TechFirst with John Koetsier

John Koetsier
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TechFirst with John Koetsier

Tech that is changing the world. Innovators who are shaping the future. Deep discussions with diverse leaders from Silicon Valley giants and scrappy global startups. Plus some short monologues based on my Forbes columns.

  1. DEC 4

    Predicting space weather with AI

    Predicting Space Weather with AI & Satellites: A TechFirst Exclusive In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with Alex Pospeckov, CEO of Mission Space, about the critical role of space weather forecasting. Learn how advanced AI and a planned constellation of 24 satellites will predict space weather and protect billions of dollars of assets. Discover the implications for aerospace companies, power plants, satellite operators, and even airlines as Alex explains the science behind solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their potential devastating impacts. Gain insights into how accurate space weather predictions can mitigate risks, save lives, and ensure operational continuity for critical infrastructure on Earth and in space. 00:00 Introduction to Space Weather 01:16 Understanding Space Weather 03:26 Historical Impacts of Space Weather 07:38 Predicting Space Weather with AI 11:30 Challenges and Solutions in Space Weather Prediction 17:14 Future of Space Weather Prediction 24:44 Conclusion and Future Plans

    26 min

  2. NOV 7

    Robot love: could you love an AI?

    Could you love an AI? What does love with "digital humans?" look like? Is this the future of relationships? In this TechFirst, we chat with Artem Rodichev, CEO of Ex-human and former head of AI at Replika. We dive into the concept of forming relationships with AI companions and the future of love and friendship in a world integrating advanced artificial intelligence. The discussion covers Rachev's new startup, issues of loneliness and how digital humans might offer a solution, the intricacies and potential pitfalls of emotional AI interactions, and the evolving technology behind AI companions. We also chat about some real-life stories, ethical concerns, and the emotional impacts of these digital relationships ... including some of the most extremely negative realities. 00:00 Introduction to AI and Relationships 00:58 The Concept of Digital Humans 05:05 Addressing Loneliness with AI 07:40 Building AI with Personality 16:54 Challenges and Ethical Considerations 17:34 The Emotional Fallout of Removing Replica's Romantic Features 18:04 The Deep Connections Users Formed with Replica 19:39 The Italian Ban and Its Consequences 23:07 The Impact of AI Upgrades on User Relationships 24:55 Real-Life Tragedies Linked to AI Companions 27:45 Safety Measures and Ethical Considerations in AI Development 31:55 The Future of Human-AI Relationships 34:53 Concluding Thoughts on AI Companions

    37 min

  3. SEP 26

    AGI: kind of nonsense?

    Is AGI just a really dumb idea? Is the concept essentially meaningless? And are we entirely barking up the wrong tree? In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier interviews Neil Lawrence, the DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge and senior Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute about his latest book 'The Atomic Human: What Makes Us Unique in the Age of AI.' Lawrence explores the complexities of human intelligence, the misconceptions around artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the implications of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. He also discusses the limitations and strengths of human decision-making, the potential risks of AI, and the importance of preserving human culture and diversity in intelligence. The conversation delves into the role of AI in enhancing human capabilities, the challenges in deploying AI in sensitive areas, and the necessity for regulatory interventions to maintain a balanced technological ecosystem. 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Neil Lawrence: AI Expert 01:19 The Atomic Human: Book Insights 02:26 Philosophical Perspectives on AI 04:16 Neil Lawrence's Journey into AI 05:45 Current State of AI and AGI 08:06 The Complexity of Intelligence 18:31 Corporate Culture and Innovation 20:00 The Impact of Large Language Models 23:18 Exploring AI as an Interface 28:53 The Evolution of Internet Search 29:57 Human Flaws as Strengths 31:06 Collective Intelligence and Decision Making 33:16 AI and the River Gods 35:21 The Complexity of Culture and Technology 40:49 Regulating AI and Digital Markets 52:31 The Role of Teachers and Human Connection 55:17 Concluding Thoughts and Optimism

    56 min

  4. AUG 27

    Making games with your voice, with Roblox' chief scientist

    How will AI change games? How is AI changing games? In this TechFirst we chat with Morgan McGuire, Roblox's Chief Scientist and a former Nvidia research scientist. He tells host John Koetsier how AI is not only enhancing game creation through generative AI but also revolutionizing multiplayer game safety with advanced AI moderation systems. We chat about the explosive growth of Roblox and share insights into how AI is shaping the future of interactive, social, and immersive gaming experiences. Ultimately, McGuire says, we might be creating games with our voices in the not-so-distant future ... 00:00 Future of AI in Game Development 01:28 Roblox's 4D AI Initiative 03:24 Roblox's Impressive Growth 07:33 AI and Safety on Roblox 09:52 Voice Moderation Technology 17:49 Translation and Global Reach 20:10 Open Source Voice Safety Model 20:49 Native Language Translation Approach 21:20 Insights from AI Systems 22:09 Human Communication and AI Moderation 25:23 Generative AI in Roblox 26:13 User-Generated Content and Platform Growth 28:10 AI-Powered Content Creation 31:02 Quality and Community in Roblox 32:48 Innovative Social Roleplaying Experiences 35:46 Challenges and Future of AI in Gaming

    40 min

  5. AUG 24

    How do we know when a machine is smart?

    Is an AI system smart when it can do what a human can do? Or … when it can do things humans can’t do? For years we’ve had the Turing Test … measuring AI’s ability to mimic being human. But is that really the right benchmark? In this TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with a computer scientist who has been working in AI for more than a decade. He’s currently VP strategy at Intuition Robotics, which makes an AI-powered robotic care companion for the elderly called ElliQ His name is Assaf Gad, and we talk about intelligence, AI and OI (organic intelligence), as well as how smart machines like ElliQ engage with people. 00:00 Introduction to AI and Machine Intelligence 00:57 Defining Machine Intelligence 02:01 The Role of Memory in AI 04:20 Human Interaction and AI Design 06:32 ElliQ: The AI Care Companion 11:02 Proactive AI and User Experience 13:22 Challenges and Solutions for Elderly Care 17:34 The Future of AI and Multiple Intelligences 20:53 Ethical Considerations and Control in AI 23:07 Impact of ElliQ on Social Isolation and Independence 27:42 Technical Aspects and AI Integration 29:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    30 min

  6. AUG 6

    Can cat qbits save quantum computing?

    A whimsically-named quantum company named Alice & Bob actually has a quantum chip in the Google Cloud marketplace. Its "cat qbits" solve a massive issue that affects all other quantum chips. And it might just make quantum computing actually matter In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier explores the fascinating paradox of building a quantum computer with Théau Peronnin, CEO and co-founder of Alice and Bob. They talk about the unique challenges and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing, discussing how Alice and Bob's quantum chip aims to overcome the notorious problems of bit flips and phase flips. Théau explains the concept of a universal quantum computer, the importance of error correction, and the revolutionary impact quantum computing could have on science, technology, and industry. 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing 02:16 Understanding Universal Quantum Computers 06:25 Challenges in Quantum Computing 09:08 Error Correction in Quantum Computing 13:13 Future of Quantum Computing 20:57 Geopolitical and Economic Implications 25:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    28 min

  7. JUL 31

    4000 developers on AI generating code

    When will AI replace developers? Or is it an if? In this TechFirst we dive into a survey focused on how 4,000 software developers use AI to generate, test, and check code. Justice Erolin, the CTO of BairesDev, recently surveyed over 4,000 developers globally. The goal: exploreing how AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot are being utilized in software development. He and host John Koetsier chat about how these tools are employed for code generation, scaffolding, and testing, and debates the potential over-reliance on AI and its impact on entry-level engineers. They also highlight key findings from the survey, including surprising trends in AI tool preferences and the perceived productivity impacts. Gain deeper insights into the future of AI and its role in software development in this engaging discussion. 00:00 Introduction: Will AI Replace Developers? 00:47 AI in Code Generation: Benefits and Processes 02:16 Popular AI Tools Among Developers 08:17 Challenges and Cultural Shifts in AI Adoption 12:39 Future of AI in Development and Security 17:41 Impact of AI on Entry-Level Engineers 21:08 Conclusion: Surprising Survey Results

    23 min

  8. JUL 15

    Boston Dynamics & the golden age of robots

    Where does Boston Dynamics fit in the emerging golden age of robots? In a lot of ways we're entering a golden age of robots. We're seeing prototype humanoid robots from Apptronik, Amazon, Sanctuary AI, Figure.ai, Tesla, Fourier Intelligence, and probably more. And of course Boston Dynamics is the OG of humanoid bipedal robots with Atlas. But there are a lot of form factors out there. And none of them is perfect for everything. In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier dives into the current state and future of robotics with experts from Boston Dynamics. With insights from Alex Perkins, Mike Murphy, and Marco da Silva, the discussion explores whether we are on the cusp of a golden age in robotics. The conversation covers various form factors, including the bipedal Atlas, quadruped Spot, and the wheeled Stretch, highlighting their unique capabilities and applications. The episode also delves into the complexities of robotic design, from gripping mechanisms to AI in training and sensing, and speculates about the future of humanoid robots and their potential societal impacts. Tune in to get an in-depth look at the cutting-edge advancements and real-world deployments that are shaping the future of robotics. 00:00 Introduction to the Golden Age of Robotics 01:13 Meet the Experts at Boston Dynamics 01:45 Are We in the Golden Age of Robotics? 03:17 Exploring Robot Form Factors 04:47 The Evolution of Stretch 08:12 Quadrupeds vs. Bipeds 15:59 The Complexity of Robotic Gripping 21:19 Training and AI in Robotics 25:50 The Future of Humanoid Robots 27:46 Robotics in Addressing Global Challenges 30:54 What's Next for Boston Dynamics?

    34 min
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Tech that is changing the world. Innovators who are shaping the future. Deep discussions with diverse leaders from Silicon Valley giants and scrappy global startups. Plus some short monologues based on my Forbes columns.

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