

Future Tech And Foresight
Marc Verbenkov
Emerging and future technologies and the trends that they are linked to will be covered on this podcast.
From the more obvious tech like: AI, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, and The Metaverse. To less well known disruptors like: Brain-Machine Interfaces, CBDC’s, Internet of Bodies, Smart Dust, Animal Human Chimeras, 4D Printing, Under The Skin Surveillance, Bio Computers and much more.
A vision of what the future may hold will be painted to alleviate some of our collective Future Shock so we can make better decisions for tomorrow.
Website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/
From the more obvious tech like: AI, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, and The Metaverse. To less well known disruptors like: Brain-Machine Interfaces, CBDC’s, Internet of Bodies, Smart Dust, Animal Human Chimeras, 4D Printing, Under The Skin Surveillance, Bio Computers and much more.
A vision of what the future may hold will be painted to alleviate some of our collective Future Shock so we can make better decisions for tomorrow.
Website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 6, 2024 • 28min
Beyond Neuralink: Creating Mind Links - Ep #136
In today's episode, we're exploring the fringes of neurotechnology, delving into groundbreaking developments like mind-controlled devices, AI that can visualize our thoughts, and the speculative world of transmitting information directly into the brain. We'll discuss everything from mind-reading helmets and DARPA's Avatar project to the futuristic 2045 project, all while contemplating the potential impact and ethical implications of these advancements. Join us as we venture into a world where thought transmission could revolutionize communication, entertainment, and advertising, marking a new era in the evolution of media.
Timecodes:
00:00:32 - Episode Starts00:01:28 - What's this Episode About00:03:00 - What's Neurotech00:05:40 - Looking through minds using Ai00:08:40 - Specs of Kernels Head Gears00:12:12 - About DARPA's Avatar Project00:12:50 - Soldiers Mind Control Military Hardware00:14:26 - 2045 Avatar Project00:16:18 - Information sending into the Brain00:18:44 - Brain to Brain Communication00:19:26 - About Autonomous Vehicle00:21:10 - Evolution of idea sharing00:24:16 - Point of this Episode00:24:46 - Next step of this Technology00:26:14 - The End
Sources:
[Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/13sgeq0/girl_completes_elden_ring_using_mind_control/?rdt=35871]
AI Drawing from Thoughts: AI technology begins to visualize and draw images based on what people picture in their minds.
[Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/brain-waves-ai-can-sketch-picturing-rcna76096]
Kernel's Mind-Reading Helmet: A $50,000 helmet capable of reading users' thoughts.
[Link: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/a-50-000-helmet-can-read-users-mind-and-its-ready-2466083]
Neuralink's Human Trials: Recently conducted first human trial of Neuralink's brain-computer interface technology.
Futuristic Neurotech Concepts:
DARPA's Avatar Project: Aimed at creating robot soldiers controlled by human minds. Originated in 2012 with no recent updates. [https://www.extremetech.com/defense/118773-darpa-reveals-avatar-program-robot-soldiers-incoming]
2045 Avatar Project: A project led by Russian billionaire Dmitry Itskov, focusing on transferring minds into robots or holograms.
[Link: http://2045.com/]
Brain-to-Brain Communication:
Social Network of Brains: An experiment where three people transmit thoughts to each other's heads, establishing a direct brain-to-brain communication network.
[Link: https://www.technologyreview.com/2018/09/29/139965/the-first-social-network-of-brains-lets-three-people-transmit-thoughts-to-each-others-heads/]

Jan 30, 2024 • 24min
Google’s New Lumiere AI and the Future of Video - Ep #135
Today, we're delving into a topic that's increasingly relevant in our rapidly evolving digital landscape: the democratization of AI-generated video technology. While this technology holds immense potential for creativity and innovation in various sectors, it also brings forth complex implications that extend far beyond the realms of media and entertainment and will soon start to impact education, politics, and many other aspects of our society…
Timecodes:
00:00:32 - Episode Starts
00:00:46 - Introduction
00:02:12 - About Google's Lumiere
00:04:14 - Lumiere's Abilities
00:06:22 - Examples of what Lumiere can do
00:08:16 - More to see in Lumiere
00:09:10 - Google Lumiere's Societal Impact
00:09:54 - GPT's Impact on other A.I.
00:12:06 - Content Creation Creating new Horizons
00:13:26 - Rise of Independent Content Creators
00:14:42 - The 2nd Machine Age
00:16:02 - Creation of new Ethical Issues
00:17:58 - Synthesia's Avatar Product
00:20:16 - Erosion of Trust In today's Images and Videos
00:22:26 - The End
Sources:
Google’ Lumiere: https://lumiere-video.github.io/
Lumiere Paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.12945
Evolution of AI video generation over 1 year.
1. AI beer commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Geja6NCjgWY&ab_channel=ScottChristianSava
2. The Frost - AI generated short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW-NFkVDfdA&ab_channel=NathanSebhastian
3. Google’s lumiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=wxLr02Dz2Sc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Flumiere-video.github.io%2F&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=InbarMosseri

Jan 23, 2024 • 1h
Connected AI and the Future of Generative AI (With Steve Marcinuk) - Ep #134
In today's episode we delve into the concept of Connected AI and the latest innovations in the generative AI space, exploring how these technologies are increasingly weaving into our daily tools and products.
About the Episode:
In this episode of Future Tech and Foresight, we celebrate the first anniversary of ChatGPT’s launch, reflecting on its remarkable evolution and the booming generative AI industry. We delve into the concept of Connected AI and the latest innovations in the generative AI space, exploring how these technologies are increasingly weaving into our daily tools and products. The discussion centers around the future trajectory of generative AI, including ChatGPT and its competitors, and their potential impacts on various sectors.
About the Guest:
Steve Marcunik, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder and general manager of Intelligent Relations, joins us to discuss the concept of Connected AI and its future implications. Steve's expertise lies in leveraging AI innovations to aid start-ups and growing tech companies in enhancing their online presence and media coverage. As the chief architect of the Preston AI platform, he coordinates daily operations and strategic initiatives, focusing on driving organizational growth and keeping pace with AI advancements.
Timecodes:
00:00:51 - Episode Begins00:07:50 - Introduction of Guest00:08:14 - Exploring the Initial Interest in Generative AI00:12:33 - Any Shocking or Notable Moments in Recent AI Innovations?00:16:35 - Potential Placement of AI in Future Processes00:23:58 - Are Companies Prepared for These AI Processes?00:31:14 - Highlighting Specific AI Projects Worked On00:37:21 - Perspectives on AI Potentially Replacing Jobs00:43:38 - Challenges Faced While Implementing AI Tools00:48:11 - Observations and Trends in AI Evolution00:55:56 - Discussing the Implications of Self-Learning AI on the Internet00:57:25 - Additional Contact Information and Invitations for Engagement00:58:15 - Concluding Remarks

Jan 18, 2024 • 31min
Tech Trends That Will Define 2024 - Ep #133
Welcome to our first episode of 2024. The past year was a landmark one for emerging technologies, with developments like ChatGPT capturing global attention and igniting a renewed interest in AI.
As we step into 2024, it's time to explore the tech trends that are poised to shape the year ahead. We've combed through numerous reports and articles to bring you the most significant trends impacting our technological landscape, saving you the effort of sifting through them all.
But there's more – for those who may have missed the excitement of CES 2024, we're spotlighting several groundbreaking technologies that were on display. These innovations not only align with the trends we've identified but also signal new directions in technology that are likely to gain prominence.
It's shaping up to be an electrifying year in tech, and we're excited to guide you through these advancements and discoveries, offering insights into the future of technology and its impact on our lives.
Timestamps:
00:00:32 - Episode Starts
00:03:12 - Exponential Tech Growth
00:03:37 - No. 7 - Sustainable Technology
00:04:37 - No. 6 - Metaverse & Special Computing
00:07:20 - No. 5 - Quantum Computing
00:10:00 - No. 4 - Crypto Winter
00:12:38 - No. 3 - Wearables
00:14:46 - No. 2 - Digital Trust
00:19:36 - No. 1 - Artificial Intelligence
00:23:26 - Extras
00:23:42 - Ex (No. 1) - Interpreter Hub
00:24:08 - Ex (No. 2) - Celestron Origin
00:27:29 - Ex (No. 3) - My Own A.I.
00:28:28 - New project undertaking
00:29:29 - Conclusion
Sources:
-https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amywebb_what-technology-will-matter-most-in-2024-activity-7143237007329095680-qfZj/?trk=public_profile_like_view
-https://mailchi.mp/futuretodayinstitute/2023-annual-letter
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/insights/articles/us176403_tech-trends-2024/DI_Tech-trends-2024.pdf
-https://www.simplilearn.com/top-technology-trends-and-jobs-article
-https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/tech-trends-to-watch-in-2024/
-https://ignitetech.com/about/blogs/future-now-exploring-top-tech-trends-2024
-https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/tech-trends-2024-report-six-trends-of-the-generative-enterprise-revealed-by-info-tech-research-group-888750247.html
-https://www.siliconrepublic.com/machines/quantum-computing-trends-2024-sectigo-tim-callan
-https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/12/ces-2024-everything-you-need-to-know/
-https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/09/2648953/

Dec 12, 2023 • 48min
How Important is Human Input for AI Development? (With Ahmed Rashad, CEO of Sapien) - EP #132
As AI continues to advance, a critical but often overlooked aspect comes into play – AI labeling, or human input, which remains a vital cog in the machine of AI development.
About the Episode:
AI labeling isn't just a technical process; it's a burgeoning industry worth well over $5 billion, with only a fifth of its potential market currently tapped. This leaves an expansive room for growth, innovation, and opportunities. It's a field that's not just fueling the AI revolution but is also a significant contributor to job creation in the tech world itself.
In today's episode, I'm excited to have Ahmed Rashad, the CEO of Sapien.io, join us to explore this dynamic realm. We'll delve into how AI is fundamentally altering our world, the critical role of data labeling in AI development, and the challenges and evolution of this essential process. Ahmed will also shed light on the cutting-edge work happening at Sapien.io and share his vision for the future of data labeling, the future of jobs, and AI in general.
About the Guest:
Ahmed Rashad, a leader in the tech industry, currently leads as the CEO of Sapien. He has an impressive academic background with a degree in Engineering from MIT. Ahmed Rashad's expertise in product management and business growth was honed through key roles at Amazon as Head as a General Manager, and at McKinsey in RTS and M&A. His notable tenure at Scale AI as Head of Growth saw him building and managing data labeling operations, hiring over a million human labelers.Website: https://www.sapien.io/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-r-23a92014/

Dec 4, 2023 • 20min
What Scared OpenAI Into Firing Sam Altman? - EP #131
The abrupt firing of Sam Altman from the helm of OpenAI, followed by his equally surprising reinstatement, hinted at something that spooked the company's board—a development so significant it rattled the very foundations of this AI industry leader.
OpenAI's internal drama didn't just raise eyebrows; it triggered a wave of speculation about what could have scared an organization at the forefront of AI research. This episode will dive into the series of events that led to this tumultuous period in OpenAI's history, and will explore what potentially sparked fear and fascination in equal measure
Other sources:
Digital Trends - What is Project Q*? The mysterious AI breakthrough, explained
DevX - OpenAI Develops Q* for Enhanced Math Problem-Solving
Decrypt - What is Q* and Q-Learning? OpenAI Could Have Imploded Over AI Fears
NextBigFuture.com - OpenAI Q Star Could Have a Mostly Automated and Scalable Way to Improve
MIT Technology Review - Unpacking the hype around OpenAI’s rumored new Q* model
Overall Description: What Is Q*? The Leaked AGI BREAKTHROUGH That Almost Killed OpenAI

Nov 28, 2023 • 59min
Highly Intelligent Hyper-personalized AI Assistants (With Peter Voss) - Ep #130.
Today, we're zoning in on a niche yet rapidly evolving segment of AI: chatbots and personalized AI assistants.
About the Episode:
Joining me in this exploration is Peter Voss, a pioneer in the AI industry. We're unpacking some critical areas today, from the current challenges in call centers to the revolutionary impact of hyper-personalized AI in customer service. We’ll compare the early iterations of chatbots with the advanced capabilities of platforms like Aigo, which Peter has been instrumental in developing.
Our conversation goes beyond just the technicalities; we discuss the economic and social implications of blending AI with human interaction in business settings. How do these AI-driven systems stack up against human agents? What unique features does Aigo bring to the table, especially when compared to other popular platforms like ChatGPT? And importantly, where is this technology heading?
About the Guest:
Peter Voss, is a renowned figure in the world of Artificial Intelligence. A serial entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor, Peter has a rich history in electronics engineering and software development. His journey in AI began with a quest to understand and replicate human intelligence, leading him to coin the term 'Artificial General Intelligence' (AGI). As the Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientist at Aigo.ai, Peter is at the forefront of revolutionizing conversational AI technology. His current mission is to provide hyper-intelligent, hyper-personal assistants to enhance customer experiences and engagement. A visionary in AI, Peter's contributions extend beyond technology into philosophical discussions about rational ethics, free will, and the future of artificial minds. His work at Aigo.ai is not just a technological advancement but a step towards redefining how we interact with AI in our daily lives
Website: https://aigo.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vosspeter/
Articles mentioned in the podcast:
https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.03598
https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.01622
https://medium.com/intuitionmachine/what-is-agi-99cdb671c88e

Nov 21, 2023 • 55min
The Importance of Localizing Autonomous Vehicles (With Noah Gedrimas) - Ep #129
Joining me today is Noah Gedrimas, an expert in autonomous technology. We'll be discussing some of the new innovations in the autonomous vehicle space, the innovative Ground Positioning Radar technology by GPR, and the current and future challenges in the field of autonomous driving.
About the Episode:
Today, we're revisiting a topic that's been a recurring theme on this podcast: the transformative world of autonomous vehicles. Over previous episodes, we've discussed the technological marvels and challenges of self-driving cars and delved into the intricacies of long-haul trucking automation. Now, we're about to go even deeper into this subject, exploring the sensory technology that is pivotal in making autonomous vehicles a reality.
In our world, where the importance of autonomous vehicles in shaping the future of transportation cannot be overstated, understanding the nuances of these technologies becomes crucial. Autonomous long-haul trucking, in particular, stands at the forefront of this revolution, promising to reshape the logistics and transportation industry with unprecedented efficiency and safety.
About the Guest:
As the Vice President of Strategy at GPR, Noah Gedrimas spearheads the commercial strategy and partnerships, with a keen focus on pioneering advancements in autonomous driving. His journey in this field includes significant contributions to the development of Ground Positioning Radar™ (GPR) technology, a groundbreaking innovation for precise vehicle localization. Noah's expertise is not just confined to GPR; his tenure at Continental Automotive saw him deeply involved in the development of autonomous vehicles tailored for various Operational Design Domains. Noah's comprehensive understanding of autonomous technology makes him a valuable voice in discussing the future of self-driving vehicles.
GPR Website: https://gpr.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-gedrimas-14307960/
Noah's email: Noah(at)gpr.com

Nov 14, 2023 • 18min
Social Media’s Impact on Geo-political Events - EP #128
Exploring the complex role of social media in shaping global conflict narratives, this discussion navigates through its polarizing effects and the amplification of emotions, while also highlighting its potential for democratizing information and fostering a more informed community
Sources:
SpringerLink Study on Social Media and Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Analyzing the influence of tweets on public sentiment during the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
ResearchGate Study on Sentiment Analysis of Twitter Data: Examining the emotional impact of Twitter data during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Nieman Journalism Lab Article: Discussing the crisis in trust towards long-form journalism and its impact on public perception.
Psychology Today Article on Tribalism in Social Media: Exploring the rise of digital tribalism and its effects on social media.
Psychology Today Article on Social Media Algorithms and Polarization: Detailing how social media algorithms exacerbate social and political polarization.
The Phoenix Article on Social Media and Critical Thinking: Highlighting the impact of social media echo chambers on critical thinking and problem-solving.

Nov 7, 2023 • 26min
What would Hamas do with advanced technology? Ep #127.
In this episode, we tackle the intricate balance between technological growth and its potential for misuse in society, examining scenarios from Hamas's low-tech warfare to the unsettling future of tech in the hands of bad actors—a reflection on the duality of human innovation.
Over the weekend I had a conversation with a client who was asking about the growth of technology and it’s impact on society and the future, and as these conversations tend to go, it melded into the most recent news cycle with the situation in Israel and Palestine. Specifically we discussed Hamas using low tech rockets and bombs for their terrorist activities only because they don’t have access to more advanced technology. Apparently most of their bombs incorporate household products like baking soda and fertilizer amongst other compounds and the explosions are actually pretty small in comparison to modern bombs. Now, if they had access to it, how much more powerful their attacks would be with more advanced technologies?
Our conversation spiraled down this route and into what are some of the kinds of instruments that current and future bad actors may be able to get their hands on.
But this isn't just about one geopolitical hotspot. It's a microcosm of a more significant global challenge.
Throughout history, technological advancements have always presented both incredible opportunities and daunting challenges. For instance, the Wright brothers might have dreamt of a world interconnected by flight, yet it was commercial airliners, symbols of that very dream, which were repurposed as missiles during the tragic 9/11 hijackings. In a similar vein, while the discovery of various chemicals has led to breakthroughs in medicine and industry, they've also been weaponized, as evidenced by the deadly Sarin gas attacks in the Tokyo subway in 1995. The digital realm is not immune either; as we usher in an era of global connectivity, we also witness its dark side. The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, which affected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries, showcases the dangers lurking in our interconnected world. As technology becomes increasingly accessible and powerful, its potential for misuse grows in parallel. As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, its democratization ensures that advanced tools, once exclusive to state actors or big corporations, become cheaper and more accessible, amplifying the potential for misuse by a broader range of bad actors. Today, we'll dive into this concern, exploring some scenarios where exponentially growing tech could exponentially grow threats to civilians and our collective society.
There are of course a number of recent and well known examples, many of which have already been talked about on the podcast before. These include: 3d printed guns like the 99% plastic liberator, miniaturized or portable nukes which have been even in mainstream media for several years, cheaply assembled weaponized drones which we’ve even seen play a role in the Ukraine-Russian conflict but have been used to bring attention to the larger autonomous weapon issue with the viral 2017 ‘slaughterbot’ arms-control advocacy video, and of course social media being manipulated for political means as shown through the cambridge analytica scandal. But there are also, depending on the person of course, less well known and perhaps more future oriented emerging technologies that will give non-state bad actors more opportunities for violence.
Other sources:
https://www.hoover.org/research/technology-converges-non-state-actors-benefit
https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/FP_20211122_ai_nonstate_actors_kreps.pdf
https://www.jstor.org/stable/23257139
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/democratizing-harm-artificial-intelligence-in-the-hands-of-non-state-actors/
https://www.visionofhumanity.org/emerging-technologies-and-terrorists/


