The Future Of

Robotics is the discipline of engineering that deals with the idea, design, building, operation, application, and usage of robots. Robots are incredibly adaptable devices, as proven by the great variety of forms and functions they can perform. I think is near and dear to a lot of our hearts is robotics and automation are augmenting human labor and using robots to whether it's the mundane or the thing I think is near and dear to a lot of our hearts is robotics and automation is augmenting human labor and using robots to whether it's the mundane or the thing bringing robotics in to help accomplish tasks because one of the biggest challenges we face in labor works.It's actually that we don't have enough labor for the amount of construction that needs to get done. Augmentation allows us to get more done in an era where we're going to be challenged to find enough people to build what we need to build.We finally got to the point where we could, from a cost perspective, build robots that could perform useful tasks. Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

Amanda Marrs, Sr. Director at AMP Robotics, reveals how AMP is developing high-tech waste recycling solutions to help create a more sustainable future. Jeff and Amanda take a glimpse at the waste recycling industry—touching on everything from the process of recycling materials and promising technology to international trends and logistical challenges.They Cover:[00:08:09] Where does that water bottle go after you throw it in the bin? Amanda describes the physical process of recycling with an example. After the bottle arrives at the processing plant, it's pre-sorted by people, sorted by a cardboard screen, and separated. The ultimate goal is to melt down the plastic to make new products. [00:16:11] Amanda discusses her dream for the future: a world without waste. She envisions a circular economy, where products and packages are designed for recyclability first. Doing that will take patience, a lot of data, and economic incentives.[00:23:13] What will drive change in the next ten to twenty years? Amanda's short answer is—Data. Data. Data. Aggregating local data with national trends yields powerful insights. She explains that data and infrastructure will give enhance analytics capabilities in the next ten years. She says that the speed of change depends on whether economic incentives are "carrots or sticks."[00:27:04] Countries in Europe, like the Netherlands, are leading the way in terms of sustainability, but North America is catching up. Amanda mentions that she is working with some big CPG companies in North America that are make huge strides toward sustainability goals.[00:28:38] The dos and don'ts of recycling. Amanda talks about how to dispose of pumpkins, why you shouldn't crush a soda can, and where to put your compost. She also gives tips on how to get involved in the community and your favorite brands.If you're interested in the journey towards clean energy, tune into this episode of "The Future Of", a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.If you are interested in a sustainable, waste-free future, listen to this episode of "The Future Of," a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.AMP's AI-powered "trash robots" are at the cutting edge of recycling technology. Listen to the latest edition of "The Future Of," a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.Full transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-recycling/Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBInstructions on how to rate and review The Future Of can be found hereResources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamarrs/Website: AMP RoboticsAbout the Show"The Future Of" is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we'll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

In this episode of The Future of, Jane Stricker, Executive Director of Houston Energy Transition Initiative and SVP of Energy Transition for Greater Houston Partnership, joins Jeff to discuss the transition towards clean energy to meet the zero net emission goal of 2050. Jane shares her insight on the challenges and the new opportunities driving this journey. They Cover:[00:12:34] Jane discusses how energy companies are facing a dual challenge, rising demand for energy on the one hand and the need to reduce CO2 emissions from the energy cycle on the other. It's a challenge to find the right balance between these competing priorities.[00:21:33] Jane discusses the exciting events unfolding in the near term, electrifying activities that rely on fossil fuels like transportation and energy storage with solar panels in homes. She also discusses technologies that enable us to recycle industrial heat to generate electricity. Companies across the board are looking at implementing energy-efficient programs.[00:24:31] Alternate energy programs that show promise and attract research dollars include hydrogen and carbon capture in addition to wind and solar power. Adopting clean hydrogen opens up options for decarbonizing industrial processes like refining and petrochemical processing.  [00:34:53] The transition to clean energy is a step-by-step process. We can start by replacing coal-burning furnaces with those that use natural gas. That makes energy generation cleaner. Integrate renewables where ever we need backup power generation. [00:41:08] While energy generation is still predominantly based on non-renewable sources, accelerated adoption of renewables is shifting the balance. Jane mentions that the type of renewables will depend on geographies, and energy production will move closer to the end consumers. If you're interested in the journey towards clean energy, tune into this episode of "The Future Of", a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.The field of clean energy has exploded over the last 20 years, and it's growing at an accelerated pace. Listen to the story of how it started and where it's going.Full transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-clean-energy/Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBInstructions on how to rate and review The Future Of can be found hereResources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-stricker-29977b4/Website: Greater Houston PartnershipAbout the Show"The Future Of" is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we'll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

In this episode of The Future of,  Jakob Nielsen, Ph.D., seminal UX practitioner and co-founder of Nielsen Norman Group, and the multitalented Marc Wallace, UX Director at Fresh Consulting, join Jeff to discuss the history of UX, the present state of affairs, and future trends that will shape the field in the next 30 years.They cover:[00:14:56] In 1983, there were maybe 1000 UX practitioners, and today there are around 2 million. The origins of what would be considered UX today can be traced back to Bell Labs in the 1950s, with the development of the touch-tone telephone.  [00:17:33] Jakob gives two definitions of UX. The short version – to make computers and technology easy to use. The slightly longer version – it’s centered around the user experience. He says, “we are always testing the user, not testing you.” The concept behind UX falls in line with debugging and refining products. [00:31:03] What will change in the next 20-30 years? Jakob predicts there will be 200 million UX professionals across the globe. While core methodologies will stay the same, design principles will evolve as user interfaces become more immersive. [00:39:26] The future of computing will make human interaction with interfaces more natural. More human elements, like the sense of smell, will be incorporated into UX design. Accessibility will continue to be a top priority as the population ages.If you’re interested in the UX, tune into this episode of “The Future Of”, a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.The field of UX has exploded in the last 40 years, and it’s growing exponentially. Listen to the story of how it started and where it’s going.Full transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-ux-design/Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBInstructions on how to rate and review The Future Of can be found hereAnd connect with Jakob Nielson and Marc Wallace here:Jakob:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakobnielsenphd/Website: https://www.nngroup.com/Marc:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcdirector/Website: https://www.freshconsulting.com/About the Show“The Future Of” is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we’ll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

In this episode of The Future Of, Venessa de Lisle, Senior UX Designer at Fresh Consulting, Matt Schoenholz, Founder of Tandem Vans, and Sujatha Isabelle Moraes, Independent Creative Director & Design Strategist, join Jeff Dance to explore the future and benefits of inclusive design and how to design with more meaning and intent.They cover:[00:10:50] Inclusive design is a design approach that considers the full range of human diversity. In this case, a designer should consider excluded populations based on criteria like education and literacy, gender, religion, or sexual orientation[00:12:35] The inclusive design does not have the intention to design for everyone. The important note is when you have an inclusive lens to your design process,  you have to be specific and intentional about finding an excluded person or population outside of that center space to be brought into the product[00:14:49] When looking at excluded personas, ask yourself the following questions - Whose voice is missing? Who has the most to lose? Who is excluded from the design decision?[00:28:59] Consider bringing an inclusive team into your business to ensure all excluded voices are heard and have a consistent practice of designing inclusively[00:33:39] Inclusive design will save valuable time and money for your business in the long run. Also, when you meet an excluded population, you immediately build brand loyaltyIf you’re interested in inclusive design, tune into this episode of “The Future Of”, a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.Full transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-inclusive-design/Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBInstructions on how to rate and review The Future Of can be found hereAnd connect with Venessa de Lisle, Matt Schoenholz and Sujatha Isabelle Moraes here:Venessa:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venessadelisleWebsite: https://www.freshconsulting.comMatt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattschoenholzWebsite: https://tandemvans.comSujatha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sujathamoraesAbout the Show“The Future Of” is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we’ll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

In this episode of The Future Of, Jeff is joined by Jonathan Hurst, Co-founder & CTO at Agility Robotics, and James Dietrich, Robotics Solutions Director at Fresh Consulting and Grace Brown, Co-Founder of Andromeda to discuss human-centric robots and the demand for robots in today's world. They cover:[00:07:44] It's an enabling technology if you can build robots that go where people go and interact with the world similarly. [00:07:55] Robots are meant to make humans more human. This has to do with letting robots come into our world and do tasks and activities that are dangerous or tedious to do [00:10:55] One of the things that you can do at a university that you can't do at a company is Blue sky ideas. This involves trying out ideas to see how they turn out[00:11:50] Machine Learning approach will be a viable way of building robots in the future[00:19:11] The nuance of a human-centric robot is to build it in such a way that it does useful things and is a partner to people in human environments, not a robot created to look like a human being[00:19:21] Not all robots have to look like humans. There is a unique combination of several things that makes a human. Not all human-centric robots have to incorporate all of them. Not all human-centric robots have to have arms and legs. [00:19:42] Different factors define human-centric robot design, such as: Advanced Dexterity ManeuverabilitySensing and perception based on A.I. and ML associated with itDurability[00:20:43] There's a general fear with the advent of humanoids that robots are here to replace humans. Human-centric robots are to make humans more human[00:21:47] Biomimicry in building human-centric robots involves copying natural features and making the robots look like those features. In comparison, Bio-inspired involves an in-depth investigation into biological processes to understand how they work and implement these into how the robots workFull transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-human-centric-robots/Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBAnd connect with Jonathan Hurst, James Dietrich & Grace Brown here:Jonathan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hurst-b9037a5/ Website: https://agilityrobotics.com/James:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-dietrich/ Website: https://www.freshconsulting.com/Grace:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-brown-619b59161/ Website: https://andromedarobotics.ai/About the Show"The Future Of" is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we'll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

One of the key themes of every episode is theorizing what each industry covered will look like 10 to 20 years from now. In this episode, we compiled those captivating predictions of the future into one episode.This collection is just a sample of some of those theories that brilliant minds have shared with us here on The Future Of. Be sure to follow for more insights into the future.Episodes Featured:The Future of Construction The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of VotingThe Future of EducationThe Future of IOTThe Future of the Space EconomyThe Future of Autonomous SystemsThe Future of the Office BuildingThe Future of Voice AIIf you’re interested in the future human experience, tune into this episode of “The Future Of”, a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBAnd connect with our amazing guests here:Eric Klein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericklein  Website: https://lemnos.vc Tony Tran:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralfa https://peer.incDudley Nevill-Spencer:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dudley-nevill-spencer   Twitter: https://twitter.com/dnevillspencer Website: https://www.virtualinfluencer.agency Jocelyn Bucaro:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-bucaro-59a15521 Website: https://tuskphilanthropies.comKatrina Stevens:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinastevens Website: https://katrinadstevens.com  Dr. Alex Young:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-f-young Website: https://alexanderfyoung.comRob Tiffany:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtiffany/Website: https://sustainablelogix.comCarolyn Belle:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynbelle/ Website: https://astroscale.com/ Adrian Mangiuca:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-mangiuca/ Website: https://voyagerspace.com/ Gurdeep Pall:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gurdeep-pall-0aa639bb  Website: www.microsoft.com   Morten Joergenson:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mortenvalthergraaejoergensen  Website: fridaypm.com Kim Aspeling:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-aspeling-67165537/ Website: https://www.amillionads.com/ Kane Simms:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanesimmsWebsite: https://vux.worldAbout the Show“The Future Of” is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we’ll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

In this episode of The Future Of, Jeff is joined by Carolyn Belle, Director of Advanced Systems for Astroscale, and Andrew Maximov, CEO and Founder of Precious Payload, and Adrian Mangiuca, Vice President of Infrastructure at Voyager Space Holdings, to discuss the opportunities of building a sustainable and successful space economy.They cover:[00:12:06] The space economy includes building and launching satellites, operating them in space, sending data down to the earth, and providing communication and GPS services[00:15:04] The space economy market is roughly 300 to 400 billion dollars. The funding comes from a government and commercial mix operating with communications and GPS data[00:16:28] One of the greatest misconceptions about the space economy is people often say that space is so expensive and look at the industry with disbelief. Another misconception is that space is only a playground for billionaires[00:20:35] Big space players like Elon Musk drive immense value to the space economy. But, at the end of the day, thousands of engineers, managers, and other professionals work to push the industry forward[00:24:58] Robotics, autonomy, AI, and drone technology are significant to the space economy. These technologies reduce the cost of space operations and increase the speed at which we can deploy new innovations in space[00:34:55] Regarding the space economy, you should focus on viable ideas and solutions. Though things like asteroid mining sound profitable, the amount of capital and complexity make it unreasonable in the present. One of the things the space economy misses is the infrastructure to build these capabilities[00:41:07] The future of the space economy promises a more robust, dynamic, and interconnected activity. There would be a lot of incremental updates on existing systems and new applications[00:49:03] When it comes to space ethics and equity, we should understand young specialists' perspectives and priorities, attract people beyond the space industry, and engage the global communityIf you’re interested in the space economy, tune into this episode of “The Future Of”, a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.Full transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-the-space-economy/Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBAnd connect with Carolyn Belle, Andrew Maximov, and Adrian Mangiuca here:Carolyn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynbelle/ Website: https://astroscale.com/ Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreymaximov/ Website: https://preciouspayload.com/ Adrian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-mangiuca/ Website: https://voyagerspace.com/ About the Show“The Future Of” is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we’ll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

How we interact with technology has changed significantly over the last several years. Immersive technology has flourished since the COVID-19 pandemic as more workplace sectors opt for safer working, learning, and development practices. It is possible to improve how computers, people, things, and their environments interact with one another by using spatial computing. Spatial computing offers applications that go beyond retail and entertainment and aim to give the virtual world a more humane feel. With the aid of this technology, the digital 3D depiction of the virtual world can be created without the inconvenience of bulky equipment.To understand the future of spatial computing in this episode of "The Future Of", Jeff is joined by Rene Schulte, Lead of the Spatial Computing Community of Practice at Reply and Botond Bognar, Co-founder ar REscan with additional insights from Remi Arnaud, Principal Software Architect at Varjo.They cover:[00:03:31] ”By retaining and modifying references to actual objects and environments, spatial computing enables human engagement with a machine so that contextual information may be traversed and understood”[00:07:00] This technology will make entities incredibly real, both for the user and for their effect on the user.[00:15:00] In an immersive environment that spatial computing will create, proper human interaction would involve the use of hands, eyes, verbal commands, and possibly full body tracking.[00:17:00] A fascinating use of spatial computing is "remote assistance," which allows a user to stream directly in first person to a domain expert and learn in real-time.[00:18:00] Wearables can be used to produce haptic feedback in AR/VR (haptic gloves, vests, and suits). Even little amounts of haptic feedback significantly enhance the user experience.[00:23:00] Two of the primary challenges in spatial computing. Geo-privacy concerns: Real-time location information is provided via applications of spatial computing like GPS locators and trackers. And it will be crucial to design with privacy or inclusion in mind.To be able to connect and interact with each other on the virtual spatial space[00:30:00] The objective is to create a wall-sized, 3-D volumetric display that will allow users to have an extremely immersive experience without the use of burdensome glasses.[00:34:44] Examples of the impacts of spatial computing: Education: Being able to teach concepts in 3-D rather than 2-D making education more interesting for studentsHealthcare: Medical experts can accomplish more through real-time interactions with other professionals and on virtual objects that can respond much like people do.[00:40:30] A significant opportunity for technology to become more humane is provided by spatial computing. for instance, not needing a desktop computer to perform a task that I can only perform on a desktop computer.[00:51:20] As spatial computation boosts technological capability, individuals and digital platforms may become more interactive, creative, and lessen only consumerism.If you’re interested in the concept and impact of spatial computing, tune into this episode of “The Future of”, a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.Full transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-spatial-computing/Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBAnd connect with Rene Schulte, Botond Bognar and Remi Arnaud here:Rene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneschulteWebsite: http://www.reply.comBotond:linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondbWebsite: http://www.rescan360.comRemi:linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r%C3%A9mi-arnaud-002200/?trk=lil_instructorWebsite: https://www.varjo.comAbout the Show“The Future Of” is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we’ll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI

Retail is the process of selling goods or services to a consumer. Retail sales can be made directly to customers or via retail outlets. Recently, retail innovation has accelerated to a level never witnessed before. Due to the epidemic, retailers have developed a greater capacity for adaptability, creativity, and innovation.To understand the future of Retail, in this episode of "The Future Of" Jeff is joined by Gautham Vadakkepatt, an Associate Professor, a Dean's Scholar, and the Director of the Center for Retail Transformation at George Mason University, with additional insights from Sucharita Kodali, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research.They cover:[00:02:37] Fundamentally, "retail is the process of selling goods or services to a consumer." Retail could be selling directly to consumers or through retail stores[00:03:00] A few common things, whether selling directly to consumers or retail stores, are common. They are: Merchandising: This has to do with commercializing your product or serviceLabor: This has to do with your store associates and teams as well as the customer service componentMarketing: has to do with how you get people to your offline or online store, how you get them to stay as a customer, their post-purchase experience, and moreSupply chain: This has to do with how you move products from the manufacturer to the consumer and when and where they want them[00:04:42] Direct to Customer (DTC) retail was first introduced in the industry's early days, when items were sold at retail stores[00:06:50] The pace of retail innovation has recently increased at a never-before-seen rate. Since the pandemic, retailers have become much more adaptable, inventive, and capable of meeting the ever-changing needs of their customers[00:09:14] The desire for convenience has skyrocketed and made the buy online pick-up stores a play on comfort[00:10:30] Retailers are fully aware of the environmental sustainability footprint and are making conscious efforts to address it. Remarkably, they view these more as opportunities rather than concerns.[00:11:25] Retailers' biggest problem is eliminating friction and creating memorable customer experiences. [00:11:50] Examples of friction points retailers are facing are: Going through a physical store, the amount of time you spent at checkout Stock outs  Returns on products  Product discovery Customer support[00:13:53] "Only about 14% of all commerce in the US is still online". Most of it is in-store, but the important thing is that there's synergy between online and offline.[00:21:57] "AI is the glue that holds the future of retail together because it allows you to effectively function and scale to whatever level of ambition"[00:31:57] Retail is the largest private sector employer in the US. This will not change soon.Full transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-retail/Subscribe here:Apple: https://apple.co/3t0hujsSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3BLB3jabCast: https://bit.ly/38yNx3lRSS: https://bit.ly/3uaCPIBAnd connect with Gautham Vadakkepatt and Sucharita Kodali here:Gautham:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gautham-vadakkepatt-b1a1974/  Website: https://gauthamvadakkepatt.com/Sucharita:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sucharitamulpuruWebsite: http://www.forrester.com About the Show“The Future Of” is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we’ll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.Previous guests include: Gurdeep Pall of Microsoft, Carolyn Belle of Astroscale, Kane Simms of VUX World, Rogger Kibbe of Samsung Research America, Rob Tiffany of Sustainable Logix, Katrina Stevens of Tech Interactive, Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:The Future of the MetaverseThe Future of ConstructionThe Future of Generative AI