Exploring the exponential growth of robots in the next decade, from mundane tasks to enhancing customer service. Discussing the evolution of robotics in business operations and the role of service infrastructure. Highlighting specific applications in restaurants, cleaning services, and healthcare for dementia patients. Emphasizing the franchise model for rapid expansion and customer service.

Is the Apple Vision Pro the future of surgical training? In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier discusses the transformative impact of virtual reality (VR) on surgical training, highlighting the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of VR in reducing the learning curve for surgeons. The conversation features Richard Vincent, CEO of Fundamental VR, who elaborates on how VR technology, particularly the Apple Vision Pro, is revolutionizing surgical education by offering rapid, repeatable training sessions without the logistical setbacks associated with traditional methods. They explore the hardware agnosticism of Fundamental VR's software, ensuring compatibility with various VR platforms, and delve into the new possibilities unlocked by the Apple Vision Pro's advanced features, including its intuitive control system, powerful compute capacity, and exceptional optics. The discussion also touches on the incorporation of haptics for a more immersive training experience, the potential of VR for remote collaborative training, and the broader implications of VR technology in the medical field. 00:00 Unlocking the Future of Surgical Training with VR 01:15 The Cost-Effectiveness of VR in Surgical Training 03:13 Achieving Competence: The Role of VR in Surgery 04:45 Hardware From Oculus to Apple Vision Pro 07:04 The Revolutionary Apple Vision Pro in Surgical Training 10:35 The Power of Haptics: Enhancing VR Training with Physical Feedback 13:07 The Impact of Device Cost on VR Training Accessibility 14:34 Expanding Horizons: VR's Role in Remote Surgery Training 17:03 The Future of Medical Training and Collaboration with VR 18:48 Apple Vision Pro: A Game-Changer for Medical VR Applications 20:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

When will AI match and surpass human capability? In short, when will we have AGI, or artificial general intelligence ... the kind of intelligence that should teach itself and grow itself to vastly larger intellect than an individual human? According to Ben Goertzel, CEO of SingularityNet, that time is very close: only 3 to 8 years away. In this TechFirst, I chat with Ben as we approach the Beneficial AGI conference in Panama City, Panama. We discuss the diverse possibilities of human and post-human existence, from cyborg enhancements to digital mind uploads, and the varying timelines for when we might achieve AGI. We talk about the role of current AI technologies, like LLMs, and how they fit into the path towards AGI, highlighting the importance of combining multiple AI methods to mirror human intelligence complexity. We also explore the societal and ethical implications of AGI development, including job obsolescence, data privacy, and the potential geopolitical ramifications, emphasizing the critical period of transition towards a post-singularity world where AI could significantly improve human life. Finally, we talk about ownership and decentralization of AI, comparing it to the internet's evolution, and envisages the role of humans in a world where AI surpasses human intelligence. 00:00 Introduction to the Future of AI 01:28 Predicting the Timeline of Artificial General Intelligence 02:06 The Role of LLMs in the Path to AGI 05:23 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Economy 06:43 The Future of AI Development 10:35 The Role of Humans in a World with AGI 35:10 The Diverse Future of Human and Post-Human Minds 36:51 The Challenges of Transitioning to a World with AGI 39:34 Conclusion: The Future of AGI

Can you use sentinel oysters and other mollusks to track water quality near your cities, beaches, or the Great Barrier Reef? Actually ... yes. In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with the CEO of Moloscan, a company focused on bio-monitoring and protection of marine environments using live shellfish. The company uses aquatic bivalves, such as oysters, mussels, or clams to monitor the environment. These mollusks, which are filter feeders, react to changes in water conditions, helping to detect pollution and other disruptions in water quality. The discussion covers the technological developments and rigorous research necessary to map out the normal behaviour of these animals and provide accurate water quality ratings. They also discuss how this method is more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional mechanical probes and lab tests. The CEO shares examples of installations in varied environments, ranging from oil and gas platforms to diverse geographical locations from Quebec to Qatar. 00:00 Introduction to Sentinel Oysters and Water Quality Monitoring 00:55 Understanding the Concept of Biomonitoring 01:48 The Science Behind Mollusk Behavior and Detection 02:43 The Journey of Developing the Monitoring Device 04:24 Understanding the Sensitivity and Precision of Mollusks 05:12 The Role of Mollusks in Detecting Water Pollution 08:06 The Technical Aspects of Monitoring Mollusk Behavior 10:43 The Real-world Application of Mollusk Monitoring 15:34 The Challenges and Benefits of Using Mollusks as Sensors 22:51 The Potential for Expanding the Technique to Other Biomes 06:24 Conclusion: The Future of Biomonitoring

Do you need ChatGPT integrated into your new bike? How about an all-wheel drive bike? (OK: a 2-wheel drive ... but yeah, that's all-wheel drive!) In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats the CEO of Urtopia about their new AI-integrated 'smart bike with a mind'. The e-bike market is predicted to grow to about $26 billion by 2028, but Dr. Owen Chang explains how Urtopia is taking a different approach by developing most parts in-house to create a fully integrated, software-enabled product. He says their AI features, like ChatGPT integration, makes e-bikes safer and more personalised. It can also provide assistance including directions, making the ride safer and more enjoyable. Utopia is further developing its own version of GPT based on GPT-5, refining its potential functionalities. We also chat about the world's first e-bike that has drive motors on both wheels, providing more power and better traction. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:06 Exploring the Fusion GT Bike 01:47 The Design and Development Process 03:53 The Power of Dual Motor and Dual Battery System 06:51 The Future of Bikes: ChatGPT Integration? 07:12 The Role of AI in Utopia's Bikes 07:38 The Vision of Utopia: A Bicycle with a Mind 16:48 The Future of Smart Devices and E-bikes 25:30 Conclusion: The Bike as a Wearable Device

Can you deliver medical treatment by changing brainwaves instead of injecting drugs? Elon Musk has recently implanted his first Neuralink into a human patient. But can we get neurotech medical treatment without drilling holes in our skulls? Maybe ... According to Element, a startup with roots in MIT, we can. And they say they can read your brainwaves, manipulate them, and fix issues like sleep disorders, tremors, pain, as well as speeding up learning.  Today we're chatting with Meredith Perry, the CEO and former NASA astrobiology Researcher, plus Dr. David Wang, co-founder and CTO, who has a PhD in AI from MIT. This technology could potentially treat medical conditions ranging from sleep disorders and tremors to learning difficulties. We also discuss the future of medtech, envisioning an 'app store for the brain' where individualized treatments can be downloaded like apps, focusing on promoting the most optimized state of health for any given individual through real-time detection and diagnosis. 00:00 Intro to Neurotech and Neurostimulation 00:33 Welcome and Introduction of Guests 01:31 Understanding the Concept of Elemind's Neurotech Device 02:59 Exploring the Form Factor of the Device 04:23 How it works 07:28 Effectiveness and Impact of the Device 13:05 Future Plans and Vision for the Device 18:52 Potential and Impact of the Device on Healthcare 21:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

John Koetsier discusses Apple's Vision Pro, a VR headset, and security concerns with Jamie Boote, Synopsys principal security consultant. They explore potential privacy threats and vulnerabilities, Apple's security measures, and predictions for future security issues in new technology.

In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier talks to Dan Hollenkamp, the CEO of Toggled, about the future of smart buildings in 2024. They discuss the difference between devices that are smart and just remote controllable, the continuous improvement in building systems, and emphasize on the usage of data for smart devices. Dan sheds light on how buildings should assist in facilitating our tasks, be predictive, and become an active member of the grid to help stabilize the energy demand. They also discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in smart buildings, the idea of buildings moving from energy consumers to energy load managers, and the impact of work from home and return to the office on smart buildings. Join them as they delve into the evolving world of smart buildings and their part in our future. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:13 The Future of Smart Buildings 02:23 Understanding Smart Devices vs. Remote Controllable Devices 02:43 The Role of Data in Smart Buildings 09:36 The Impact of Work from Home on Smart Buildings 11:45 Buildings as Energy Load Managers 15:54 The Role of AI in Smart Buildings 21:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Rolf Illenberger, founder & CEO of VR Direct, joins host John Koetsier to discuss the inflection point of VR in 2024, the role of different VR headsets including Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest Pro, the challenges and opportunities of VR in consumer and enterprise markets, and the intersection of VR and AI. Illenberger predicts that by the end of 2024, every enterprise will need a VR strategy.

Princess Wangchuk discusses establishing an AI center in Bhutan to bring 'Ancient Wisdom & Ethics' to AI. Topics include AI and drones in the US military, AI in agriculture and transportation, AI applications in elder care and renewable energy, and the challenges and opportunities of AI infrastructure in Bhutan.