A recurrent task in coordinated systems is managing (estimating, predicting, or controlling) signals that vary in space, such as distributed sensed data or computation outcomes. Especially in large-scale settings, the problem can be addressed through decentralised and situated computing systems: nodes can locally sense, process, and act upon signals, and coordinate with neighbours to implement collective strategies. Accordingly, in this work we devise distributed coordination strategies for the estimation of a spatial phenomenon through collaborative adaptive sampling. Our design is based on the idea of dynamically partitioning space into regions that compete and grow/shrink to provide accurate aggregate sampling. Such regions hence define a sort of virtualised space that is "fluid", since its structure adapts in response to pressure forces exerted by the underlying phenomenon. We provide an adaptive sampling algorithm in the field-based coordination framework, and prove it is self-stabilising and locally optimal. Finally, we verify by simulation that the proposed algorithm effectively carries out a spatially adaptive sampling while maintaining a tuneable trade-off between accuracy and efficiency.

Incorporating artificial intelligence has been a key goal for agencies across the executive branch for quite some time. But now, Congress is considering jumping on the bandwagon as well. Lawmakers on the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress are interested in exploring just what AI might be able to help them accomplish. Joe Mariani, a research manager for the Deloitte Center for Government Insights, told the committee during a July 28 hearing about... Incorporating artificial intelligence has been a key goal for agencies across the executive branch for quite some time. But now, Congress is considering jumping on the bandwagon as well.

USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham gives a sneak peek at what to look for at Apple's 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference as the iPhone turns 10 years old, Apple doesn't have a voice-activated speaker like Amazon Echo's--yet. But it does have wireless Bluetooth speakers from its Beats by Dr. Dre unit. Siri may soon have a say in the future of smart speakers. Amazon's sleeper hit Echo and its challenger Google Home have claimed spots on countertops and nightstands across America. And that poses a competitive threat to Apple.