

TED Tech
TED Tech
From the construction of virtual realities to the internet of things to the watches on our wrists—technology's influence is everywhere. Its role in our lives is evolving fast, and we're faced with riveting questions and tough challenges that sit at the intersection of technology and humanity. Listen in every Friday, with host, journalist Sherrell Dorsey, as TED speakers explore the way tech shapes how we think about society, science, design, business, and more.Follow Sherrell on Instagram @sherrell_dorsey and on LinkedIn @sherrelldorsey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2024 • 39min
The TED AI Show: Humanity’s first AI election w/ WIRED's Vittoria Elliott
Vittoria Elliott, a journalist spearheading WIRED’s AI Elections Projects, dives deep into the intertwining of artificial intelligence and global elections. She discusses how AI is reshaping political landscapes, from deepfakes impacting voter perceptions to the intriguing emergence of AI candidates. Elliott and her host explore the risks of misinformation and the 'Liars Dividend,' highlighting the delicate balance between AI's potential benefits and the pressing challenges it poses to democracy. Tune in for insights on the future of voting in a tech-driven world!

Sep 13, 2024 • 11min
The satellite helping slow climate change — right now | Millie Chu Baird
Millie Chu Baird, an environmental advocate specializing in tracking global methane emissions, discusses the groundbreaking MethaneSAT satellite. This innovative technology precisely identifies methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas. Baird emphasizes that understanding methane's origins is crucial for combatting climate change. The conversation also highlights global collaboration and commitments to reduce emissions, showcasing the transformative potential of satellite data in climate strategies. Hope from space is real, and it could lead to tangible solutions for our planet.

7 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 35min
The TED AI Show: Can AI read your mind? The battle for your brain w/ Nita Farahany
Guest Nita Farahany, an ethicist specializing in neurotechnology, dives into the unsettling future where thoughts could be accessed and exploited. She discusses the ethical challenges posed by workplace neurotechnology, highlighting the need for cognitive privacy. With advancements enabling brain data sharing, Nita warns about the risks of neurosurveillance and urges the importance of protecting our 'cognitive liberty.' She articulates the impact of targeted advertising on our subconscious and the necessity for ethical regulations in this brave new world of thought technology.

Sep 6, 2024 • 12min
Quantum computers aren't what you think — they're cooler | Hartmut Neven
Hartmut Neven, founder and lead of Google Quantum AI, shares insights into the captivating world of quantum computing. He reveals how quantum technology leverages parallel universes to outperform traditional systems. Neven discusses groundbreaking applications in medicine, sustainable energy, and AI, suggesting it can solve problems previously deemed impossible. He also touches on advancements in quantum error correction, emphasizing its importance for reliability and future innovations that could revolutionize multiple industries.

Sep 3, 2024 • 37min
The TED AI Show: Can AI predict (and control) the weather? w/ Dion Harris and Tapio Schneider
Dion Harris, head of data center product marketing at NVIDIA, and Tapio Schneider, a climate physicist specializing in climate modeling, explore the transformative potential of AI in climate science. They discuss how AI could revolutionize weather predictions and possibly control weather patterns to combat climate change. The duo delves into the ethics of geoengineering and the importance of localized climate insights for decision-makers. They also highlight the challenges of integrating AI with physical laws for reliable climate forecasts.

6 snips
Aug 30, 2024 • 12min
AI that connects the digital and physical worlds | Anima Anandkumar
Anima Anandkumar, an AI professor specializing in neural operators, discusses the crucial role of AI in connecting the digital and physical worlds. She outlines how her team tackles complex simulations, emphasizing that language models fall short in scientific accuracy. Anandkumar shares exciting applications of AI, from improving weather forecasts to innovating medical devices. Her insights highlight the potential of AI to revolutionize various fields, paving the way for advancements in climate science and beyond.

Aug 27, 2024 • 36min
The TED AI Show: Sal Khan says AI won’t destroy education -- but there’s a catch
Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy and AI education advocate, discusses the dual nature of AI in learning. He highlights the risks of cheating through tools like ChatGPT, but emphasizes the transformative potential of AI when used correctly. Khan introduces his new chatbot, Khanmigo, which fosters creativity and deeper thinking in students. The conversation explores how AI can enhance personalization in education, the essential role of teachers in this tech-driven landscape, and the imperative to maintain critical thinking amidst evolving learning environments.

Aug 23, 2024 • 12min
Next up for AI? Dancing robots | Catie Cuan
Catie Cuan, a pioneering robot choreographer, explores the enchanting intersection of dance and robotics. She discusses the importance of teaching robots to move with grace and emotion to foster human connection. Catie shares her journey from traditional dance to choreorobotics, emphasizing how thoughtful design can make robots feel more integrated into our lives. The conversation delves into AI's potential for improvisation and meaningful social interactions, imagining a future where robots enhance both caregiving and companionship.

Aug 16, 2024 • 12min
How you could see inside your body — with a micro-robot | Alex Luebke and Vivek Kumbhari
In a fascinating discussion, engineer Alex Luebke, who bravely swallowed a micro-robot onstage, teams up with physician Vivek Kumbhari, who navigated this cutting-edge device. They delve into the innovative PillBot, a micro-robot designed for real-time medical imaging, potentially transforming internal examinations. The duo explores how these advancements could replace invasive procedures, making healthcare more comfortable and efficient. They also highlight the exciting possibilities of AI integration for enhanced diagnostics in the future.

Aug 9, 2024 • 12min
Your right to repair AI systems | Rumman Chowdhury
Rumman Chowdhury, CEO and cofounder of Humane Intelligence, discusses the transformative 'right to repair' movement, emphasizing its potential to empower users in AI development. She argues that inclusivity in AI creation will enhance trust and ethical standards. Chowdhury highlights the intersection of AI and agriculture, revealing how repair restrictions impact transparency in farming tech. With a strong advocacy for collaboration and user involvement, she calls for a future where everyone can contribute to and improve AI systems.


