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Designing the Robot Revolution

Exploring how design, data and automation is changing our lives


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  • 5. Largeness of LLM's: Diminishing Returns?

    20:54||Season 5, Ep. 5
    In this episode of Designing the Robot Revolution, David and Jacob explore whether the increasing size of large language models (LLMs) is delivering meaningful improvements or reaching a point of diminishing returns. They discuss the balance between scale and utility, questioning how much of these massive models' potential is actually being used and what a plateau would mean for ideation.LINKSOpenAI, Google and Anthropic are struggling to build more advanced AI

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  • 4. The Future of Giving: AI Transforming Charities and Nonprofits

    29:17||Season 5, Ep. 4
    In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming the nonprofit sector, enabling charities to maximise their impact even with limited resources. From deepening connections with beneficiaries to creating more meaningful, personalised donor experiences, AI is helping organisations do more for the communities they serve. Join us as we discuss the future of giving with experts who are pioneering these changes, uncovering how technology can empower charities to deliver greater empathy, efficiency, and impact.GUESTS:Ian McLintockGeorge IrishRoss Angus
  • 3. AI-Driven Business Strategy: the Future of Consulting?

    29:52||Season 5, Ep. 3
    In this episode, Jacob and David explore how AI is transforming business strategy, strategic design and consulting. They discuss real-world examples of AI-driven market forecasting, supply chain optimisation, and customer behaviour analysis, while highlighting the risks of over-relying on AI for strategic decisions. They also dive into the technical complexities of modern AI systems and share their own insights on using AI effectively without losing the human touch.LINKSEY on AI for Business StrategyMcKinsey on AI for Business StrategyAI vs. Scientists - Who has the best ideas Pontus Wärnestål vs. Sam Altman
  • 2. After Software Eats the World: Is AI Forcing Us into Cultural Sameness?

    09:45||Season 5, Ep. 2
    In this episode of Designing the Robot Revolution, Jacob and David dive into an article by Henry Farrell that explores the cultural and intellectual implications of large language models (LLMs) and AI. The conversation highlights AI’s limitations in identifying originality and raises questions about the future of AI as a driver of cultural and intellectual development.LINKSArticle discussed: After software eats the world, what comes out the other end?Google's "Podcast" tool: https://notebooklm.google/
  • 1. Humanoid Robots: A hard solution to a soft problem? – with Mehrdad Farimani

    35:53||Season 5, Ep. 1
    In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of humanoid robots, exploring their design, functionality, and the growing buzz around their real-world applications. Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating robots that not only look human but interact with us in ways that feel natural, safe, and intuitive. We’ll explore the role of human-robot interaction (HRI) in shaping the future of humanoids and ask the big question: Are these robots the future of human robot collaboration?LINKSGuest: Mehrdad FarimaniCompany: MerphiBook: Meaningful Futures with Robots Designing a New Coexistence
  • 3. Automation at Home – What we can Learn From Smart Vacuums

    16:20||Season 4, Ep. 3
    In this episode of Designing the Robot Revolution, hosts Jacob and David explore the transformative role of smart vacuums in the modern smart home. These devices are not just about automation; they're a window into how our living spaces can evolve to be more in tune with our needs. The episode delves into how these devices have become one of the first widely adopted pieces of smart home technology and what their evolution tells us about the future of domestic automation. Through discussions on design principles, user experience, and the integration of human-centric AI, Jacob and David unpack how smart vacuums can lead to homes that are not only smarter but also more adaptive and responsive to our lifestyles.LINKSSmart Vacuum WhitepaperHotel Bathroom Cleaning Robot VideoTom Goodwin on LinkedIn
  • 2. AI Assistants Transforming Software Teams – And the World

    19:54||Season 4, Ep. 2
    In this episode of "Designing the Robot Revolution," hosts Jacob Magnell and David Griffith-Jones delve into the world of AI Assistants and Autonomous Agents in software development. They explore how these advanced tools are not just streamlining the software development process but are fundamentally transforming the roles within software teams and the broader economic landscape of software. From automating routine tasks to facilitating complex problem-solving, AI Assistants/Agents are breaking down the barriers that have historically stifled innovation, making software creation more accessible and efficient. Join Jacob and David as they unpack insights from two articles and discuss the far-reaching implications of AI Assistants on software development teams – and the world at large.LINKS Society's Technical Debt and Software's Gutenberg Moment by SK VenturesAI Augmented Software Development with Agents (Assistants) by IBM