The Experience of Developing the UJAmI Smart Lab

In the context of ambient-assisted living and monitoring activities and behaviors, the concept of smart homes/environments has emerged as a research and development field with many examples appearing in a range of different contexts (universities, research centers, hospitals, and residences). Recently, a smart lab called UJAmI based on ambient intelligence was created at the University of Jaén in order to provide an environment where solutions in assistive technologies could be developed. This paper presents the experience of developing this smart lab within its first year. The initial space assigned to the smart lab is described through the creation of the smart lab in five perspectives: the layout of the smart lab, the selection of the devices, the deployment of the middleware, the technical infrastructures, and the furniture. Finally, following our experience of creating the lab we reflect upon our experience and provide a set of guidelines and recommendations. Ongoing projects within this Smart lab are also introduced.