The AI/XR Podcast January 24th, 2025 ft. Elizabeth Baron, Senior Advisor, Intelligent Immersive Simulation, UNMC iEXCEL
Jan 24, 2025
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Elizabeth Baron, Senior Advisor at UNMC iEXCEL and former Global Lead of Immersive Reality at Ford, discusses the innovative merger of automotive simulation and healthcare. She shares insights on how AI-based Digital Twins transform medical training and reduce errors. The conversation dives into the impact of immersive technology on patient outcomes and the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Baron reflects on her journey from revolutionizing car design to enhancing immersive healthcare experiences, showcasing the power of advanced simulations.
Elizabeth Baron emphasizes the transformative role of immersive technology in medical training, focusing on reducing errors and enhancing patient safety.
Recent political developments reflect a significant financial investment in AI infrastructure, underscoring the intersection of technology and political influence in shaping the future.
Deep dives
Zapper's Contributions to XR Technology
Zapper has established itself as a prominent player in the XR field with over a decade of experience and a portfolio of award-winning campaigns. The company has made augmented reality more accessible by developing user-friendly tools and software development kits (SDKs) for creators. Their innovative product, Zapbox, is recognized as the most affordable mixed reality headset available, enabling a broader audience to engage with XR. Recently, Zapper collaborated with Unilever to create AccessibleQR, a novel QR code technology designed to assist blind and partially sighted individuals, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity in technology.
The Intersection of Politics and Technology
Recent technological advancements in the political landscape have been highlighted by President Trump’s announcement of a significant fund aimed at developing AI infrastructure, presumably to support future projects. This initiative, reportedly valued at $500 million, has drawn attention, especially since key figures in the tech industry, including Sam Altman, were involved. Elon Musk's absence and subsequent criticism of the initiative underscore the ongoing rivalries within the tech community, particularly concerning the competitive nature of AI development. This situation reflects a broader trend where political decisions increasingly intersect with technology, influencing both regulation and market dynamics.
Innovations in Medical Simulation and Training
Elizabeth Barron’s involvement in the development of a cutting-edge simulation center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center showcases the potential of immersive technology in medical training. This facility features advanced simulation systems designed to replicate real-life medical scenarios, enabling healthcare professionals to practice collaboration in patient treatment and surgical procedures. The application of realistic artificial intelligence and digital twins in this environment allows for a more interactive learning experience, significantly improving medical training outcomes. By focusing on interprofessional education and skill enhancement, this center aims to reduce healthcare errors and improve patient safety.
The Future of XR in Healthcare and Beyond
The integration of XR technology into healthcare is rapidly evolving, with innovations like immersive surgical planning and training becoming increasingly vital. The use of advanced visualization techniques enables medical teams to prepare for complex surgeries by simulating various approaches to patient care. For instance, detailed 3D visualizations help surgeons assess the best entry points for operations, as exemplified by a case involving a brain tumor where an alternative surgical route was selected through VR analysis. These advancements position XR as an essential tool in healthcare, enhancing both educational practices and operational efficiency across the field.
Charlie and Ted welcome Elizabeth Baron, who at Ford Motor Company led Immersive Simulation for Product Development, where she combined design, engineering and manufacturing digital twins together for a holistic review of vehicles. She then moved to the University of Nebraska iEXCEL, where she is leading Intelligent Immersive Simulation to bring AI-based Digital Twins into healthcare. It was a big news week as Trump was inaugurated and had tech on his mind. TikTok got a temporary reprieve, and earned the company's thanks. Trump introduced a $500 B data center deal with OpenAI's Sam Altman, Oracle's Larry Ellison, and Softbank's Mayoshi Son, and they expressed their admiration and gratitude. Not present: Elon Musk and Microsoft. Google buys HTC Vive. Sort of. Elizabeth, is Founder, Immersionary Enterprises, LLC, as well as Senior Advisor, Intelligent Immersive Simulation, UNMC iEXCEL. Formerly Global Lead, Immersive Reality for Ford Motor Company Product Development. She joined us for an in-depth look at Ford automotive simulation and how the University of Nebraska Medical Center at iEXCEL is teaching, performing research and allowing interdisciplinary collaboration within its med school using simulation, AI and XR.
Thank you to our sponsor, Zappar!
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