses the widely recognised fact that care must be organized differently in the future. 

The ALWEN consortium which is coordinated by Devlab, has set the concrete goal of lifting the engineering science for such systems to the level of commercial product viability within the period of three years. The developed concepts and methods will be implanted in a new generation low-cost integrated circuit with embedded computations and wireless communication.

The economic goal of the current project is to enable industrial partners in three years time to deploy applications based on the developed systems concepts. Applications, running on wireless sensor nodes built around the integrated circuit will have the necessary embedded intelligence to instruments and elderly home. The key differentiator of the ALWEN project is that it aims to cover all aspects from the network and applications right down to the low-cost node, deploy, and test the researched subjects together with a consortium of SME companies for the exploitation. 

PROJECT WEBSITE

Contribution

Results

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 12-08-2021 0
ArchiveCompleted

ROD 2.0

Rotterdam Open Data

Duration: 10/2011 – 10/2012  Funding: Rotterdam Media Commission

Partners: Gemeente Rotterdam, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Rotterdam Community Solutions, Sense

ROD 2.0

Rotterdam Open Data (ROD) is a local initiative that aims to make governmental and municipal data publicly available and accessible to everyone. 

The main tool of ROD is the Rotterdam Open Data Store, a ‘content hub’ where data is collected and made available. Students, researchers and businesses are encouraged to use open data to develop innovative applications and services.

ROD 2.0 is the next step in this mission to disclose useful (non-private) information.
The project aims to make the Data Store more interactive and complete by including user-generated content. A second point of attention within the project is improving cooperation between municipality, business, research and education. ROD does not only makes municipal data available to the latter three groups, but also encourages parties to learn from each other.

Contribution

Merely making open data available is not enough, the data needs to be accessible. Almende focuses on visualizing large amounts of data in such a way that people can interpret and use them.

Further, the CommonSense platform which was developed by Almende's subsidiary Sense Observation Systems, is used to enrich the data. In CommonSense, data from various feeds can be combined to learn to interpret states of the world. These states can then be used for any kind of user application.

Results

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 05-08-2021 0
CompletedMobility

LokaPro

Using IoT-sensors to track valuable (medical) assets as they move through the chain

Duration: 10/2020 – 10/2022 Funding: Joint R&D effort

Partners: Almende, Undagrid

LokaPro

LokaPro is a joint R&D effort between Almende and Undagrid, which builds upon the ACAI-platform project but applies it to a different use case, namely that of tracking costly medical assets such as oxygen pumps as they move through the medical chain (e.g. from a hospital to a patient’s home location).

In many cases, a medical asset is ‘leased’ from a supplier and frequently changes hands, either from patient to patient or from organization to organization. After all, if patients are discharged from the hospital they may nonetheless require certain assets such as wheelchairs or oxygen pumps, which they receive on loan. In practice, these assets are not always returned and are difficult for organizations to track, especially once the patient falls under another organization’s responsibility.

Contribution

Almende will extend the previously developed mobile SDK to be able to continuously scan for nearby assets, using the different sensor modalities provided by the smartphone (e.g. BLE, WiFi). In parallel, assets will be outfitted with beacons that create a fingerprint of nearby networks which allow the SDK to identify its proximity to a smart device. Once detected, a user of the mobile app can be informed to retrieve the asset.

Results

The project allows us to advance our knowledge about localization and to apply principles about improving information access and sharing independent of pre-existing organizations. This involves challenges when it comes to privacy and security, which will be tackled.

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Jan Kraaijeveld

Senior consultant

+31 (0)10 404 9444

jan@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 24-03-2021 0
CommunicationCompleted

KRISTINA

A Knowledge-Based Information Agent with Social Competence and Human Interaction Capabilities

Duration: 03/2015 – 03/2018 Funding: H2020                              

Partners: UPF, Certh, Augsburg University, Almende, Vocapia Research, Tubingen University, Ulm University, semFYC, German Red Cross

Kristina

KRISTINA is an EU funded research project, which aims at developing technologies for a human-like socially competent and communicative agent. It runs on mobile communication devices and serves for migrants with language and cultural barriers in the host country.

Many migrants in the EU suffer from social exclusion, with their relatives also struggling with getting the right information and interacting with the administration, migrants at home are often reluctant to go to see the doctor in case of health issues, a tendency that is often further aggravated by cultural matters. Migrant temporary care workers, who in addition often do not have an adequate professional training, face the problem of isolation, lack of professional background information and deficient communication with both the cared and the supervision personnel.

KRISTINA’s overall objective is to research and develop technologies for a human-like socially competent and communicative agent that is run on mobile communication devices and that serves for migrants with language and cultural barriers in the host country as a trusted information provision party and mediator in questions related to basic care and healthcare.

PROJECT WEBSITE

Contribution

Almende was responsible for the development of the ICT architecture for KRISTINA, making use of our agent-based software development expertise to facilitate the creation of smart agents that can communicate effectively with human end-users, and express a number of verbal and nonverbal cues to the user, such as thinking about a particular question that was asked.

Results

The project allowed us to expand our expertise about smart software agents in their interaction with humans, by researching the application of several verbal and nonverbal cues that can improve interaction, by making the agent appear more "human-like".

More info?

Need specific information regarding the project? Please contact our senior consultant for more information.

Ludo Stellingwerff

Senior Software Engineer

+31 (0)10 404 9444

ludo@almende.com

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Kevin Keijzer 24-03-2021 0