TechFirst with John Koetsier

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.

Are you ready to dive into the emerging world of robot coworkers? In this video, originally recorded at Web Summit in Lisbon, I chat with special guest David Reger, CEO of Neura Robotics. We chat about what it will be like to work with robots, how we can ensure robots don't kill us (as is happening now, occasionally), and what will change about work and us in the process. We talk about: Working with Robots: A New Frontier The Future of Robot Partnerships Impacts on Different Industries Ensuring Safety and Trust The Role of AI in Human-Robot Interaction Transforming Work and Embracing Automation The Importance of Fairness and Equity Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier explores the global transition from traditional coil and magnet speakers to solid-state semiconductor alternatives with Mike Householder, a VP at XMEMS. The discussion includes the history of the speaker, the advantages of using solid-state semiconductors, and the future vision for sound technology. Mike also makes a big product announcement and provides insight into how his innovative technology will improve audio quality and enhance sound experiences in various devices like earbuds, phones, and home theaters. 00:00 Introduction to the Evolution of Sound Technology 00:31 The Limitations of Current Sound Technology 00:40 Introducing a New Silicon-Based Sound Technology 00:49 Interview with Mike Householder from XMEMS 01:12 Understanding the Old Tech: Coil and Magnet Speakers 03:08 The Advantages of Solid State Components 05:20 The Benefits of the New Tech for Manufacturers and Consumers 07:58 The Unique Sound Signature of the New Tech 16:32 The Path to Market Dominance and Upcoming Product Announcements 20:47 The Future of Sound Technology: Beyond Personal Audio 24:25 The Science Behind Ultrasonic Amplitude Modulation 30:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of TechFirst, host Jon Koetsier welcomes Emmy award-winning XR director Michaela Ternasky-Holland to delve into the world of immersive storytelling through technologies such as virtual reality (VR). Using her VR documentary project, On the Morning You Wake, as a case study, Michaela explains how the deeply immersive nature of VR can change the audience's perception of a global threat - nuclear weapons. She compares the engagement and impact of VR experiences to traditional 2D experiences, highlighting how the narrative and the audience's sense of agency play key roles in creating quality engagement. The discussion further explores the future of immersive storytelling, addressing their potential and challenges in the technology field. 00:01 Introduction and Context 00:34 Guest Introduction: Michaela Ternasky Holland 00:56 The Role of Technology in Storytelling 01:13 Discussing the Project: On the Morning You Wake 05:18 The Impact of VR on Audience Engagement 05:40 Challenges and Solutions in VR Accessibility 08:07 The Emotional Impact of VR Storytelling 10:55 The Future of VR and Storytelling 12:04 The Role of Research in VR Storytelling 19:07 The Intersection of VR and Gaming 21:30 The Ultimate Expression of Storytelling in VR 25:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts