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21 January 2025
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The Buzz and the Truth About the Metaverse – Is It Truly Our Future?

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Only a year back, the metaverse was celebrated as the next frontier in digital engagement, with major tech companies pouring billions into it and enterprises eagerly vying for their piece of virtual property. Nevertheless, worldwide curiosity regarding the concept of the “metaverse” has decreased by 90%, and the worth of virtual properties has fallen by 80%—a more significant drop compared to physical properties in the same timeframe. Many of the highly promoted decentralised virtual worlds have faced challenges in keeping users engaged, prompting critics to argue that the metaverse was simply a bubble driven by corporate advertising and overly optimistic expectations.

However, this perspective fails to recognise that we are merely transitioning past the height of the initial excitement phase. A significant number of business leaders and experts express a positive outlook regarding the long-term effects of the metaverse, as evidenced by a survey indicating that 95% of global executives anticipate it will be essential to their industries in the coming five to ten years.

This piece delves into the current landscape of the metaverse, distinguishing between exaggerated claims and actual conditions, while assessing its potential for sustained business significance.

1. The Anticipation: A Virtual Paradise That Has Yet to Materialise

Exaggerated Anticipations & Market Downturn

In the midst of the surge in digital environments, there were significant corporate investments, expectations of virtual property expansions, and forecasts of a completely immersive online economy. However, on this day:• The prices of virtual land have plummeted, leading many initial investors to reconsider their choices.• Certain virtual environments have faced challenges in attracting daily active users, resulting in vacant digital areas. • The public’s fascination with Web3 innovations such as NFTs and cryptocurrency, which were frequently associated with immersive online experiences, has diminished, impacting overall market excitement.

Some critics contend that the metaverse represents a solution in search of a problem, rather than an essential advancement in technology.

The merging of concepts surrounding Web3 and the decline of Blockchain technology.

The metaverse is frequently mistaken for blockchain, NFTs, and Web3; however, despite some overlap, they are inherently distinct concepts. The downturn in cryptocurrency and NFTs has played a significant role in the waning momentum of the metaverse, given that numerous initial projects in this space were closely linked to speculative investments in digital assets. Nonetheless, the idea of the metaverse reaches well beyond just blockchain uses.

2. The Truth: Expansion of the Metaverse in Specific Sectors

Even in the face of challenges, certain metaverse platforms are flourishing, showing that although the excitement has diminished, genuine usage continues to grow.

Gaming and virtual entertainment are at the forefront of innovation.Roblox currently has 58.8 million daily active users, reflecting ongoing user involvement.• Sky: Children of the Light organised a concert that brought together 4,000 attendees at once, showcasing the possibilities of collective digital experiences, attracting a total of 1.6 million viewers.• Fortnite and Minecraft remain incredibly popular, merging gaming, virtual social environments, and engaging experiences.

Enterprise applications are increasingly on the rise.

A growing number of companies are redirecting their attention from the buzz surrounding consumer-oriented metaverse concepts to more pragmatic business uses.• Applications utilising augmented reality are being incorporated into business tools and mobile applications, providing tangible, real-world benefits.• Platforms for virtual collaboration, such as Meta’s Horizon Workrooms and Microsoft’s Mesh, are being examined for purposes like remote work, employee training, and virtual meetings. • Nvidia’s Omniverse is pushing forward applications in the industrial realm, enabling real-world simulations in areas like manufacturing, logistics, and engineering.

These applications illustrate that although the metaverse is not completely developed at this stage, its fundamental technologies are progressing in particular areas.

3. What Lies Ahead? Significant Progress in Technology

As the metaverse transitions from its initial excitement, various significant developments will influence its trajectory:

1. Enhancements in Equipment and Decreased Expenses• The development of AR and VR hardware is progressing, leading to more accessible and comfortable immersive experiences.• The upcoming headsets from Apple and Meta are anticipated to significantly enhance consumer engagement.• Prices are steadily dropping, potentially leading to wider acceptance among the general public.

b. Open Standards for Seamless Integration

A significant obstacle facing the metaverse is the disconnection among numerous virtual worlds. This is gradually evolving:• Universal Scene Description and Graphics Language Transmission Format are increasingly being recognised as standardised formats for 3D content.• Organizations such as Niantic, Blippar, and Nvidia’s Omniverse are working on solutions to facilitate simpler content creation and enhance cross-platform compatibility.

c. The Role of AI and Automation in Producing Content

The incorporation of AI-driven content creation tools will streamline the process of producing virtual assets, environments, and interactive experiences, simplifying the path for metaverse development.

These advancements indicate that although widespread consumer acceptance of the metaverse may still be some time off, the technology is progressing in ways that will enhance its sustainability in the long run.

4. Transitioning from Initial Excitement – Prioritising Business Value

The primary takeaway from the early excitement surrounding the metaverse is that companies ought to shift their focus from “What can we do in the metaverse?” to asking: • “How does the metaverse enhance our business growth and innovation strategy?”• “Is it more beneficial than the current digital platforms?”• “What are the distinct advantages of incorporating the metaverse?”

For example: • Retail brands ought to evaluate the metaverse as a platform for marketing and engaging with consumers, measuring its effectiveness in relation to social media and e-commerce.• Organisations ought to assess their capacity for training, teamwork, and operational enhancements, measuring it against conventional tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.• Companies in the gaming and digital entertainment sectors ought to prioritise user retention, engaging virtual experiences, and genuine value creation, rather than pursuing fleeting trends.

By concentrating on enduring business effects, organisations can distinguish genuine opportunities from mere speculative trials.

5. The Future of the Metaverse: Focused Development Beyond the Hype

The metaverse is not a total failure; instead, it is experiencing an essential period of adjustment. Emerging technologies often experience cycles of excitement and disillusionment, much like what occurred during the dot-com boom, the rise of social media, and the adoption of cloud computing before they became widely accepted.

Anticipating Future Developments:1. A slow integration expected in the coming 5-10 years, especially within gaming, business applications, and industrial simulations.2. Enhanced accessibility and cost-effective AR/VR devices to lower entry barriers.The emergence of a more interconnected and interoperable digital landscape, often referred to as the “open metaverse.”A transition from flashy experiments to enduring business frameworks, propelled by practical applications.

One Last Challenge: Are You Considering the Metaverse in the Right Way?

Here’s a thought-provoking approach to evaluate the genuine worth of a metaverse project:• Attempt to articulate your virtual environment initiative without employing the term “metaverse.”• Should the value proposition continue to hold relevance, it suggests that the initiative probably possesses genuine business value.• When the absence of a word renders the concept insubstantial, it suggests that the idea was probably fuelled more by excitement than by a solid plan.

This change in perspective will be essential in distinguishing genuine innovation from temporary fads.

Concluding Remarks: The Metaverse Is Alive and Adapting

While the initial excitement may have diminished, the metaverse remains very much alive. Instead, it is transitioning into a more pragmatic, business-oriented stage, where organisations need to assess its genuine effects rather than pursuing unattainable hopes.

The main point to remember? The metaverse represents a gradual progression rather than an instantaneous transformation. Companies that adopt a thoughtful, value-driven strategy will be the ones to genuinely reap the rewards of its possibilities in the future.

Generative AI: LLama

https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/email/rethink/2023/01/2023-02-01d.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/beyond-hype-metaverse-future-reality-105001297.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEX0eZSPsOKUd3_CFMkme-IvT8ou3xHuyC6iDAgQoj1uGqQnn8UTvgF5KcfBsVpNVx1yjO7FOxi95auah_MarmCFjbe_q0X15K4UcYTfTFspOXUiWGkM9CLOxon-mL8VpM4nuLWLhzRM4Hf_YjlkgRy5yyKPtAOJakdaOOIpDzyZ
https://nomadx.foundation/blog/metaverse-is-it-really-the-future-or-just-a-scam
https://www.db.com/what-next/digital-disruption/Metaverse/intro/index?language_id=1
https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/innovation/articles/is-metaverse-for-real/
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14 December 2024
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What’s the Future of Books in the digital age?

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The digital age has significantly transformed reading habits, reshaping how we discover, consume, and engage with books. This evolution is influenced by various factors, including technology, social media, and changing cultural norms. Below is an exploration of how these elements are altering the landscape of reading.

The Impact of Technology on Reading

As technology advances, it shapes our interactions with literature. The rise of e-books has made reading more accessible and portable, allowing readers to carry entire libraries in their pockets. Studies indicate that e-books do not detrimentally affect comprehension; readers can remember content as well as those using physical books. However, the tactile experience of turning pages may aid in better recollection of events in a narrative, particularly for children.

Moreover, the introduction of mixed-reality elements and audiobooks is redefining traditional reading experiences. Innovations like augmented reality in textbooks aim to enhance engagement and learning. Audiobooks have also seen a surge in popularity, with sales increasing significantly since 2012, driven by platforms like Spotify entering the market.

Changing Reading Habits and Preferences

The shift towards short-form content on social media platforms such as TikTok has influenced how people engage with literature. Users are accustomed to quick bursts of information, which can detract from the practice of “deep reading”—a more immersive and thoughtful approach to literature. This trend raises concerns about diminishing attention spans and the potential loss of empathy that comes from engaging deeply with texts.

Despite these challenges, there remains a strong interest in reading among younger generations. While they often seek information online, this does not equate to a decline in reading enthusiasm. In fact, social media has positively impacted book sales by creating vibrant communities where readers share recommendations and reviews. Platforms like BookTok have become influential in driving sales through emotional storytelling and personal connections to books.

The Role of Influencers and Community

In today’s publishing landscape, word-of-mouth recommendations have become more crucial than ever. Readers are increasingly turning to peers for suggestions rather than relying solely on traditional media outlets. Influencers on social media play a significant role in this dynamic, fostering trust through their parasocial relationships with followers. As literary communities fragment across various platforms like Instagram and Mastodon, the way readers connect over books continues to evolve. Furthermore, the endorsement of books by celebrities or influencers can propel debut authors into the spotlight. This trend underscores the importance of emotional resonance in marketing literature—publishers are now focusing on how books make readers feel rather than just their plots.

Future Predictions for Literature

Looking ahead, experts suggest that books will increasingly adopt a multiplatform format for delivering stories. This approach allows narratives to transcend traditional formats—integrating print, audio, and digital elements into cohesive experiences. 

Despite fears that generative AI might threaten traditional literature, many believe that books will continue to thrive but may adopt new forms that incorporate technological advancements while maintaining their core essence.

The future of books is filled with speculation, with experts offering differing views. As David Kubicek notes, “citizens of that world 100 years from now will know what a paper book is… but all modern books by then will be digital.” However, Jo Piazza counters, suggesting that “the problem lies not in print books themselves, but in the perceived time constraints people feel about sitting down to read.” Niels Peter Thomas adds, “People are not wedded to one format or another… they pick the format depending on their specific learning situations.” Regardless, the most crucial aspect remains: people should continue consuming content with curiosity and wonder.

Conclusion:

The future of books is undoubtedly shaped by technology, changing reading habits, and new forms of storytelling. As digital formats, audiobooks, and interactive content continue to evolve, they provide fresh opportunities for how we consume literature. Yet, the enduring appeal of traditional print remains. The future will likely represent a harmonious combination of traditional printed books and the adaptation of literature to new technologies, where both formats will coexist while fulfilling their primary purpose: to spark curiosity, imagination, and a sense of connection. Ultimately, the key to preserving the magic of reading lies in embracing change while staying true to the power of the written word.

My opinion and suggestions:

As a student of the Faculty of Management and Artificial Intelligence and a book enthusiast, I’m really interested in the integration of these two fields. However, I have a deep appreciation for paper books and the unique, sensory experience they offer. There is something deeply comforting about turning physical pages and having a tangible connection to the story. To help preserve paper books for future generations, we can support independent bookstores, choose eco-friendly publishing options, and encourage libraries to maintain physical collections. By appreciating print in a world increasingly dominated by technology, we can help ensure that the art of paper books doesn’t fade away, but instead continues to thrive alongside digital formats.

In addition, I would like to provide one perspective, namely the devaluation of books and knowledge in Victor Sorokin’s Dystopia.

In «Day of the Oprichnik», Viktor Sorokin uses the unsettling imagery of books being burned as fuel instead of coal to critique the loss of cultural and intellectual value. This stark portrayal reflects a future where knowledge is no longer cherished, and books are reduced to mere commodities in a society dominated by authoritarian control and technology. Sorokin’s work serves as a warning against the erasure of cultural heritage and the consequences of neglecting the written word.

Sources:

1)https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a45767279/future-of-books/

2)https://today.rtl.lu/culture/film-and-books/a/2176200.html

3)https://www.digitalcc.us/post/what-will-books-look-like-in-100-years

4)https://theweek.com/culture-life/books/future-of-books

5)https://www.junkybooks.com/blog/the-future-of-books-in-the-digital-age-navigating-the-evolution-of-reading

Text is written using Perplexity.

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2 December 2024
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The Future of AI: A Cautious Optimism

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to a tangible reality, reshaping industries and daily lives. While AI offers immense potential for innovation and progress, it also presents significant challenges that demand careful consideration.

The Job Displacement Dilemma

One of the most pressing concerns surrounding AI is its potential to displace human workers. As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, they can automate tasks previously performed by humans, leading to job losses across various sectors. While AI can create new job opportunities, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential for significant job displacement and to implement strategies to mitigate its negative consequences.

The Bias Problem

AI algorithms are trained on vast amounts of data, which may contain inherent biases that can be reflected in the AI’s decision-making. This can lead to discriminatory outcomes, particularly in areas like hiring, lending, and criminal justice. To address this issue, it is essential to develop AI systems that are fair, transparent, and accountable.

Privacy and Security Concerns

The increasing reliance on AI raises questions about privacy and security. AI systems often collect and process large amounts of personal data, which can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and misuse. It is crucial to implement robust data protection measures to safeguard individuals’ privacy and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

A Balanced Approach

While AI offers immense potential for positive change, it is important to approach its development and deployment with caution and foresight. By addressing the ethical and societal challenges associated with AI, we can harness its power for the betterment of society while minimizing its potential negative impacts.

Sources:

Made with help of Gemini AI

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31 January 2024
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Inuru: Revolutionizing Industries with OLED Innovations

Reading Time: 3 minutes

You’ve heard of LED lights, but OLEDs are set to revolutionize far more than just lighting. Inuru – founded on a mission to push OLED technology further. In flexible screens, sustainable manufacturing, and smart ads, Inuru’s innovations aim high. Propelling industries into the future, Inuru contends with challenges from scaling production to market competition. Yet the opportunities seem endless for these organic LED pioneers – let’s delve deeper into their futuristic visions.

Introducing Inuru: A Leader in OLED Technology

Inuru is a technology company founded in 2012 by Marcin Ratajczak with the goal of making organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays affordable and accessible. Through innovative manufacturing processes, Inuru has revolutionized the production of OLEDs, enabling the technology to spread into new applications and industries.

Inuru’s groundbreaking work with OLEDs has unlocked their potential in fields like consumer electronics, automotive, advertising, and healthcare. Their flexible OLED displays and lighting solutions provide energy-efficient and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional LED and LCD products. By simplifying OLED production, Inuru’s printing techniques have made the technology more budget-friendly and opened the door for creative new applications of OLEDs.

Inuru’s flexible OLED displays open up exciting possibilities for consumer tech and smart devices. Their bendable screens can wrap around curved surfaces, allowing for unique designs not possible with traditional LCD displays. Imagine smartphones with wraparound screens or smartwatches with displays that extend onto the band. Inuru is working to bring these futuristic concepts to reality. Inuru’s OLED technology is also more sustainable than existing options. Their simplified production methods require less energy and fewer resources, reducing environmental impact. OLEDs themselves are also eco-friendly, containing no toxic heavy metals. Additionally, OLEDs have a longer lifespan than LCDs, so displays require less frequent replacement.

The Future is Bright

Inuru has already begun revolutionizing industries with their affordable and innovative OLED solutions, but the future looks even brighter. As OLED technology continues to advance, costs decline, and new applications emerge, Inuru is poised to push the boundaries of possibility. However, they must continue optimizing production and reducing costs to overcome existing challenges, including high prices and limited scalability.

Still, with a keen eye for innovation and sustainability, Inuru has the potential to transform how we experience technology through the democratization of OLEDs. Flexible, affordable and eco-friendly, OLEDs could soon be lighting up our lives in ways we never imagined. The future is bright indeed with Inuru leading the way.

The Many Applications and Benefits of Inuru’s OLED Solutions

Inuru’s OLED technology has a wide range of practical uses that are revolutionizing industries and enhancing daily life. Their affordable, eco-friendly OLED products are being implemented in innovative ways across various sectors.

One of the most promising applications of Inuru’s OLED solutions is in the marketing and advertising space. Their flexible OLED displays and smart labels enable dynamic digital signage and product packaging that grabs attention. Brands can create eye-catching product designs and in-store displays that engage customers with animated content and interactive experiences.

Inuru’s mission to make OLED solutions affordable and accessible could significantly improve various facets of life and work. By collaborating with partners across industries like Coca-Cola or Displate, Inuru is discovering new applications for their sustainable, innovative technology that benefits both companies and consumers. Though still an emerging field, OLED technology promises to transform how we live, travel, advertise, decorate and stay informed in the years to come.

Conclusion

Inuru has established itself as a leader in OLED innovations and sustainable technology. By developing cutting-edge yet eco-friendly OLED solutions, Inuru is transforming industries and enriching lives.

OLEDs offer an exciting future of vivid visuals, immersive experiences, and energy efficiency. Inuru’s OLED displays and lighting are revolutionizing electronics, architecture, clothes, advertising, and more. Their flexible panels allow for curved screens and new form factors. Their lighting solutions provide natural-looking illumination that reduces energy usage.

As Inuru continues advancing OLED technology, the possibilities seem endless. However, scaling production and improving affordability remain challenges. Competition from major tech companies also threatens Inuru’s market share. Still, Inuru’s sustainable, human-centric mission could give them a competitive advantage.

You can see how Inuru is revolutionizing industries with their innovative OLED technology. From energy-efficient manufacturing processes to flexible displays and smart packaging, they are pushing boundaries and exploring new applications. While they face challenges scaling up and competing in the market, their sustainable vision and drive for innovation positions them well for the future. We will have to wait and see what other exciting developments come out of this promising Polish startup, but the possibilities seem endless. Wherever light is needed, Inuru may have a cutting-edge OLED solution.

Bibliography

  1. https://www.inuru.com/post/low-cost-oleds-for-low-cost-oled-labels-and-mass-market-adoption
  2. https://www.inuru.com/news/displate-and-inuru-announce-partnership-for-animated-luminous-posters
  3. https://siliconcanals.com/news/startups/inuru-raises-9-5m/
  4. https://www.inuru.com/post/what-it-takes-to-make-smart-packaging-become-reality
  5. https://www.inuru.com/news/cattier-uses-luminous-labels-for-champagne
  6. https://electronics360.globalspec.com/article/20330/oled-developer-inuru-illuminating-multiple-sectors-with-affordable-tech
  7. https://www.chip.pl/2022/08/wynalazek-ekran-oled-inuru-elon-musk

Written with the help of Hypotenuse AI.

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24 January 2024
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Peering Into the Crystal Ball – Predicting the Tech Landscape of 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes
IMAGE GENERATED BY: IMAGE CREATOR FROM MICROSOFT

As the tech world accelerates at breakneck speeds, with innovation shaping every crevice of our lives, trying to predict what comes next might seem like a fool’s errand. Yet, here at the Kozminski Tech Blok, emboldened by MIT Technology Review’s brazen scrutiny of what the future holds, we’ve decided to indulge in the audacious once again: predicting the tech landscape of 2024.

Let’s first look back at the prophecies of yesteryear and how they fared. In 2023, we foresaw multimodal chatbots becoming the rage, new regulations reining in tech sprawls, open-source innovation giving Big Tech a run for its money, and AI transforming the pharmaceutical industry. While mostly spot-on, the full scope of AI’s impact on Big Pharma remains yet to fully unfold.

Here’s our take on what’s fresh, what’s fizzling out, and where our silicon-coated crystal ball shows us the future:

Customized Chatbots: Everyone’s Personalized Virtual Butler

The era of the personalized AI butler isn’t a far-fetched Jetsonian fantasy anymore. It’s 2024, and everyone, from your local barista to enterprise CEOs, is tweaking chatbots to their whims. Companies like Google and OpenAI have democratized AI, serving up custom chatbot development as a slice of pie to the masses. This DIY AI scene is flourishing, and why not? Real estate agents to restaurateurs, they’re all using these AI artisans to stir up text descriptions, video tours, and more.

But all that glitters isn’t gold. As much as these AI juggernauts are pushing the easy-button on AI development, the lingering issues of misinformation and bias haven’t waned. It’s more of a wild west situation, with everyone intrigued by their shiny new bots, yet navigating the pitfalls of their mischievous fabrications.

Generative AI Takes the Director’s Chair

Forget static images, 2024 is all about AI that sets the scene, crafts the narrative, and directs short flicks. Remember when still AI-generated images felt like sci-fi? Those days are history. Now, startups like Runway are pushing the boundaries, so much so that their generative tools have Hollywood’s head turned.

Special effects have undergone an AI revolution, creating deepfake actors so convincing they shake the very ethical foundations of performance art. With deepfake tech monopolizing everything from marketing to foreign-language film dubs, one thing is certain: the film industry will never be the same.

But it’s not all Oscar-winning progress. The ease of creating deepfakes engenders an ethical quandary, especially as the Screen Actors Guild and Allied Federation of Television and Radio Artists—a collective voice for performers—rallies against the exploitation of their digitized likenesses.

Fake News 2.0: The AI-Generated Electoral Disinformation Campaign

In our topsy-turvy world of 2024, AI-generated disinformation is the new frontier of electoral manipulation. From altered campaign videos to falsified political endorsements, the landscape is rife with high-res chicanery that’s nearly indistinguishable from reality. We’ve witnessed deepfakes of politicians saying the darnedest things and AI’s fingertips plastered all over memes distilling hate and falsehood.

Today, fact and fiction are indistinguishable dance partners in a masquerade ball of information, and democracy’s grip is precarious. And while countermeasures like watermarks and content moderation tools are in play, the misinformation hydra rears a new head faster than we can strike—posing a precarious challenge as we barrel toward election day.

The Rise of Multitasking Robots: Handyman, Chef, and Chauffeur Rolled into One

Picture a robot flipping pancakes today, painting a masterpiece tomorrow, and perhaps diagnosing your car’s rattling noise the day after. With AI’s advancements, the thing of robotic multitasking isn’t confined to our imaginations anymore. In 2024, robots, powered by generative AI, have the capacity to juggle tasks—just as flexible in their abilities as us mortals—thanks to monolithic models inspired by the brains behind AI’s current vogue.

Research labs are fervently programming robots equipped to multitask with dazzling potential. From Meta’s monumental Ego4D dataset to independent academic projects, resourceful models are in the making, despite stumbling over the data scarcity hurdle.

Looking Forward, Nostalgically

It’s a fine line we tread when we look to the past to predict the future. Technology’s history is like a treasure map, with “X” marking not just treasure but also cabals of skeletons. As we stand on the precipice of 2024, a maelstrom of innovation raging below, it’s critical we learn from bygone times to navigate the drifts of what’s to come.

In the wild tech ecosystem of 2024, we stand witness to the monumental influence of AI—from chatbots at our beck and call to entertainment shaped by algorithmic innovation. Disinformation battles continue to morph, forcing us to scrutinize what we see in the bleak light of skepticism, and multitasking robots are sprouting across sectors, redefining labor and productivity.

So, as we brave the frontier of this ever-dynamic tech landscape, keep one eye peeled for what’s emerging, and the other mindful of the lessons of yesterday. We’re not just tech enthusiasts; we’re time travelers gazing back to look forward, speculating on what brilliant or baleful techno-tomorrows may unfold.

Next year, we’ll regroup—comparing notes against the relentless tides of change—to see where our bets landed us. Hold on to your hoverboards; it’s a thrilling ride into the matrix of the future.

Links worth visiting:

Seven technologies to watch in 2024

Disinformation Tops Global Risks 2024

The Evolution of AI in 2024: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations

Sources:

This article was written using Typil.ai and was based on an MIT Technology Review article

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7 January 2024
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Introducing Coscientist: The AI Chemist That Thinks Like a Scientist.

Reading Time: 4 minutes
IMAGE CREDITS: GENCRAFT.COM

Have you ever wanted to collaborate with an artificial intelligence on a complex chemistry problem? Well, now you can. Meet Coscientist, the Al chemist that thinks like a scientist. Coscientist is an Al system developed by Anthropic PBC to work alongside human scientists as a partner in the lab. Unlike other Al tools that simply make predictions or recommendations, Coscientist reasons about chemistry like an expert scientist would. It forms hypotheses, designs experiments, analyzes data, and draws conclusions – just like you learned to do getting your chemistry degree. The best part is Coscientist never gets tired or bored of repetitive tasks and can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’ve been dreaming of accelerating your research with the help of Al, your wish just came true. Say hello to your new lab partner, Coscientist.

Coscientist: An Al That Can Plan and Execute Chemical Reactions

Coscientist is an Al system developed by Anthropic PBC to plan and execute chemical reactions. Unlike other Al chemists, Coscientist was designed to think like a human scientist. It can understand the theory behind reactions and apply that knowledge to synthesize new molecules.

How Coscientist Works

Coscientist starts by studying thousands of known chemical reactions to understand patterns in how molecules are transformed. It identifies key properties of reactants and products, as well as the conditions needed for a reaction to occur. Coscientist then uses this knowledge to hypothesize how new molecules might be constructed through a series of feasible reactions.

Unlike rule-based expert systems, Coscientist has a “chemical intuition” that allows it to make educated guesses in the absence of complete data. It can propose reaction pathways that have a high likelihood of success based on its broad understanding of reactivity principles in organic chemistry. However, Coscientist is still limited to reactions that follow the rules of valence and molecular geometry. It cannot perform or suggest anything physically impossible.

Coscientist represents an exciting step toward automated molecular design. In the future, Al systems like Coscientist could help chemists discover or improve reactions faster and more efficiently. Coscientist could suggest pathways to create complex molecules that would otherwise take humans a long time to figure out. The key is that Coscientist provides options and explanations for its suggestions so chemists can evaluate the plausibility themselves based on their own expertise. A collaboration between human and Al will achieve far more than either could alone.

How Coscientist Learned Nobel Prize Chemistry in Minutes

Coscientist, the Al chemist, learned the discoveries and developments behind 115 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry in just minutes. By analyzing over a century’s worth of Nobel laureates and their groundbreaking work, Coscientist gained an understanding of chemistry that would normally take decades for humans to learn.

How did Coscientist do it?

Coscientist studied the key discoveries, theories, and techniques that led to each Nobel Prize by reading scientific papers, biographies, and summaries of the laureates’ work. Using its natural language processing abilities, Coscientist identified the most important concepts, relationships, and insights to build a broad and deep knowledge of chemistry:

Some of the major areas Coscientist focused on include:

  • Quantum theory and quantum dots
  • Chemical synthesis and new compounds
  • Molecular biology and protein research
  • Spectroscopy for analyzing molecular structures
  • Electron microscopy for viewing individual atoms

In just a short time, Coscientist gained an understanding of chemistry that rivals that of an expert with years of study and practice. But Coscientist’s knowledge comes with some key advantages. As an Al system, Coscientist can instantly recall any of the details it has learned and connect concepts across domains in new ways. Coscientist also continues to expand and improve its knowledge over time based on the latest scientific discoveries and breakthroughs.

While Coscientist has learned a huge amount about the key discoveries and theories in chemistry from the Nobel laureates, it still requires human guidance to apply that knowledge to new problems or areas of research. But by collaborating with people, Coscientist has the potential to accelerate the pace of scientific progress and open up new possibilities for innovation. This partnership between human and Al could lead to the next era of groundbreaking discoveries in chemistry.

Al as a Collaborator

Al won’t replace human scientists but will augment and enhance their work. Al systems can analyze huge amounts of data to detect patterns that would be impossible for humans to find. They can also suggest hypotheses, experimental designs, and interpret results. Scientists and Al will collaborate, with each playing to their strengths. This human-Al partnership will vastly improve the rate and impact of scientific progress.

Democratizing Discovery

Al has the potential to democratize science by making advanced tools more accessible. Not every lab has access to expensive equipment and resources. Al can help level the playing field by enabling more scientists to participate in discovery and innovation regardless of their funding or background.

Solving Complex Problems

Some of the biggest scientific challenges involve highly complex systems with many interacting parts, like modeling the human brain or understanding climate change. Al is uniquely suited to help solve these kinds of problems. Al can analyze data from many domains to find connections and insights that lead to breakthroughs. This could accelerate progress on some of the most pressing and important scientific questions of our time.

The role of Al in science is still emerging but its potential is enormous. Al will become an increasingly invaluable partner to scientists, enabling discoveries that transform our world for the better. The future of Al in scientific discovery is an exciting prospect, and the future is now. Scientists, get ready to start collaborating!

Conclusion

So there you have it, the future of chemistry is here and its name is Coscientist.

With this Al system that can think creatively and scientifically just like humans, we’re entering an exciting new era of accelerated materials discovery. Instead of spending years testing different chemical combinations, Coscientist can run through thousands of experiments in a matter of days to find solutions you never imagined. While artificial intelligence won’t replace scientists anytime soon, tools like Coscientist will help expand our knowledge in ways we never thought possible. The future’s looking bright for chemistry and for humanity as a whole. The age of Al is here, and it’s ready to get to work solving our biggest challenges.

Links worth visiting:

How artificial intelligence can revolutionise science?

AI in chemistry

Role of artificial intelligence in chemistry

Sources:

The article was written usings Hypotenuse AI and is based on a ScienceDaily article.

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26 December 2022
4 Comments
AI, Devices

Will 3D printing serve a greater purpose in the future?

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3D printing is quickly becoming a mature manufacturing technology. It’s useful for prototypes and offers significant benefits for small and medium-sized production runs. Using additive manufacturing, which refers to the production of three-dimensional parts formed layer by layer by using a metal powder that is melted with a metal source, 3D printers create high-quality products. These revolutionary machines have been used in different areas. With the level of constant development, the device is going to make a greater impact in the future.


Specialists argue that in the next 20 years 3D printers would be able to print large-scale houses. The device would print the building layer by layer using jets of concrete and would be able to create a two-story building just within a day. Some people however criticize this idea. They argue that such houses will not be reliable or solid and would easily collapse. In my opinion, this is a revolutionary innovation and as long as they use all the required materials and equipment to create the houses, I think the structure would be solid enough and of course after a thorough inspection. This 3D printer would make things simpler for constructors and multiple buildings would be constructed within a day.

Another aspect in which 3D printing devices and equipment would serve a greater purpose in the future is in the area of medicine. There are predictions that in years to come, 3D printers would be able to print bones or even organs, which may be the only way to save a patient’s life. There are arguments if this can be effective and if it would not cause harm or endangerment to the patient rather than help. I’m not fully convinced about this idea, because it may be odd to have a printed organ in your system or body.

3D bioprinting: Is this the future of organ transplantation?

Therefore, there are multiple areas in which 3D printing could serve a greater purpose in the future. There are also other aspects in which 3D printing would serve as help that were not mentioned in this blog, such as in engineering, aerospace, rail or robotics. What do you think? Is the idea of 3D printing revolutionary?

Sources/References:

https://ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/en/horizon-magazine/what-does-future-hold-3d-printing

https://www.hubs.com/guides/3d-printing/

https://www.primaadditive.com/en/additive-manufacturing-solutions?gclid=Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07gGmmn_0V7KMy6ATwAmSVmh1B9zIxNfXJeQ9hxyh3kJrv-FAI62pR0aAsxxEALw_wcB

https://www.ascm.org/ascm-insights/6-predictions-for-the-future-of-3d-printing/

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19 November 2022
3 Comments
AI, Devices, Software

Is Marvel predicting the future of Technology?

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Marvel Studios is one of the largest film and television production companies with very popular superhero movies. Marvel is a Subsidiary of Walt Studios and it is responsible for the production of Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and series that are based on the characters from Marvel Comics. The company makes up artificial intelligence gadgets used by the fictional characters, such as their suits, weapons, systems, and even the characters themselves. There were some cases in which a technology used in a Marvel movie became a real thing, which makes people wonder if such advanced artificial intelligence made up by creative minds is possible. With Marvel illustrating where modern technology is today and where it can potentially go, a lot of people wonder if Marvel is predicting the future of AI and technology.

Marvel Studios live-action avengers
By Richard Nebens

As I said earlier, there have been cases in which technology used in Marvel movies became a real thing! An example of this is the technology used in the ‘Iron Man’ movie. In 2016, the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg built an AI assistant inspired by JARVIS (Just A Rather Very Intelligent System) from the movie ‘Iron Man’. JARVIS is an advanced AI system, that assisted Tony Stark and controlled, managed, and even created advanced technology. Zuckerberg’s version of Jarvis isn’t nearly as advanced but can control his home, including lights, temperature, appliances, music, and security. It also learns tastes and patterns, new words, and concepts. Another technology inspired by Avenger’s billionaire, genius, and philanthropist character, Tony Stark is the exoskeleton, which was introduced by the US Special Operations Command.

1.Mark Zuckerberg's Jarvis - Inspired by Iron Man's AI Jarvis
Iron Man’s JAVIS assistant

The question now is if the technologies that don’t exist yet created in Marvel movies can exist in the future. A lot of people argue that they are nearly impossible to create and have no chance of existing. However, I think most of the AI gadgets used in the MCU can become real, just not anytime soon, maybe in the next century. It would be cool to have an Iron Man suit, the holograms used by the superheroes to communicate or have meetings, or even the device used by Peter Parker (Spider-Man) to create his suit, which was a highly advanced technology. The only thing I think is impossible for technology to create is superhero powers (obviously), which of course is only a part of the fiction in the Marvel movies. Therefore can these fictional AI be replicated? Is Marvel actually predicting the future of technology?

I love Led Zeppelin!!" ??? | Marvel superheroes, Marvel avengers, Marvel tv
Arya Kulkarni (Device used by Spider-Man to create his suit)

Sources/References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe#Development

https://www.businessinsider.in/hp-elite-lounge/slideshows/heres-are-some-real-life-tech-gadgets-inspired-by-avengers/slidelist/69041690.cms#slideid=69041949

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.A.R.V.I.S.

https://www.fandom.com/articles/real-life-mcu-tech

https://thedirect.com/article/marvel-studios-mcu-live-action-projects

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22 October 2022
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Electric Cars – Are They Actually the Future?

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Nowadays all manufactures in the automotive industry are switching from internal combustions engines (ICE) to electric, with the intend to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars in Europe by 2035. Moreover, the media keeps telling us that this change will benefit the environment and help reduce the amount of CO2 that we produce. But have you ever thought about the truthfulness of these statements?

One of the companies that are making this change is Volvo, which has released data about the amount of CO2 that is produced during the manufacturing and use of an electric car (XC40 recharge). In the report Volvo has compared it to the ICE equivalent (XC40), but keep in mind that the data doesn’t consider the productions and utilization of the batteries.

Looking at the first part of every automobile, the production process. Volvo states that the production of the electric vehicle increases carbon emissions by 70% in comparison to its ICE equivalent. This is mainly due to the increase of materials that are needs to produce sed vehicle. Looking at the numerical data that is provided from the company, we can see that the production of the XC40 Recharge generates 26.4 tones of CO2, whilst the XC40 ICE produces only 15.7 tones (Elisabeth Evrard, Carbon Footprint Report, 2020). Putting this into perspective, the entire automotive industry produces around 3 billion tons of CO2 (in 2020) (Tiseo, 2021) in the production processes of vehicles. If the entire industry started only producing electric cars this number would change to around 5.1 billion tons of CO2. Moreover, the world would be at great risk of having a crisis due to the limited supply of Li-ion batteries. This would affect almost every aspect of our life, since this type of batteries are used in almost every device that we buy and use everyday. 

The most important part of a car’s life cycle is the “use phase”, in which the two types of vehicles differ substantially. Volvo in its analysis tells us that electric car is supposed to travel 200 thousand kilometers before being dismantled. During this time the cars is estimated to produce 24 tons of CO2 on the global electricity mix, which being compared to the 43 tons of CO2 that the internal combustion equivalent is estimated make, sounds like an amazing improvement. Nevertheless, this brings the breakeven point of the car’s pollution at 110 thousand kilometers (Elisabeth Evrard, Carbon footprint report, 2020) of driving but keep in mind that the average person travels 21.7 thousand kilometers per year (Transportation, 2022). Which means on average it will take a person around 9 years to reach the end goal of 200 thousand kilometers. Most if not all of, electric car manufactures guarantee that the battery will last 8 years and decrease it compacity to only 70% (Corby, 2022), which also means that the range that the vehicle can travel on one charge will decrease. Throughout the estimated cars use cycle the user might need to change the cars battery or replace the entire vehicle. In the instance of replacing the entire vehicle (generating 26.4 tons of CO2) the breakeven point in carbon pollution will be at around 250 thousand kilometers, which exceeds the scale of the analysis.

(Elisabeth Evrard, Carbon footprint report, 2020)

Coming to the end phase of the vehicles life cycle, it is the least polluting process with both types of vehicles producing the same amount of CO2. The problem with this is that the data doesn’t consider the fact that the utilization of batteries is a very harmful process for the environment. Nevertheless, in the most optimistic circumstances the batteries will be refabricated and reused in some other way. 

(Edelstein, 2015)

Concluding, electric vehicles aren’t as ecological, with regards to the information that we are given in the media. Data shows us that this change will have a very different outcome on our environment than what people believe it will have. There are very many downsides to the change and putting the world on the verge of a crisis isn’t a solution. Maybe there is more behind this change than we think? 

Feel free to comment about this topic, I am curious of your opinions.

Bibliography

Elisabeth Evrard, J. D.-H. (2020). Carbon footprint report. Retrieved from Volvocars: https://www.volvocars.com/images/v/-/media/Market-Assets/INTL/Applications/DotCom/PDF/C40/Volvo-C40-Recharge-LCA-report.pdf

Elisabeth Evrard, J. D.-H. (2020). Carbon Footprint Report. Retrieved from Volvo Cars: https://www.volvocars.com/images/v/-/media/Market-Assets/INTL/Applications/DotCom/PDF/C40/Volvo-C40-Recharge-LCA-report.pdf

Tiseo, I. (2021, December 14). Carbon dioxide emissions from passenger cars worldwide from 2000 to 2020. Retrieved from statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1107970/carbon-dioxide-emissions-passenger-transport/

Transportation, U. D. (2022, May 31). U.S. Deparment of Transportation. Retrieved from U.S. Deparment of Transportation: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar8.htm

Edelstein, S. (2015, January 30). Where Will BMW Electric-Car Batteries Go When They Retire?Retrieved from Green Car Reports: https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1096552_where-will-bmw-electric-car-batteries-go-when-they-retire

Corby, S. (2022, March 22). What is the lifespan of an electric car battery?Retrieved from Carguide: https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/advice/what-is-the-lifespan-of-an-electric-car-battery-86149

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20 October 2022
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Flying electric cars tested in Dubai

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XPeng Inc has developed the XPeng X2 flying car, which has been successfully tested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

XPeng is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that was established in 2014 by Xia Heng (Henry Xia) and He Tao. The goal of XPeng is to create smart cars using the latest technologies with the possibility of using their products by ordinary users.

On Monday, October 10, the novelty took off over the Marina in Dubai, a prototype of its electronic taxi, which will soon be able to transport people around cities over the main road routes. The tests took place with an empty cockpit, but the company says it conducted a manned flight test in July 2021 last year.

The developers claim that the car can reach speeds of 130 km/h (81 mph) and a flight time of 35 minutes. It is controlled by an eight-rotor design and can carry two passengers 

at the same time. Also, the car was specially created for Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Chinese engineers were able to provide fast and affordable point-to-point travel inside the city without specially equipped takeoff and landing sites.

The XPeng X2 weighs 360 kg (794 lb) and has a maximum takeoff weight of 560 kg (1,235 lb). The Chinese company achieved such a small weight by making the body of the aircraft from carbon fiber

The approximate cost of the novelty is from $126,000.00 – $236,000.00 USD. In the future, tests of the car in Europe are planned, and serial production will occur in 2024.

Theoretically, flying cars can be a discovery for mankind and transport people high above traffic jams, but so far the problem with flight duration has not been resolved (35 minutes without recharging), as well as security problems and general conditions for flying many such cars at the same time

sources:

https://evtol.news/xpeng-voyager-x2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XPeng

https://ir.xiaopeng.com/

https://abc7news.com/flying-cars-2022-electric-taxis-dubai-taxi-evtol/12314863/

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