The tremendous technological advances in information and communication technologies, especially in the Internet of Things and Cyber Physical Systems, have enabled the development of highly autonomous systems (i.e., robots) that act in the physical and virtual worlds. Information and the robots that are processing it are expected to be available everywhere and at all times.

Today’s E-Business relies on highly networked, data-driven ICT systems and machines taking autonomous decisions. Virtual and physical environments begin to merge surfacing in technology trends such as “industry 4.0”, “drones” and “smart assistants”. In the physical environment objects are identified, environment is sensed and interaction between computers and humans is pushed to the invisible. In the virtual environment behavioral data is collected. Business intelligence applications help to combine both information sources to gain new insights. But the ubiquitous availability of information and the autonomous machines using it impose risks which need to be minimized to protect humans and businesses.

• Know what technologies are used for business in electronic environments (fixed/mobile systems, data collection (i.e., RFID), networks, localization technologies).
• Understand the fundamental challenges in the emerging area of mobile and ubiquitous computing.
• Understand the evolution of interfaces between humans and computers from direct manipulation to implicit interaction.
• Judge on the impact technologies will have and how their technical traits and capabilities foster and limit their business use and deployment potential.

Transferable skills

• Ability to discuss, analyze and judge the suitability of technical solutions and services in Business.

1. Two types of classroom activities (together 40%)

• Activity 1 (30%): Regular team work and short presentations to peers
• Activity 2 (10%): Active participation in in-class discussions

2. Final exam (60%) - a minimum of 50% must be achieved on the final exam in order to pass the course