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
Dec 22, 2023 • 16min
Is technology our savior — or our slayer? | Ruha Benjamin
Sociologist Ruha Benjamin discusses a future where technology uplifts ordinary people and addresses issues like healthcare and housing. The podcast explores contrasting visions of the future with Silicon Valley and Hollywood, the consequences of prioritizing technological advancements, the impact of tech hubs on inequality, and the importance of strengthening the social fabric. Benjamin encourages listeners to consider their impact on overlooked communities.
Dec 15, 2023 • 13min
AI is dangerous, but not for the reasons you think | Sasha Luccioni
Sasha Luccioni, an AI ethic researcher, discusses the current negative impacts of AI, including carbon emissions, copyright infringement, and biased information. She offers practical solutions for regulation to ensure inclusivity and transparency.
5 snips
Dec 8, 2023 • 15min
How to make learning as addictive as social media | Luis von Ahn
Technologist Luis von Ahn discusses how Duolingo uses the addictive nature of social media and mobile games to make learning exciting. He explains the importance of equal access to education, engaging users through streaks and notifications, and the future of learning through gamification and mobile technology.
4 snips
Dec 1, 2023 • 17min
A brain implant that turns your thoughts into text | Tom Oxley
Neurotech entrepreneur Tom Oxley discusses the Stentrode, an implantable brain-computer interface that allows individuals with paralysis to communicate by converting their thoughts into text. The podcast explores the potential benefits of this technology for individuals with disabilities and highlights its non-invasive approach. It also delves into the promise of brain-computer interface technology in restoring autonomy and dignity to people with paralysis and the potential of the Stentrode in improving communication abilities for individuals with neurological conditions.
Nov 24, 2023 • 16min
The tech we need to fight workplace ageism | Piyachart Phiromswad
Economist Piyachart Phiromswad discusses tools to empower elderly workers in the face of workplace ageism, including exoskeletons, remote work, and robotic arms. The talk also explores the ethical considerations of keeping aging populations in the workforce for productivity.
Nov 17, 2023 • 35min
Uber, and how to fix things when trust is broken | Fixable
Anne and Frances, experts in trust, discuss how to fix trust breakdowns using Uber as a case study. They explain the three pillars of trust - authenticity, empathy, and logic - and provide actionable solutions to strengthen trust in organizations.
9 snips
Nov 10, 2023 • 15min
Can AI help solve the climate crisis? | Sims Witherspoon
Sims Witherspoon, Leader at Google DeepMind, discusses how AI can help solve the climate crisis by predicting ecosystems, creating clean energy, and optimizing wind power. The importance of data and partnerships in deploying AI systems is also highlighted.
13 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 18min
How "digital twins" could help us predict the future | Karen Willcox
Aerospace engineer Karen Willcox explores the incredible possibilities of 'digital twins' across engineering, climate studies, and medicine. She discusses the use of digital twins to understand and improve complex systems, personalized predictions, engineering systems, applications in various fields, and the challenges in creating digital twins.
Oct 27, 2023 • 10min
The future of machines that move like animals | Robert Katzschmann
"Robert Katzschmann, Builder of soft-bodied robots that imitate natural movements with artificial, silent muscles", discusses the future of biomimetic machines that move like animals and the potential use of living muscle cells in creating them. The podcast explores the design process and emphasizes the importance of integrating these robots safely with humans and respecting nature. It also highlights the benefits of bio-inspired robots in search and rescue operations and agriculture.
6 snips
Oct 20, 2023 • 12min
War, AI and the new global arms race | Alexandr Wang
Alexandr Wang, a technologist exploring the use of AI in warfare, discusses the potential consequences of AI-powered warfare including lethal drones, armed robots, and autonomous fighter jets. He emphasizes the importance of data and national security in developing new tech to prevent all-out AI warfare.
