Can Vertical Farming Address Our Food Challenges?

Frank Diana Food, Future Scenarios , ,

UPDATE: THE LINK TO THE ARTICLE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

A recent article seeks to dispute the recent negative press that vertical farming has received. Written by Arama Kukutai, the CEO of a company called Plenty, the article explores the headlines that might have you believe vertical farming is on life support, and provides a closer look that reveals a different story. While climate change, population growth, and soil erosion threaten our global food security, vertical farming offers a beacon of hope. This innovative approach to indoor agriculture boasts significantly higher yields than traditional methods, all while using less land and precious water.

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Beyond Fear: Embracing The Positive Potential Of Artificial Intelligence

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Future Scenarios , ,

I had the pleasure of sitting down for a discussion with Journalist Kevin Williams. His article went live on CNBC on April 6. I really enjoyed this one for multiple reasons. First, the positive focus that Kevin was looking for – a focus inspired by the recent TCS Futurist Study. Second, Kevin sought additional perspectives, one from another Futurist and the other from a psychologist. The question of human behavior is an important one – so I was thrilled when Kevin pursued that angle. As the advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both fascination and fear in equal measure, these conversations are important. Here are some key messages from the article.

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The Great Wealth Transfer: Fact Or Fiction?

Frank Diana Demographics, Economics, Our Emerging Future, Societal Factors , , ,

In a post from 2019, I described what some were calling the greatest wealth transfer in history. I pointed to an  Article that positioned the next two decades in the United States as an unprecedented shift of demographics and finances. Baby Boomers were born between 1944 and 1964, and according to that article, this generation is expected to transfer $30 trillion in wealth to younger generations over the next many years: what some have called the “great wealth transfer.”

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Navigating The Workforce Shift

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Future Scenarios , , ,

In a recent article, Don Reisinger describes a consortium formed to address the impact of jobs lost to AI. In an era where technological advancements have the potential to reshape industries at an unprecedented pace, concerns about the displacement of jobs due to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption have reached a critical juncture. Acknowledging this challenge, several leading tech companies, deeply entrenched in the realm of AI, have joined forces to mitigate the impact of job loss and facilitate workforce transitions.

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Beyond The Tomb: AI’s Duality – From Reuniting Families To Automating War

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Future Scenarios , , ,

A recent article focused on the duality of innovation. Author Andy Meek describes how AI is evolving in this dual context, in this case, resurrection versus killing. He describes the futuristic turn taken by China’s Ching Ming Festival, a time-honored tradition of honoring the dead. While families still visit gravesites and burn offerings, a growing trend sees them paying for hyper-realistic AI avatars of their loved ones.

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Transforming Education: Learning In The Modern World

Frank Diana Education, Future Scenarios , ,

A recent article by Forbes Councils Member MacKenzie Price explores the role of AI and humans in emerging transformation of education. As readers of my Blog know, I view education as the bridge to a new era. Here is a brief summary of the article:

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Will AI Reshape Our World Faster Than Electricity?

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Future Scenarios , , ,

Imagine a world transformed not in decades, but years, by a single invention. That’s the potential future with Artificial Intelligence (AI). History offers a fascinating comparison: electricity. This seemingly simple technology took 40 years to fully revolutionize factories, forever altering manufacturing. Along the way, it changed how we lived in our homes, altered the workforce, and transformed various aspects of society.  But will AI follow the same slow burn, or are we on the cusp of an exponential leap?

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Book: Our Biggest Fight – A Fight For A Better Digital World

Frank Diana Books , , , , , , ,

I finished reading my most recent book. This one titled Our Biggest Fight focuses once again on the dual paths of innovation – in this case, the Internet. I have added the book to my library and provide a brief summary below.

The internet, once a beacon of hope and connection, has become a battleground according to Frank H. McCourt Jr.’s new book, “Our Biggest Fight: Reclaiming Liberty, Humanity, and Dignity in the Digital Age.” Published in March 2024, the book argues that the current state of the internet, dominated by big tech companies and manipulative algorithms, is a threat to our freedoms and well-being.

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Innovation: Boom Or Bust? Two Books Offer Divergent Views Of The Future

Frank Diana Books , , , , ,

I finished reading another book.

Vaclav Smil’s 2023 book, Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure, takes a critical look at our fascination with innovation. Smil argues that we often confuse invention, the creation of something new, with innovation, the successful implementation and adoption of that invention. My focus on this book comes right after finishing a somewhat similar book titled The Conservatist Futurist. Similar, in that the books both focus on innovation. However, they diverge on the topic of optimism versus pessimism.

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Future Today Institute – 2024 Tech Trends Report

Frank Diana Trends and Predictions , , , , ,

Each year, Amy Webb and her Future Today Institute launch their tech trends report. This edition of the annual report tracks more than 700 technology and science trends that are likely to influence every industry. Amy had this to say about the report on LinkedIn:

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Game-Changing Digital Twin Could Redefine Weather Forecasting

Frank Diana Digital Twins, innovation accelerators , ,

A recent article takes the concept of a digital twin to an interesting level. An earlier film developed by my team of Futurists rehearsed the possible future of digital twins. One possible future is a digital twin of the earth. The article describes how Nvidia recently unveiled Earth-2, a digital twin of the Earth aimed at revolutionizing meteorological simulations and visualizations on a global scale. This innovative platform, powered by Nvidia’s generative AI model CorrDiff, offers unprecedented speed and energy efficiency, enabling users to create high-resolution simulations of global weather patterns in seconds. By providing access through an API, Nvidia aims to enhance early warning systems for natural disasters and improve weather forecasts.

Government agencies and organizations like the Central Weather Administration of Taiwan and The Weather Company are already planning to utilize Earth-2 for forecasting and visualizing weather impacts. Nvidia’s venture into climate-focused technology reflects its commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change while capitalizing on the growing demand for AI-powered solutions. However, the long-term accuracy of such a complex system remains a pertinent question. The video below describes Earth-2.

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The Knowledge Explosion And The Rise Of AI: How Knowledge Can Propel Human Development

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Future Scenarios , ,

Throughout history, humanity has thrived on breakthroughs that ignited explosions of knowledge. These “tipping points” fundamentally altered our way of life, from the dawn of language sparked by fire to the scientific revolution fueled by the printing press. I wrote about the role of knowledge in advancing human development as part of my looking glass series. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents the potential for another such tipping point, one that could significantly enhance human well-being across health, wellness, education, communication, transportation, and more.

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Chasing the Future: A Look at “The Conservative Futurist”

Frank Diana Books , , ,

Since the launch of the TCS study on AI and the future of work, the discussion has centered on the positive sentiment expressed by participants. Many have stated that it is refreshing to see a positive perspective among all the doom and gloom. By sheer coincidence, I was in the middle of reading a book titled The Conservative Futurist as we prepared to launch the study. I finished the book and have added it to my library.

If people found the study refreshing, they will love this book. Remember those sci-fi visions of a world brimming with technological marvels – flying cars, limitless energy, and spacefaring colonies? In “The Conservative Futurist,” James Pethokoukis argues that these visions were not only achievable but are still very much within reach.

Pethokoukis identifies a shift in the cultural landscape. America, once a beacon of optimistic futurism, seems to have grown wary of progress. Fear of job displacement by AI, environmental anxieties, and economic stagnation have replaced the can-do spirit.

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Embracing Tomorrow: Futurists’ Optimism On AI And The Future Of Work

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Future Scenarios , , , , ,

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the role of futurists in enterprises is paramount. These visionaries not only anticipate possible futures but also guide companies in preparing for what lies ahead. Unsurprisingly, technology trends often dominate these discussions, with the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sparking both celebration and concern. That’s why Futurists here at TCS decided to launch a study titled Working Towards the Future.

The survey reveals an overwhelming sense of optimism among futurists regarding AI’s impact, particularly in the realm of work. A staggering 90% of surveyed futurists express optimism about the changes AI will bring, with nearly half of them being very optimistic. This optimism extends to AI’s potential contributions to employee health and wellness, as 72% of participants foresee significant positive impacts.

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Unlocking The Power Of AI: Lessons From Chess And Beyond

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Future Scenarios , ,

A recent article did a great job of looking backward to see forward. The author delves into the intricate relationship between AI and strategic games like chess and Go, offering insights into AI’s broader societal impact. Initially met with trepidation, AI’s victory over human players sparked fears of obsolescence within the chess community. However, the aftermath revealed a flourishing chess scene, with increased interest, diverse talent, and heightened sponsorship—a testament to AI’s role in rejuvenating rather than diminishing the game. Beyond gameplay, AI revolutionized strategic thinking and decision-making processes. By providing access to vast amounts of data and novel strategies, AI empowered players to innovate and adapt, reshaping the landscape of traditional games.

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Beyond the Silo: How Exploding Possibilities Are Fueling the Rise of Horizontal Ecosystems

Frank Diana Ecosystems , , , , , , ,

The second industrial revolution ushered in an era of vertical integration, where companies built empires within clearly defined industries. Today, however, a new revolution is upon us – one driven by an explosion in the possibility space. Scientific and technological advancements are happening at an unprecedented pace, blurring the lines between disciplines and creating opportunities that transcend traditional industry boundaries. This is giving rise to a fascinating phenomenon: horizontal ecosystems.

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Navigating The Duality Of Artificial Intelligence

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Future Scenarios ,

Everyday, we see more headlines focused on artificial intelligence (AI). Given the possibilities, it stands to reason that the conversation will continue into the foreseeable future. At the heart of the discussion lies the dual paths of innovation. The path forward represents a delicate balance between the socially constructive benefits of innovation and a destructive path driven by technologies that have no ethics, and an innovation engine that has no governance. The AI discussion has historical precedent. Artificial intelligence has permeated our lives, from the algorithms recommending your next purchase to the groundbreaking medical diagnoses saving lives. While AI’s potential for positive impact is undeniable, it also evokes concerns about job displacement, algorithmic bias, and even the dystopian possibilities of superintelligence.

This discourse around AI hinges on two distinct perspectives: techno-optimism and techno-pessimism. Techno-optimists, brimming with faith in progress, view AI as the ultimate problem-solver, a tool to unlock a brighter future. They envision AI revolutionizing healthcare, tackling climate change, and propelling us towards a utopia driven by innovation.

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The Human Paradox: Resistant Yet Resourceful In The Face Of Change

Frank Diana Our Emerging Future , , , ,

James Suzman aptly observed: “History reminds us that we are a stubborn species: one that is deeply resistant to making profound changes in our behavior and habits, even when it is clear that we need to do so. But it also reveals that when change is forced upon us, we are astonishingly versatile.”

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The Rise Of Brain-Computer Interfaces

Frank Diana Brain Science, innovation accelerators , , , , ,

Imagine a world where you can control your computer, prosthetic limb, or even virtual reality experience with just the power of your thoughts. This is no longer the realm of science fiction, but the exciting reality of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). BCIs act as a bridge between your brain and external devices. They capture the electrical activity generated by your thoughts and translate them into commands that can be understood by computers or machines. This is achieved by placing electrodes, either on the scalp (non-invasive) or directly on the brain tissue (invasive), to detect these signals. Sophisticated algorithms then analyze and decipher these intricate patterns, transforming them into actionable commands.

The potential applications of BCIs are vast and hold the promise to revolutionize numerous fields. In the medical realm, BCIs offer a glimmer of hope for individuals with paralysis or neuromuscular disorders. Imagine someone suffering from ALS regaining the ability to communicate and control their environment through the power of thought. BCIs could empower them to type messages, operate prosthetic limbs, or even control their smart homes, restoring a degree of independence and agency.

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Generative AI Propels Humanoid Robots Into Unstructured Frontiers

Frank Diana innovation accelerators, Robotics , , , , ,

The field of robotics stands at a pivotal point, poised to venture beyond the controlled confines of factories and laboratories. At the forefront of this progress lies the potent collaboration between generative AI and humanoid robots, paving the way for their operation in the dynamic and unpredictable world – unstructured environments. Generative AI, with its ability to analyze and synthesize data across varied domains like text, images, and video, plays a crucial role in empowering these robots. One primary contribution lies in enhancing their understanding of unstructured environments. These environments, unlike the pre-programmed structures robots traditionally operate in, are characterized by their dynamism, with constant changes in layout, object placement, and even lighting conditions.

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