Designing the Robot Revolution

In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of smart buildings with John Wibrand from Swegon . John shares his expert insights on the opportunities and challenges driving innovation in the industry. From leveraging data and navigating regulations to aligning stakeholders and avoiding common pitfalls, we explore how smart technologies are redefining energy efficiency and living spaces. P...

 In this episode, David and Jacob talk about some of them latest experience of using LLMs in their own work and related news stories to the adoption of LLMs. How to scale GenAI in the workplace OpenAI's Guide to Identifying and Scaling AI use cases Your Brain on ChatGPT

In this episode, we explore the challenges of AI-generated "slop" and platform decay, while critiquing the extremes of AI hype and doomsaying. We share our vision for high-quality, thoughtful content creation and make bold predictions for a game-changing future AI product. LINKS: Daron Acemoglu: What do we know about the economics of AI?

In this episode of Designing the Robot Revolution , we dive into the evolving concept of AI etiquette and what it means for our professional and personal interactions. From the rise of automated communication in work settings to the challenges of navigating social norms in a world filled with AI, we explore the new expectations of politeness and respect. Join us as we discuss how AI is reshaping t...

In this episode we talk to Örjan Jansson, Global Programme Manager for Climate Innovations at WWF and author of a groundbreaking pre-study on AI for sustainability. Together, we explore how AI can help tackle the polycrisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and more—unlocking transformative solutions for a greener future. The pre-study aims to inspire engagement and foster collaborations that d...

In this episode of Designing the Robot Revolution, Jacob and David lay out their plans for the podcast in 2025, diving into the key topics they'll be exploring. They discuss why it’s essential to focus on the broader landscape of AI and automation, where real value is being delivered, and move beyond the noise around LLMs and Generative AI. Tune in for their take on the latest developments in...

The stakes couldn’t be higher. In this episode, we dive into what could be the biggest act of intellectual property theft in history—AI systems scraping decades of human creativity without consent. We explore the impact on artists, writers, and creators, and what’s at risk for the future of culture and innovation. We also discuss what creators can do to protect their work and how we can all help s...

Risk isn’t just something to manage—it’s something we need to design for. In this episode, we explore how to think about risk in AI and automation, referencing tools like the National Institute for Standards' Risk Management Framework and its accompanying playbook, as well as the UK Information Commissioner's Office’s Checklist for common risk scenarios. From frameworks to practical checklists, we...

In this episode of Designing the Robot Revolution , we speak with Samer Al Moubayed , CEO of Furhat Robotics, about the future of humanoid robots and their potential at scale. We explore how design and psychology are transforming human-robot interactions to feel more natural and intuitive, as well as the most impactful use cases for social robots. Samer shares insights on Furhat AI, a platform tha...

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. LINKS Op...

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 thes...

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 thei...

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. LINKS Article discussed: Af...

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 sha...

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...

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...

In this episode of "Designing the Robot Revolution," we dive into the heart of sustainability and innovation with "AI in the Green Deal: Designing a Circular Economy Revolution." Join hosts David Griffith Jones and Jacob Magnell as they explore the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in advancing the circular economy, a key component of the European Green Deal. Discover how AI technologies are...

Looking at your LinkedIn feed might give the impression that every organisation is on the brink of launching revolutionary AI products set to disrupt industries. But what's the actual landscape like for those in the field? How are organisations tangibly advancing, and what does the day-to-day look like for those immersed in this rapidly evolving space? In this episode, we sit down with Tim O’Neill...

In this episode of "Designing the Robot Revolution", we explore the impact of AI on professions traditionally seen as secure, like writing, programming, and design. Our special guest, Kevin Klyman, co-author of the Stanford article "Do Foundation Model Providers Comply with the Draft EU AI Act?", provides expert insights into AI regulation. We discuss the sweeping changes AI brings to healthcare,...

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the future of user interfaces and AI-powered services with Amer Mohammed. Join us as we explore the profound transformation underway, where web pages and traditional apps become relics of the past, reminiscent of fax machines in today's digital landscape. Discover how nearly every company across all industries will be redefined as a simple service provider,...

In this episode, we sit down with Ebba Josefson Lindqvist to unpack why companies must embrace the "Give to Get" mindset, where data sharing becomes a catalyst for innovation and progress. Explore how federated learning empowers organisations to share data without compromising security or ownership. From the collaborative exchange of data to the tangible benefits gained, we explore the collaborati...

In this episode, we talk with humanoid robot expert Rafael Hostettler about how advanced robotic avatars are being designed to provide vital support and companionship in the care context. Addressing the pressing challenges of an ageing society, robotic humanoid avatars offer a solution that extends beyond geographical boundaries, enabling a human operator to achieve teleportation-like presence in...

In this episode of "Designing the Robot Revolution," we explore the complexities of modern video game development with Martin Singh-Blom, at Embark Studios. We delve into the challenges smaller teams face in an industry requiring extensive resources and personnel. Martin offers insights into his work at Embark Studios , sharing his vision for leveraging technology to democratise game development a...

In this episode, we tackle the tricky balance between human creativity and AI in innovation work. We see AI as a helper, not a replacement. AI can speed up tasks and refine ideas but can't match the human ability to make subtle connections that drive innovation. We caution against hyping up AI and warn about the 'deskilling effect' - losing our skills due to too much reliance on AI. But, by using...

In this episode, we're joined by Dan Silveira, who has developed a unique ethical framework for AI/ML. We focus on the six guiding lenses: Bias & Fairness, Diversity & Inclusivity, Privacy & Security, Ethical & Safe Use, Reliability & Trustworthiness, and Openness & Transparency. We discuss tools, inspired by design thinking, that fit into agile project management processes...