Closing the sensing-reasoning-actuating loop in resource-constrained WSANs through distributed symbolic processing

Many issues in creating complex applications for pervasive environments are primarily due to the effort required to integrate perception, reasoning and actuating tasks in an efficient and homogeneous way, especially when the underlying infrastructure consists of wirelessly networked embedded devices. To mitigate the complexity of the actual implementation, satisfactory programming paradigms supporting the integration and coordination among heterogeneous devices are required. In this paper we show how a distributed symbolic processing approach that is particularly suited for resource constrained devices, such as the nodes of a Wireless Sensor and Actuator Network (WSAN), may be apt to the purpose. We also discuss a case study in which sensors and actuators, without any centralized control, act on the environment according to the thermal preferences that are continuously learned and monitored.