The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Werner Vogels predicts the future (Interview)
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Dec 4, 2025 Werner Vogels, Amazon's CTO, shares his visionary tech predictions for 2026 and beyond. He discusses how companionship may evolve with robots aiding the elderly and improving healthcare. Vogels raises concerns about the imminent threat of quantum computing and the urgent need for quantum-safe cryptography. He also emphasizes the qualities of the 'Renaissance developer'—a mix of deep specialization and broad understanding. With a focus on curiosity, adaptability, and responsible AI practices, he encourages builders to prepare for a future filled with challenges and opportunities.
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Joining Amazon To Solve Unknown Problems
- When Werner joined Amazon he was hired as a director of systems research to bring academic rigor to massive scale problems.
- Engineers had to invent everything because off-the-shelf tech couldn't operate at Amazon's scale.
Use Predictions To Drive Real Solutions
- Write predictions to surface real human problems and inspire solutions, not just PR narratives.
- Focus on builders and organizations addressing tangible societal issues like healthcare and utilities.
Robots Become Emotional Companions
- People treat robots like pets and form deep attachments, evidenced by naming Roombas and preserving old devices.
- Kate Darling's experiments showed subjects refused to kill their own robotic dinosaurs but would harm another group's toy.