Future Tech And Foresight

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

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​​.

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/

Exploring the transformative power of AIOps, this episode delves into its pivotal role in streamlining IT operations and shaping the future of IT management About the Episode: As the complexity of IT ecosystems grow, teams are often overwhelmed, leading to longer downtimes, inefficiencies, and, ultimately, frustrated end-users. Enter AIOps - Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations. Born from the need to streamline and enhance IT operations, AIOps has rapidly become the go-to solution for managing today's multifaceted IT environments. From its inception to its modern-day relevance, today we'll dive into the world of AIOps, understanding its challenges, evolution, and future prospects, especially in the wake of breakthroughs like Generative AI. To help us decode this intricate domain, I'm thrilled to have on board an expert in the field, Trent Fitz. About The Guest: Trent Fitz is a veteran with over two decades of leadership in the realms of cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. As the Chief Product Officer at Zenoss, Trent oversees both product strategy and global marketing. His extensive career portfolio boasts pivotal roles at trailblazing firms like Nimboxx, SailPoint Technologies, which was acquired by Thoma Bravo, and Trustwave, later secured by SingTel. Beyond these ventures, he has provided invaluable insights in product strategy and business development through his consulting practice. A cornerstone of tech, Trent's foundation is rooted in a computer engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma. Website: https://www.zenoss.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-fitz/

In this episode, we explore the intricate world of autonomous trucking, emphasizing how simulations are shaping the development of self-driving technology for long-haul vehicles. We'll delve into the challenges, advancements, and the future outlook of an industry on the cusp of a transportation revolution About the Episode: Everywhere you go, whether it's the local grocery store or a large shopping mall, there's one thing that stands true: the goods you see have most likely been on a truck. The vast network of roads, highways, and truck stops can really be seen as the lifeblood of most modern economies. Trucking doesn't just bring us our favorite products; it creates jobs, fuels businesses, and quite literally, keeps our world turning. As important as this industry is, it does have its fair share of safety concerns due to excessively long hours worked by the typical trucker, changing weather environments, and other issues that we get into today. But, as technology has been rapidly evolved, there's a new chapter on the  horizon for this sector: autonomous trucking." Today, we're looking into how the marriage of autonomy and trucking is set to redefine this space. We'll be understanding the intricacies of developing self-driving tech specifically for trucks and see how they differ from their smaller, urban vehicle counterparts. We're going to look at what Level 4 autonomy signifies, the foundational role that simulations play in perfecting these systems, and the broad-scale implications on employment, safety, and the way we envision transportation. To guide us on this journey, I'm thrilled to have an expert who has been at the forefront of these innovations Robert Rossi. About the Guest: Robert is TuSimple’s senior vice president of Autonomous Systems. Robert brings extensive experience in leading AI and autonomous systems, leveraging his engineering and business leadership experience from Microsoft and TomTom. At Microsoft, Robert led a successful international standardization campaign for JPEG-XR (ISO 29919), a high dynamic range image coding technology. He led the core media processing team that delivered image, video, and audio experience for Windows and Xbox. Before joining TuSimple, Robert was SVP of engineering for Autonomous Driving at TomTom. Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Electric Engineering from Michigan Technology University.  Robert really sheds light on some of the fascinating aspects of autonomous vehicle technology, and for me, clearly lays to rest any doubt as to how this technology might be so much safer than current human drivers.  Website: https://www.tusimple.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tusimple/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/TuSimple.Inc Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1rzOfH_gmqojX7-g3df2VA

Explore the fundamentals of quantum computing in this episode. We discuss its potential applications, its current challenges, and the possible impact on our future tech landscape. Join us as we break down this complex topic and look ahead to what the next decade might bring Sources: https://www.ibm.com/topics/quantum-computing https://hbr.org/2021/07/quantum-computing-is-coming-what-can-it-do https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01692-9 https://thequantuminsider.com/2023/06/19/advantages-of-quantum-computing/ https://www.thedigitalspeaker.com/quantum-computing-change-world/

In conversation with Grant Furlane, we delve into the transformative potential of smart cities, discussing current initiatives, technological drivers, and what the future holds for urban living in the digital age. About the Episode: In a world where technology intersects with every facet of our lives, the idea of Smart Cities has been expanding and taking root as quickly as technologies have been emerging. In my discussion with Grant Furlane, a veteran of the transportation industry, we unravel how technology forms the bedrock of smart cities. We explore how these digitally connected frameworks not only streamline urban services but markedly improve the quality of life for residents. Our conversation ventures into the most promising trends in smart city technology, the indispensable technologies that fuel this urban transformation, and the challenges that loom on the horizon. We also shed light on some groundbreaking smart city initiatives that are paving the way for our possible urban future, and touch on some of the possible negative aspects of this fascinating trend. Stay tuned as we delve into the intricate tapestry of smart city technology and its potential to redefine urban living. About the Guest: Grant Furlane is a seasoned professional with over four decades of experience in the transportation, network security, and parking sectors, with a notable emphasis on Smart City initiatives. With a rich history of tech ventures across Asia since 1989 and involvement in over $500 million in technology investments, Furlane has been a trailblazer in developing innovative solutions for tracking and monitoring vehicle movement. His enterprises have pioneered integrated control systems crucial for major airports, hospitals, and parking lot management. Among his accolades are the TIE50 top technology award from Silicon Valley and the Ted Seaburg award. He currently is the CEO of LocoMobi World a smart city technology company specializing in parking, tolling, transit, storage, asset tracking and threat management solutions. And he is co-host of the SmartCity.blog podcast that looks at how buildings, cities and communities are getting smarter, more efficient and more connected. Locomobi World: https://www.locomobiworld.com/Smart City Podcast: https://www.thesmartcity.blog/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-furlane-19a2b7b/

In this episode, I discuss with AI expert Jorge Davila-Chacon practical AI applications, its integration into business, and the future of AI tools like ChatGPT and ChatDOC. About the Episode In the upcoming episode, I sit down with the AI expert Jorge Davila-Chacon, to look at the more practical applications of AI, rather than the more theoretical perspectives that often are discussed on the podcast. . We dive into the art of pinpointing the right business facets for AI integration and ponder over the feasibility of retrofitting existing projects with AI components. Jorge shares invaluable insights on the essential considerations for seamlessly weaving AI into businesses and offers a first-hand account of a project where AI played a pivotal role. Lastly, we delve into an exciting comparison between the emergent generative AI tools and bespoke AI systems, touching upon fascinating tools like ChatGPT, ChatDOC, Midjounrey, and more. And of course, we couldn't let him go without peering into the future of AI. About the Guest Jorge boasts extensive expertise in designing and executing Machine Learning and AI systems across diverse data types, including sequential decision-making, text, audio, and visuals. As the co-founder of Heldenkombinat Technologies GmbH, he spearheads industry-specific AI solutions and serves as a lecturer at the Hamburg School of Business Administration. Among his notable achievements is the co-authored business guide "Scoping Machine Learning Projects" and collaboration with the award-winning project, Convergence, which clinched the 2021 top honor at Prix Ars Electronica. Jorge has engaged with prominent institutions such as MIT, Tsinghua University, CNRS in France, KTH in Sweden, and the University of Hyderabad. Recognized for his contributions, he reviews for esteemed journals and has chaired committees for the ICANN conference on artificial neural networks. For an in-depth look at Jorge's projects and publications, visit heldenkombinat.com. Jorge and I are also members of the Outvise network, a platform for business tech experts, and were lucky enough to be introduced via their team. If you are in need of a local or international tech expert for a project or long term support do look into the Outvise platform as they offer numerous high quality experts for a range of needs and services: https://www.outvise.com/

In this episode, Dr. Burch delves into the world of wearables, highlighting a comprehensive 2019 study, their role in enhancing athletic performance, and addressing challenges, trust issues, and the future of these devices in elite to grassroots sports. About The Episode:  I’ve been pretty active with various sports and athletic activities most of my life. But I’ve never used wearables to track and try to improve my stats. I’ve spoken at length with friends in the past who have and since then I’ve been curious about how wearables and technology in general are and will impact professional performance. And I’m lucky enough to dive into the topic today with my Guest, Dr. Reuben Burch.  We discuss the current landscape of wearables and spotlight a significant 2019 study that engaged over 100 trainers. Through Dr. Burch's insights, we explore the pivotal data these devices capture and their impact on athletic performance. We also touch upon the challenges and trust issues concerning wearables when used by athletes and trainers alike. We finish the discussion with Dr. Burch predicting the trajectory of wearables in both elite and grassroots sports.  Article on wearables: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1747954119885244  About The Guest: Dr. Reuben Burch is the Associate Vice President for Research out of the Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State University. He is also an Associate Professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering, the Jack Hatcher Endowed Chair for Engineering Entrepreneurship, the Associate Director of Athlete Engineering at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Center (CAVS), and founder of Athlete Engineering at Mississippi State University (MSU). He has served as a logistics and technology advisor for numerous universities and multiple Fortune 100 companies around the world and currently serves as an advisor for elite wearable technology companies. He also presently serves as a consultant to the world’s largest venture capital firms due to his entrepreneurial experience. University profile: https://www.ise.msstate.edu/people/faculty/reuben-burch/  Reuben’s patents: https://patents.justia.com/inventor/reuben-f-burch Athlete Engineering: https://www.cavs.msstate.edu/research/athlete_engineering.php TimeCodes: 00:01:31 - Intro00:03:39 - Discussion Begins00:04:38 - Rueben's journey to wearables00:08:17 - Early research on wearables in sports00:13:27 - The benefits of using wearables for athletes00:15:54 - Types of wearables00:19:20 - Was there a competitive advantage gained?00:22:39 - Initial Pushback to the wearables00:28:02 - Limitations to wearables00:33:21 - Data privacy issues00:36:33 - Do wearables make teams win?00:40:08 - Will athletes use more wearables in the future?00:43:18 - The future of wearables in sport00:45:09 - Does technology ruin sports?00:49:13 - Conclusion and where to follow Rueben

Serf and I dive into the complexities of large-scale transitions and explore how they can be managed. From historical examples to the AI arms race, we unpack how transition studies can help us navigate the ever-changing landscapes in technology, work, and society.  About the Episode In this eye-opening episode, we are joined by Serf, a leading expert in Transition Studies, to unpack the methodologies and tools that drive societal shifts. Starting with the fundamental differences between foresight and transition studies, we delve into tangible use-cases, measuring success, and the balance between short-term and long-term thinking. Using the transition from horses to cars as a historic lens, we critique the current Electric Vehicle (EV) movement and speculate on what's beyond cars. The latter half of the episode shifts gears to discuss the AI arms race, touching on generative AI, FOMO, regulation risks, and how to rethink the AI control problem. A must-listen for anyone intrigued by how transitions in technology and policy shape our world. Drift Website: https://drift.eur.nl/  About the Guest Serf is all about realizing transitions, and his specific contribution is raising awareness. As coordinator & facilitator eduction he knows how to get people moving and to set up and support transformative education! By organising workshops, developing courses and facilitating events, he himself is constantly on the move for the Transition Academy – to collect the knowledge of DRIFT and other changemakers and share this with future transition champions. Serf at Drift: https://drift.eur.nl/people/serf-doesborgh/  Serf’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serf-doesborgh/?originalSubdomain=nl  TimeCodes:  00:06:09:04 - Interview begins 00:06:59 - Who is Serf? 00:10:13 - What is Transition Studies? 00:14:37 - Tangible Use case of Transition Studies 00:18:10 - Difference between foresight and transition studies 00:20:11 - How is success measured in Transition studies? 00:23:27 - What are the tools of transition studies? 00:30:20 - Short term thinking vs long term thinking 00:30:59 - The transition from horses to cars 00:38:07 - Critique of EV's 00:41:41 - What is beyond cars? 00:39:28 - How is the generative AI revolution seen via transition management? 00:50:35 - Ai and FOMO 00:56:24 - Regulation and Risk of AI 01:02:11 - How to rethink the AI control problem 01:06:39 - Doom thinking about AI 01:07:53 - Conclusion