
Tech Life
Tech Life discovers and explains the ways technology is changing our lives, wherever we are in the world. We meet the people with bright ideas for rethinking the way we work, learn and play, and get hands-on with the products they dream up. We hold tech giants to account for their huge power to affect our lives, and ask who wins, and who loses, in the technology transformation. Tech Life is your guide to a future being made, and remade, at lightning speed in front of our eyes.
Latest episodes

Jun 18, 2024 • 26min
Bionic arms and robotic thumbs
The podcast explores advancements in artificial limb technology, including bionic arms and robotic thumbs. Stories include a young boy receiving a bionic arm, Sierra Leone benefiting from a prosthetics project, and the creation of a robotic thumb controlled by toes. It also delves into the personal experiences of individuals with prosthetics and the importance of support networks.

Jun 11, 2024 • 26min
Helping our animal friends
The podcast dives into how artificial intelligence could revolutionize animal testing, addressing ethical concerns and promoting animal welfare. It introduces groundbreaking research on understanding dog barks through AI, aiming to decode canine emotions. In Kenya, technology is transforming dairy farming with apps that provide vital health insights for livestock management. The dialogues engage listeners on the future of tech in agriculture while highlighting innovative solutions like the Digi-Cout service, enhancing productivity and farmer livelihoods.

Jun 4, 2024 • 26min
Dating a chatbot
Chinese women prefer AI boyfriends over real ones, while tech unlocks crop potential to combat food shortages. Fashion designer aims to outsmart facial recognition with her clothes. Podcast delves into AI chatbot romance, agriculture revolution, and privacy-empowering clothing.

May 28, 2024 • 26min
Being watched
This discussion explores the implications of surveillance technology, particularly facial recognition and its impact on privacy and justice. It highlights an innovative Ghanaian company producing electric vehicles tailored for local needs. The podcast also covers the vital role of data in enhancing sports events while addressing privacy concerns. Lastly, it examines how AI is transforming waste management, optimizing recycling efforts, and promoting sustainability.

May 21, 2024 • 26min
Tackling online abuse of athletes
Alasdair Keane, a commentator on online abuse in sports, discusses the alarming rise of harassment aimed at athletes, especially with the Paris Olympics nearing. He highlights an innovative AI platform aimed at monitoring and combating this issue. Shiona McCallum introduces Project Pixel, where aspiring game designers create impactful mobile games for charity. They also delve into a remarkable initiative in Rwanda utilizing 3D scanning technology to custom-fit prosthetic limbs, showcasing how technology can revolutionize care and support in resource-limited settings.

May 14, 2024 • 26min
Help for cancer patients
Blood tests are part of the process of receiving cancer treatment. But they can be time-consuming and require visits to hospital. A new blood test machine is changing this. The Liberty is a small device that allows patients to take blood tests and upload the results from home without supervision. Lynn Thompson took part in the trial, and she tells Tech Life it's made a huge difference to her life. Also this week, we answer a listener's question about smart glasses. We learn about a project, involving electrolysers and hydrogen cooking stoves, which could improve the health of villagers in rural Nepal. And cutting down on e-waste - we speak to Tech for Troops.Presenter: Shiona McCallum
Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: A still photo of Lynn Thompson with the Liberty blood test device. Credit: BBC)

May 7, 2024 • 26min
The mammoth ivory problem
Experts discuss using lasers to differentiate elephant and mammoth ivory for anti-poaching efforts. Chatbots are preferred over real medics for health discussions. A tech solution addresses e-waste issues. Detecting crumbling concrete in buildings with technology is explored.

Apr 30, 2024 • 26min
TikTok world
This week we're taking a global look at TikTok, and some of the problems the video sharing platform has been facing. Also on Tech Life, you want to keep in touch with your child, but is there an alternative to giving them a smartphone ? We hear from video gamers in South Africa. And a female tech boss from Brazil shares advice on how others can follow her success.Presenter: Shiona McCallum
Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: The TikTok logo on a mobile phone screen. Credit: Chesnot/Getty Images)

Apr 23, 2024 • 26min
Humanoid robots
Exploring the practicality and future development of humanoid robots. Discussion on electric plug-in points for cruise ships and Bitcoin halving. Tech innovation aiding farmers in Ghana to increase crop yields.

Apr 16, 2024 • 26min
Fixing undersea cables
Discover the challenges of fixing undersea cables, a film with countless AI-generated versions, the tech behind coffee roasters, and enriching the tech lives of lemurs and parrots with interactive devices.