The Future Of Batteries

This episode explores the future of battery technology with Rick Costantino, focusing on Group 14 Technologies' silicon-based anode innovation. Rick provides an in-depth look at advancements driving lighter, higher-capacity, and faster-charging batteries, and details the company’s global manufacturing growth and commercial impact. He discusses collaboration across the battery supply chain and the transformative effect of enhanced energy storage for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and industrial applications. Rick also emphasizes the role of innovation, flexibility, and sustainability as batteries become foundational to next-generation technologies.

This episode explores the current state and future of indoor mapping with Christian Christensen of Maps People. The discussion covers how indoor mapping technology transforms navigation inside complex venues, the growing importance of real-time updates and data layers, and the convergence of AI, sensors, and spatial computing. Additional topics include privacy-first design, the business value of indoor mapping, and the potential for gamification and personalization in indoor digital experiences.

This episode explores the current challenges and future advancements in rocket propulsion with leaders from Juno Propulsion, Stoke Space, and Space Happy Hour. The discussion covers innovative engine architectures, the impact of rapid and reusable rockets on the space economy, and the roles of government, commercial, and defense markets in accelerating launch technology. Key developments in testing, in-space manufacturing, and vertical versus horizontal integration are addressed, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and competition in the space industry. Emerging challenges such as launchpad availability, talent shortages, and evolving AI applications are highlighted as pivotal to shaping the next decade of space propulsion.

In this episode, Jeff Dance and expert Andrea Iorio explore the evolving landscape of human and AI collaboration. Andrea outlines why most organizational AI projects fail, emphasizing the necessity of understanding the complementary roles of humans and AI. Through insights on automation, augmentation, and unique human skills, the discussion addresses the impacts on the workforce, productivity paradox, and the importance of soft skills. The conversation also highlights responsible AI use, the transformation of job roles, and preparing for rapid technological change.

In this episode of "The Future Of," Jeff Dance interviews Douwe Kiela, CEO and co-founder of Contextual AI and co-inventor of the RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) technique. They discuss the evolution and future trajectory of enterprise AI, emphasizing the importance of context engineering over simple prompt engineering, and explore the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating language models in complex enterprise environments. The conversation covers current adoption trends, the value of multi-agent systems in AI, and the necessity for businesses to focus on both cost savings and new revenue generation. Ethical considerations and the broader societal impact of advanced AI technologies are also examined.

In this episode of "The Future Of," Jeff Dance speaks with Elijah Kerry, Software Director at National Instruments, to explore the evolving landscape of test automation. Elijah shares insights from nearly two decades in the test and measurement industry, including the growing importance of software skills among engineers, the critical role of testing for reliable hardware and software at scale, and the dynamic interplay between tools like LabVIEW and Python. They discuss the increasing impact of AI, containerization, and distributed systems, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities and cybersecurity considerations for the future. The conversation highlights the continuing evolution of test automation and its importance in ensuring technological innovation is both safe and reliable.

This episode explores the future of decentralized robotics with Jan Liphardt, founder of OpenMind. The discussion delves into the critical role of decentralized systems for building trustworthy, collaborative robots and highlights the challenges of machine identity, transparency, and security. Jan emphasizes open source, modular robotics software, and the rapid evolution necessary for responsible robot coordination in homes and cities. Key use cases in healthcare, education, and accessibility demonstrate the social impact and potential of intelligent robotic companions. The conversation also addresses the need for proactive discourse, regulation, and responsible innovation to ensure robotics technology broadly benefits humanity.

This episode explores the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP), featuring legal experts Brooke Quist and Michael Wiggins. The discussion covers the current and future impact of AI on legal practices, especially in patent, copyright, and data use. Key takeaways include the challenges of integrating AI into law, the importance of proprietary datasets, legal and ethical considerations for AI-driven IP, and guidance for organizations in managing AI risks and opportunities.

In this episode, we explore the revolutionary potential of quantum computing with Simoni Severini of AWS. From Simoni's unique career journey to the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, we delve into the competitive landscape of quantum technology and its implications for the future. Highlighted is the excitement around its applications in fields like cryptography, AI, and material sciences, as well as the challenges of error rates and machine calibration. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of human interaction in driving innovation.

In this episode, Jeff Dance speaks with Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, to discuss the future of space innovation. They explore the evolution of Rocket Lab, challenges in the space industry, the importance of scaling capabilities, and the potential of AI and computer vision in enhancing space operations. Sir Peter emphasizes the necessity for global collaboration in space traffic management and envisions a future where space technology seamlessly integrates into everyday life.