Interactive Technology: Soft Engineering

Recent paradigm in technology shifts from object-based technology to environment-based technology. Issue here is interaction among human, machines, and environment. This requires new interpretations for the space among them. Holistic interactions based on “Mom (embodiment)” suggest a good starting point for this endeavor. The past, present, future of technology are presented in terms of technology’s fundamental virtue: “humanizing technology” or “technology serving human.” Interactive technology initiative (ITI) is an interdisciplinary research group to search for the proper technology and the proper way of implementing technology: “interactive technology” or “soft engineering.” Some experimental activities conducted by ITI are presented in this organized session, “Interactive Technology.” Metatechnology, soft engineering, “Mom (embodiment),” holistic interactions, tangible space, and ubiquitous computing are key concepts in interactive technology.