TechFirst with John Koetsier

Are humanoid robots the future… or a $100B mistake?Over 100 companies—from Meta to Amazon—are betting big on humanoids. But are we chasing a sci-fi dream that’s not practical or profitable?In this TechFirst episode, I chat with Bren Pierce, robotics OG and CEO of Kinisi Robots. We cover: - Why legs might be overhyped - How LLMs are transforming robots into agents - The real cost (and complexity) of robotic hands - Why warehouse robots work best with wheels - The geopolitical robot arms race between China, the US, and Europe - Hot takes, historical context, and a glimpse into the next 10 years of AI + robotics.Timestamps:0:00 – Are humanoids a dumb idea?1:30 – Why legs might not matter (yet)5:00 – LLMs as the real unlock12:00 – The hand is 50% of the challenge17:00 – Speed limits = compute limits23:00 – Robot geopolitics & supply chains30:00 – What the next 5 years looks likeSubscribe for more on AI, robotics, and tech megatrends.

The future could be much healthier for both farmers and everyone who eats, thanks to farm robots that kill weeds with lasers. In this episode of TechFirst, we chat with Paul Mikesell, CEO of Carbon Robotics, to discuss groundbreaking advancements in agricultural technology. Paul shares updates since our last conversation in 2021, including the launch of LaserWeeder G2 and Carbon's autonomous tractor technology: AutoTractor. LaserWeeder G2 quick facts: - Modular design: Swappable laser “modules” that adapt to different row sizes (80-inch, 40-inch, etc.) - Laser hardware: Each module has 2 lasers; a standard 20-foot machine = 12 modules = 24 lasers - Laser precision: Targets the plant’s meristem (≈3mm on small weeds) with pinpoint accuracy - Weed kill speed: 20–150 milliseconds per weed (including detection + laser fire) - Throughput: 8,000–10,000 weeds per minute (Gen 2, up from ~5,000/min on Gen 1) - Coverage rate: 3–4 acres per hour on the 20-foot G2 model - ROI timeline: Farmers typically achieve payback in under 3 years - Yield impact: Up to 50% higher yields in some conventional crops due to eliminating herbicide damage - Price: Standard 20-foot LaserWeeder G2 = $1.4M, larger models scale from there - Global usage: Units in the U.S. (Midwest corn & soy, Idaho & Arizona veggies) and Europe (Spain, Italy tunnel farming)We chat about how these innovations are transforming weed control and farm management with AI, computer vision, and autonomous systems, the precision and efficiency of laser weeding, practical challenges addressed by autonomous tractors, and the significant ROI and yield improvements for farmers. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of farming and sustainable agriculture.00:00 Introduction to TechFirst and Carbon Robotics01:10 The Science Behind Laser Weeding05:46 Introducing Laser Weeder 2.006:39 Modular System and New Laser Technology09:26 Manufacturing and Cost Efficiency11:47 ROI and Benefits for Farmers13:24 Laser Weeder Specifications14:08 Performance and Efficiency14:49 Introduction to AutoTractor17:23 Challenges in Autonomous Farming18:23 Remote Intervention and Starlink Integration23:23 Future of Farming Technology24:50 Health and Environmental Benefits25:18 Conclusion and Farewell

Can robots reduce herbicide and fertilizer use on farms by up to 90%?Probably yes.In this episode of TechFirst we chat with Verdant Robotics' CEO Gabe Sibley about SharpShooter, the company's state-of-the-art farm tech that precisely targets herbicide and fertilizer application, massively reducing chemical use.That's huge for the environment.It's also huge for farmer's pocketbooks ... because herbicide and fertilizer are increasingly expensive.We dive into: - How Sharpshooter targets plants with pinpoint accuracy — 240 shots per second - Why this approach can save farmers millions in input costs - The environmental benefits for soil, water, and food - How AI and edge computing make split-second farm decisions possible - The future of robotics in agricultureIf you’re interested in agtech, AI, or sustainable farming, this one’s for you.00:00 Introduction to Robotic Farming00:28 Interview with Gabe Sibley, CEO of Verdant Robotics00:50 How Sharpshooter Technology Works02:40 Economic and Environmental Benefits04:59 Technical Specifications and Capabilities11:11 Future of Agricultural Automation11:54 Personal Insights and Motivation16:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Will your next browser be AI-enabled? AI-first? Perhaps even an AI agent?In this episode of TechFirst, John Koetsier sits down with Henrik Lexow, Senior Product Leader at Opera, to explore Opera Neon, a big step toward agentic browsers that think, act, and create alongside you.(And buy stuff you want, simply hard problems, and do some of your work for you.)Opera’s new browser integrates real AI agents capable of executing multi-step tasks, interacting with web apps, summarizing content, and even building playable games or interactive tools, all inside your browser.We chat about • What an agentic browser is and why it matters • How AI agents like Neon Do and Neon Make automate complex workflows • Opera’s vision for personal, on-device, privacy-aligned AI • Live demos of shopping, summarizing, and game creation using AI • Why your browser might replace your operating system🎮 Watch Henrik demo the Neon agent building a Snake game from scratch🛍️ See AI navigate Amazon, add items to cart, and act independently🧠 Learn why context is king and how this changes everything about search, tabs, and multitasking00:00 Introduction: Should Your Browser Be an AI Agent?00:52 The Evolution of AI in Browsers04:53 Introducing Opera's Agentic Browser11:51 Neon: The Future of Browsing20:26 Exploring the Cart Functionality20:53 Future of AI in Shopping22:39 Trust and Privacy in AI25:05 Neon Make: Generative AI Capabilities26:05 Creating a Snake Game with Neon28:33 Analyzing Car Insurance Policies31:58 Sharing and Publishing with Neon35:53 Conclusion and Future Prospects

Can nuclear waste solve the energy crisis caused by AI data centers? Maybe. And maybe much more, including providing rare elements we need like rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, krypto-85, Americium-241, and more.Amazingly:- 96% of nuclear fuel’s energy is left after it's "used"- Recycling can reduce 10,000-year waste storage needs to just 300 years- Curio’s new process avoids toxic nitric acid and extracts valuable isotopes- 1 recycling plant could meet a third of America’s nuclear fuel needs- Nuclear recycling could enable AI, space travel, and medical breakthroughsIn this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier talks with Ed McGinnis, CEO of Curio and former Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy. McGinnis is on a mission to revolutionize how we think about nuclear waste, turning it into a powerful resource for energy, rare isotopes, and even precious metals like rhodium.Watch now and subscribe for more deep tech insights.

Neura Robotics officially launched shed 4NE-1 this week. It's the leading European humanoid robot and it's the most powerful humanoid robot in existence right, as far as I'm aware, able to life 100kg or 220 pounds.Neura also released a plan to build 5 million robots by 2030, a new home service robot named MiPA, a new 'Omnisensor' technology platform for integrating input from multiple types of sensors, and an app store for robot skills that anyone can contribute to ... and profit from.In this TechFirst, we chat with David Reger, CEO of Neura Robotics, the leading European humanoid robotics company.We touch on advanced sensors, AI integration, and Neura Robotics' platform that enables extensive customization and scalability. We also chat about significant partnerships with companies like NVIDIA, SAP, and Deutsche Telekom.00:00 Introduction to Humanoid Robotics00:22 Interview with Neura Robotics CEO00:39 Launch of '4NE-1' Humanoid Robot02:26 Technical Specifications and Capabilities04:39 Advanced Sensor Technology09:24 Artificial Skin and Touch Sensory14:05 AI Integration in Robotics15:53 Challenges in Embodied AI17:11 Robot Gyms and Training19:10 Partnerships and Collaborations20:56 The App Store for Robot Skills22:18 AI-Assisted Development Platform29:15 Introducing Mepa: The Home Robot31:41 Future Prospects and Closing Remarks

AI is big these days. Massive. More parameters, more memory, more capability. But what if the future is in tiny AI. Neural networks as small at 8 kilobytes on tiny chips, embedded in everything?Think smart shoes.Smart doors.Smart ... everythingIn this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier discusses the future of smart devices with Yubei Chen, co-founder of AIzip. The conversation explores how small-scale AI can revolutionize everyday objects like shoes, cameras, and baby monitors. They delve into how edge AI, which operates at the device level rather than in the cloud, can create efficient, reliable, and cost-effective smart solutions. Chen explains the potential and challenges of integrating AI into traditional devices, including the hardware and software requirements, and touches on the implications for product quality, safety, and cost. This insightful discussion provides a look into the near future of ubiquitous, intelligent technology in our daily lives.00:00 Introduction to Smart Matter01:17 Examples of Smart Applications03:40 Building Efficient AI Models04:01 The Future of Edge AI09:32 Hardware for Smart Devices11:52 Potential Downsides and Challenges18:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

IBM has just unveiled its boldest quantum computing roadmap yet: Starling, the first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer—coming in 2029. Capable of running 20,000X more operations than today’s quantum machines, Starling could unlock breakthroughs in chemistry, materials science, and optimization.According to IBM, this is not just a pie-in-the-sky roadmap: they actually have the ability to make Starling happen.In this exclusive conversation, I speak with Jerry Chow, IBM Fellow and Director of Quantum Systems, about the engineering breakthroughs that are making this possible ... especially a radically more efficient error correction code and new multi-layered qubit architectures.We cover:- The shift from millions of physical qubits to manageable logical qubits- Why IBM is using quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) codes- How modular quantum systems (like Kookaburra and Cockatoo) will scale the technology- Real-world quantum-classical hybrid applications already happening today- Why now is the time for developers to start building quantum-native algorithms00:00 Introduction to the Future of Computing01:04 IBM's Jerry Chow01:49 Quantum Supremacy02:47 IBM's Quantum Roadmap04:03 Technological Innovations in Quantum Computing05:59 Challenges and Solutions in Quantum Computing09:40 Quantum Processor Development14:04 Quantum Computing Applications and Future Prospects20:41 Personal Journey in Quantum Computing24:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How will we scale humanoid robot product to hundreds of thousands and millions of units? In this TechFirst we do a deep dive with Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas. We chat about Apptronik's Apollo, his recent $400M+ funding round, the partnership with manufacturing giant Jabil, and much more.We also talk about innovations in AI that have accelerated robot learning and dexterous manipulation, the challenge of scaling manufacturing, and Apptronik's future vision.🎙️ Podcast Summary:Topic: The future of humanoid robotics, funding, manufacturing, and the global AI arms raceGuest: Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik🦾 Apollo Robot Updates • Apollo 1 debuted in 2023; new versions are coming in 2025 with major upgrades. • Focus areas: larger batteries, swappable parts, improved actuators, and system robustness. • Push toward dexterous manipulation, not just lifting boxes—real industrial work.💰 $403 Million Funding Round • Grew from $350M with new investments from Mercedes, Google (DeepMind), B Capital, Capital Factory, and others. • Mercedes’ legacy of precision and design deeply inspires Cardenas. • Funding will fuel scaling, robustness, and manufacturing partnerships.🏭 Manufacturing Strategy • New partnership with global manufacturing giant Jabil. • Learning from Jabil to avoid premature scaling pitfalls. • Long-term plan includes building out their own capability in Texas and Mexico. • Manufacturing flexibility is key amid tariff and geopolitical uncertainty.🌍 The Global Race: US vs. China • Over 100 humanoid robotics companies worldwide; US and China dominate. • China has invested $138B+ into domestic robotics, outpacing the rest of the world in deployment. • Cardenas calls it the “Space Race of Our Time”, emphasizing urgency and national strategy.📅 Roadmap for Humanoids • 2025: Proving commercial viability in industrial/logistics environments. • 2026+: Volume manufacturing begins for industrial use. • Phase 2: Retail, healthcare, hospitality. • Phase 3 (5+ years): Elder care and home robots — Cardenas’ personal North Star.🧠 Vision & Ethics • “Robots for Humans” isn’t just branding—it’s a human-centered design philosophy. • Deep partnership with Google DeepMind ensures AI is developed responsibly. • Apptronik’s mission: build robots that people want around, not fear.💡 Soundbites • “You don’t just build the robot. You build the machine that builds the machine.” • “We want to be the Apple of robots—designed for people.” • “This is the 1980s of humanoid robots—but innovation is 10x faster.”00:00 Introduction to Humanoid Robot Innovation00:31 Apron's Recent Achievements and Funding01:23 Interview with Apptronik CEO, Jeff Cardenas01:46 Advancements in Apollo Humanoid Robot03:47 Challenges in Scaling Robotics07:56 Future Plans and Human-Centered Robotics10:35 Global Race and Investment in Robotics20:03 Meeting Howard Morgan and B Capital20:41 Inspiration from Mercedes-Benz and Steve Jobs22:02 Global Investors and Supporters23:37 Manufacturing Challenges and Strategies29:36 The Global Race in Humanoid Robotics35:39 Timetable for Humanoid Robots39:57 The Future of Humanoid Robots in Elder Care42:22 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Would you want a personal AI that acts as your twin mind? I've always dreamed of never forgetting anything. And instantly and effortlessly remembering anything I need, right away. Now, an AI-driven app called TwinMind might help me do something similar.In this episode of TechFirst we chat with Daniel George, the CEO of TwinMind. This innovative AI app aims to become your second brain, capturing and processing your life events in real-time. We chat about George's inspiration behind TwinMind, its features, future vision, and the LLM tech making it possible. We also chat about privacy and security concerns.00:00 Introduction to AI and Twin Mind00:51 How Twin Mind Works01:37 Real-World Applications and User Experience03:37 Privacy and Security Concerns11:06 Technology Behind Twin Mind15:17 Future of AI and Twin Mind's Vision21:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Microsoft just announced a massive quantum computer breakthrough that uses an entirely new state of matter. The new quantum computer uses topological superconductors to create stable qubits with low error rates. Topological superconductors enable stable qubits by utilizing Majorana zero modes to protect quantum information from decoherence.The result: Microsoft should have a fault-tolerant usable quantum computer this decade. As in, before 2030.In this TechFirst, we talk with Microsoft's head of quantum hardware, Chetan Nayak, who has been working on solving this problem for literally 19 years, and he talks us through the technology and what it means for quantum computer. He explains the methods to measure this new state non-destructively, the novel architecture that leverages it, and Microsoft's ambitious roadmap towards building a fault-tolerant quantum computer within this decade. The conversation delves into potential future applications, the integration of this technology into global data infrastructures, and the transformative possibilities it holds for various fields, including chemistry, materials science, and beyond.00:00 Introduction to Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing00:48 Understanding the New Phase of Matter: Topological Superconductor02:10 Properties and Applications of Superconductors03:11 Creating and Engineering Topological Superconductors05:16 The Significance of Topological Superconductors for Qubits09:54 Measuring Quantum States with Quantum Dots13:03 Building and Testing Quantum Devices19:43 Future Roadmap for Quantum Processors19:53 Unveiling the Quantum Roadmap20:34 DARPA Collaboration and Engineering Milestones21:23 Fabrication and Demonstration of the Eight Qubit Processor21:43 Accelerating Quantum Progress23:22 Scaling Quantum Computers for Practical Applications27:04 The Long Journey of Quantum Research at Microsoft33:24 Future Prospects and Challenges in Quantum Computing38:10 Quantum Computing's Role in Addressing Global Issues42:32 Reflections on a 19-Year Journey

What humanoid robots is Europe working on? There are maybe 100 humanoid robot companies on the planet, and 16 major ones, but none in Europe according to Peter Diamandis' recent report. That might just have changed.Neura Robotics out of Germany is working on the third generation of its 4NE-1 robot and CEO David Reger says in June they'll be releasing it. And it should be the best humanoid robot on the planet, he says.In this TechFirst we sit down and chat about Europe's answer to humanoid robots, and what Reger sees as a significantly pro-social and pro-human means to bring AI and robotics into the world. We discover how Neuro Robotics is innovating with their upcoming Gen 3 humanoid robot, 4NE-1, learn about their unique approach to robotics, including responsive AI, real-time data streaming, and the development of a sensitive robotic skin. We also explore the future of work, the race against global competitors, and what AI-driven humanoid robots mean for society. 00:00 European Humanoid Robots01:09 The Concept of 'For Anyone' Robots01:46 Rapid Innovation and Development06:29 Challenges in Humanoid Robotics09:02 Neuro Robotics' Unique Approach17:53 Collaborative Market Strategy19:55 Teasing the Third Generation Robot20:10 Challenges in Robot Sensing and Interaction20:50 Innovations in Robot Skin and Sensors22:59 Speed and Agility in Robotics25:38 The Global Race in Robotics28:46 The Future of Humanoid Robots31:45 Balancing Technology and Society34:03 The Role of AI and Robotics in Human Life38:27 Concluding Thoughts and Vision

It feels like we're at a tipping point right now in humanoid robotics. Models are getting released faster and faster, more and more capable than ever. Robots are actually taking paying gigs in warehouses and factories, and there's accelerating innovation. Author, engineer, doctor, investor, and entrepreneur Peter Diamandis just released a major report on the entire industry, and together we dive into what's happening and what's changing. One prediction he made: we'll have humanoid robots in the home, helping us with our work, by 2026 in beta. We discuss recent advancements, like the shipment of new models by Agility Robotics and Figure, and the development of Tesla's Optimus. Peter Diamandis shares insights from his extensive report on the state of humanoid robotics, highlighting key players in both the United States and China. We also talk about the implications of having humanoid robots integrated into various industries, the potential for radically reduced labor costs, and the impact on global economics. And we touch on the broader societal impact, evoking considerations for purpose and struggle in a highly automated future. 00:00 Introduction to Humanoid Robots 01:07 Meet Our Expert Guest: Peter Diamandis 01:33 The Rapid Evolution of Humanoid Robots 03:06 The Future of Humanoid Robots in Society 07:13 Economic Implications of Humanoid Robots 12:17 Technological Advancements and Human Adaptation 19:28 The Design and Functionality of Humanoid Robots 22:00 Future of Work: Robots Taking Over 22:39 The Evolution of Robot Design 23:08 Challenges and Early Days of Robotics 23:42 The Rise of Robot Companies 24:26 Integration of AI and Robotics 25:56 China's Role in the Robotics Revolution 28:58 3D Printing and Robotics 30:22 Top Players in the Robotics Industry 36:31 Robots in Medicine and Surgery 38:43 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Most of the time when we're talking about humanoid robots, we're talking about laborers ... workers who will fill our factories and fields. What about friends? Companions? Or more? In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with Andrew Kiguel, CEO of Realbotix, and Aria, his hyper-realistic AI-integrated robot. We talk about the development, capabilities, and future applications of robots designed for companionship and interaction, including their costs, AI integration, and how big the companionship market, not just the labor market 00:00 Introduction to Humanoid Robots 01:28 The Future of Work with Robots 02:24 Emotional and Social Roles of Robots 03:23 Economic Impact and Job Displacement 07:00 Companionship Robots: Addressing Loneliness 10:26 AI Technology Behind Aria 15:15 Challenges and Innovations in Robotics 21:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Predicting Space Weather with AI & Satellites: A TechFirst Exclusive In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with Alex Pospeckov, CEO of Mission Space, about the critical role of space weather forecasting. Learn how advanced AI and a planned constellation of 24 satellites will predict space weather and protect billions of dollars of assets. Discover the implications for aerospace companies, power plants, satellite operators, and even airlines as Alex explains the science behind solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their potential devastating impacts. Gain insights into how accurate space weather predictions can mitigate risks, save lives, and ensure operational continuity for critical infrastructure on Earth and in space. 00:00 Introduction to Space Weather 01:16 Understanding Space Weather 03:26 Historical Impacts of Space Weather 07:38 Predicting Space Weather with AI 11:30 Challenges and Solutions in Space Weather Prediction 17:14 Future of Space Weather Prediction 24:44 Conclusion and Future Plans

Could you love an AI? What does love with "digital humans?" look like? Is this the future of relationships? In this TechFirst, we chat with Artem Rodichev, CEO of Ex-human and former head of AI at Replika. We dive into the concept of forming relationships with AI companions and the future of love and friendship in a world integrating advanced artificial intelligence. The discussion covers Rachev's new startup, issues of loneliness and how digital humans might offer a solution, the intricacies and potential pitfalls of emotional AI interactions, and the evolving technology behind AI companions. We also chat about some real-life stories, ethical concerns, and the emotional impacts of these digital relationships ... including some of the most extremely negative realities. 00:00 Introduction to AI and Relationships 00:58 The Concept of Digital Humans 05:05 Addressing Loneliness with AI 07:40 Building AI with Personality 16:54 Challenges and Ethical Considerations 17:34 The Emotional Fallout of Removing Replica's Romantic Features 18:04 The Deep Connections Users Formed with Replica 19:39 The Italian Ban and Its Consequences 23:07 The Impact of AI Upgrades on User Relationships 24:55 Real-Life Tragedies Linked to AI Companions 27:45 Safety Measures and Ethical Considerations in AI Development 31:55 The Future of Human-AI Relationships 34:53 Concluding Thoughts on AI Companions

Is AGI just a really dumb idea? Is the concept essentially meaningless? And are we entirely barking up the wrong tree? In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier interviews Neil Lawrence, the DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge and senior Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute about his latest book 'The Atomic Human: What Makes Us Unique in the Age of AI.' Lawrence explores the complexities of human intelligence, the misconceptions around artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the implications of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. He also discusses the limitations and strengths of human decision-making, the potential risks of AI, and the importance of preserving human culture and diversity in intelligence. The conversation delves into the role of AI in enhancing human capabilities, the challenges in deploying AI in sensitive areas, and the necessity for regulatory interventions to maintain a balanced technological ecosystem. 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Neil Lawrence: AI Expert 01:19 The Atomic Human: Book Insights 02:26 Philosophical Perspectives on AI 04:16 Neil Lawrence's Journey into AI 05:45 Current State of AI and AGI 08:06 The Complexity of Intelligence 18:31 Corporate Culture and Innovation 20:00 The Impact of Large Language Models 23:18 Exploring AI as an Interface 28:53 The Evolution of Internet Search 29:57 Human Flaws as Strengths 31:06 Collective Intelligence and Decision Making 33:16 AI and the River Gods 35:21 The Complexity of Culture and Technology 40:49 Regulating AI and Digital Markets 52:31 The Role of Teachers and Human Connection 55:17 Concluding Thoughts and Optimism

How will AI change games? How is AI changing games? In this TechFirst we chat with Morgan McGuire, Roblox's Chief Scientist and a former Nvidia research scientist. He tells host John Koetsier how AI is not only enhancing game creation through generative AI but also revolutionizing multiplayer game safety with advanced AI moderation systems. We chat about the explosive growth of Roblox and share insights into how AI is shaping the future of interactive, social, and immersive gaming experiences. Ultimately, McGuire says, we might be creating games with our voices in the not-so-distant future ... 00:00 Future of AI in Game Development 01:28 Roblox's 4D AI Initiative 03:24 Roblox's Impressive Growth 07:33 AI and Safety on Roblox 09:52 Voice Moderation Technology 17:49 Translation and Global Reach 20:10 Open Source Voice Safety Model 20:49 Native Language Translation Approach 21:20 Insights from AI Systems 22:09 Human Communication and AI Moderation 25:23 Generative AI in Roblox 26:13 User-Generated Content and Platform Growth 28:10 AI-Powered Content Creation 31:02 Quality and Community in Roblox 32:48 Innovative Social Roleplaying Experiences 35:46 Challenges and Future of AI in Gaming

Is an AI system smart when it can do what a human can do? Or … when it can do things humans can’t do? For years we’ve had the Turing Test … measuring AI’s ability to mimic being human. But is that really the right benchmark? In this TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with a computer scientist who has been working in AI for more than a decade. He’s currently VP strategy at Intuition Robotics, which makes an AI-powered robotic care companion for the elderly called ElliQ His name is Assaf Gad, and we talk about intelligence, AI and OI (organic intelligence), as well as how smart machines like ElliQ engage with people. 00:00 Introduction to AI and Machine Intelligence 00:57 Defining Machine Intelligence 02:01 The Role of Memory in AI 04:20 Human Interaction and AI Design 06:32 ElliQ: The AI Care Companion 11:02 Proactive AI and User Experience 13:22 Challenges and Solutions for Elderly Care 17:34 The Future of AI and Multiple Intelligences 20:53 Ethical Considerations and Control in AI 23:07 Impact of ElliQ on Social Isolation and Independence 27:42 Technical Aspects and AI Integration 29:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

A whimsically-named quantum company named Alice & Bob actually has a quantum chip in the Google Cloud marketplace. Its "cat qbits" solve a massive issue that affects all other quantum chips. And it might just make quantum computing actually matter In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier explores the fascinating paradox of building a quantum computer with Théau Peronnin, CEO and co-founder of Alice and Bob. They talk about the unique challenges and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing, discussing how Alice and Bob's quantum chip aims to overcome the notorious problems of bit flips and phase flips. Théau explains the concept of a universal quantum computer, the importance of error correction, and the revolutionary impact quantum computing could have on science, technology, and industry. 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing 02:16 Understanding Universal Quantum Computers 06:25 Challenges in Quantum Computing 09:08 Error Correction in Quantum Computing 13:13 Future of Quantum Computing 20:57 Geopolitical and Economic Implications 25:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts