LEVEL ONE TO LEVEL THREE

We are exploring the convergence of emerging technologies to uncover new tools and perspectives that enhance our ability to fulfill our commitments. Our goal is to create a supportive community with our closest collaborators, making it easier to adopt and integrate these innovations. Additionally, we are redefining what it means to be 'global,' extending our connections beyond familiar boundaries to gain insights into the rapid evolution that is unfolding around us.

December 16

What have we learned together in the last 5 months?

Identifying the conversation that gave us the biggest opening by reviewing the course webpage.


Videos:

(short clips, will need to turn volume up)

Mo Gawdat, former Chief of Business Officer at Googles’ Innovation Lab, renowned for his work on happiness and AI.

Paul found this automated snow plow.

Yuval Noah Harari:

Report from the field: (learning from others)

Paul - Found an alternative to Brinks security system that he can install himself. Also found the automatic snowplow.

Kaer - Using Gemini in Google gave access to spreadsheets very helpful.

In the News: (Paradigms shifts and real progress)

  1. MINNESOTA How Minnesota’s Sherco Solar is leading a clean energy revolution

  2. BRAZIL Amazon deforestation rates fall 34% in 2023 under President Lula

  3. AUSTRALIA - This startup fights deforestation with tree-planting drones - not just planting trees, restoring ecosystems

  4. EUROPE - Europe raises the bar: MEPs approve the world’s first comprehensive AI legislation

Report from the field: (learning from others)

Paul - Failed to get the security system in his new home working. No response from vendor. Wrote email in ChatGPT to the president, then in Perplexity rewrite so it doesn’t sound like AI, and add humor. Sent and for response in 30 minutes.

Veronica - The White House is working with big tech companies to remove the deepfake images generated by AI off the internet.

Aldo - Reflecting on an organic being he is now getting 8 hours sleep and noticed more relaxed, more patience and contributing to overall well-being and clarity. And, is reading a book before bed.

Discovered a new form of tattoo technology for the scalp (like EG technology) that washes off. Used for surgery, reading brain waves, and sleep studies.

Kaer - Surgical robots are learning from videos and test very high when evaluated on skill and knowledge. Also, you can now get a robot that will write hand written notes for you.

A service you can put on your browser that tells you if the reviews are AI generated.

Kevin - Now interested in getting the music on his phone fixed so it syncs across all devices.

December 2

Where could you use a custom GPTs… And, then a collection of GPTs?

  • What does it (a custom GPT) need to know for you to receive what you need!

  • Could you be the bottleneck in your world of support?

  • Where you might be delaying your progress or limiting support by not utilizing AI.

Videos:

How to Create Custom GPTs with KEVIN STRATVERT 0 - 6:05 min

Create your custom GPT in under 6 minutes - Jonathan Mast 0 - 3:40 min

Assignments for Dec-16 (final Session)

1) Build one custom GPT that gives you important support you need. Consider designing a GPT that co-creates your priorities each day based on your core commitments and outcomes for the week.

2) Identify areas where you might be delaying progress or limiting support by not utilizing AI.

Do at least of one 20-minute call with your partner.

News: (Paradigms shifts and real progress)

  1. FRANCE - World’s largest wind-powered cargo ship make her maiden transatlantic voyage

  2. FRANCE - Air pollution down 40% during: a look at a pedestrianized Paris

  3. US - Medicaid expands to cover traditional healing practices for native Americans in 4 states

  4. BRAZIL - Brazil fines meat producers $64 million over ties to deforested Amazon Land

Report from the field: (learning from others)

Veronica - Following the election I reached out and called people on the phone. Ray Kurzweil’s new book…The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI . New question…what is my evolving relationship with information.

Aldo - Watching puppy videos and noticed extra limb and realized it was AI generated. Discovered that current video AI models do not grasp the laws of physics.

Kaer - I cut off some of my sources of information which were overwhelming and poor quality. I’m deepening my use of Perplexity and ChatGPT.

True - wrote to Click-up person to get help me coordinate it in my current system. A bold step to move things forward.

Kevin - 60-Minutes segment on Bhutan’s journey from monarchy to democratic reforms since 2000 and the unique measure of Gross National Happiness emphasizing well-being over material progress. (GNH) https://youtu.be/TbYOPURKyO0

November 18

Is it possible that we have A Misconception about our Capacity to consume information?

We are focused on 3 Questions::

  1. As organic beings, are we mistakenly trying to emulate inorganic machines and AI in our attempt to consume more information?

  2. How can we curate our information consumption for the greatest benefit and highest value for our commitments and concerns?

  3. As we get further into the technological revolution that’s happening right now how do we maintain and preserve our humanity?

Videos:

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport - A visual Summary

(0 - 5 min)

Assignments for Nov-18th

1) Take time to observe your relationship to the fact that you are an organic structure not inorganic.

2) Do at least of one 20-minute call with your partner.

3) Bring a discovery from your research that contributes to our exploration.

4) Note your discoveries from assessing your information consumption based on the following categories.

  1. Relevant to my core commitments (projects and relationships)  

  2. Current research and for future reference

  3. Entertainment and relaxation

  4. Mindless compulsive scrolling

 
 

November 4

Harari emphasizes the differences between organic structures (human) and Inorganic structures (machines and aI). Are we mistakenly striving to be like them?

Organic structures

  • Have Biological Limitation: Organic structures, such as humans, are subject to wear and tear, aging, and death.

  • Require Rest and Repair: These systems require rest (e.g., sleep) and self-repair (e.g., cellular regeneration) to function optimally.

  • Have a Dependency on Biochemistry: Organic structures rely on chemical and biological processes (e.g., metabolism), which are susceptible to environmental factors and constraints like nutrient availability and genetic defects.

Inorganic Structures (Machines, AI)

  • Have Durability and Continuity: Inorganic structures, such as machines or algorithms, do not have intrinsic biological limitations. They can, theoretically, work continuously without the need for rest.

  • Are Scalability:Unlike organic systems, inorganic systems can often be scaled, updated, or replaced without "death." Software, for instance, can be copied, improved, and distributed infinitely.

  • Have an Independence from Biology: These systems operate based on physical principles (e.g., electricity, mechanics) rather than biochemistry, making them potentially more robust and reliable under certain conditions.


How do we curate and consume information that provides the greatest benefit and highest value for Our commitments and concerns?


Assignments for Nov-18th

1) Bring a discovery from your research that contributes to our exploration.

2) Do at least of one 20-minute call with your partner.

3) List your information sources and the amount of time each day. Then rate by category: 

  • Relevant to my core commitments (projects and relationships)  

  • Study and for future reference

  • Entertainment and relaxation

  • Reactive curiosity


Build greater support for yourself by expanding your network of friends who are talking about the future. Invite them to attend the November 19th public conversation.

News: (Paradigms shifts and real progress)

Videos:

Gary Brecka's 10, 3, 2 1 Rule  (key info in last 10 seconds)

How to with information overload?

Your secret weapon against information overload

OneNote as a 2nd Brain

Report from the field: (learning from others)

Paul - His new house did not have a floor plan available and found an app to scan the house that made one in about 5 minutes.

True - In 2008 Ecuador was the first country that gave legal rights to nature.

Kevin - Stanford study of robots being used for deep sea diving to having the sensitivity to bath someone.

Kaer - Perplexity’s daily newsletter has interesting tips. The return to buttons from touch screens.

Aldo - There is a company in San Francisco that is developing a domestic robot that can do laundry and other domestic activities.

October 28

Where are the new emerging technologies touching our lives?

It is the hybrid technologies where two or more of the 5 innovation plaforms come together. The purpose is for us to be able to become aware of these new capabilities that are becoming available each week. One of the intentions for our exploration is for us to be able to see what is happening.

Assignments for Nov-4

1) Bring a discovery from your research that contributes to our exploration.

2) Do at least of one 20-minute call with your partner.

3) Read Harari’s recommendations to for how individuals can address overload from our October 21st session below.

4) Identify the information sources you consume daily. Assess the quality of information for each source. Do they work for you?

Improve the quality of conversation in your network about the future by inviting key people to attend the November 19th public conversation.

A new shortbread mold Aldo created using his CNC machine.


News: (Paradigms shifts and real progress)

Report from the field: (learning from others)

Veronica - Tapped into her inner Aldo and succeeded in using Canva to create posts for a client two weeks out.

Paul - From the CGT AI Group he learned we can create custom GPTS, created to be act as a cardiologist to answer medical questions. And, requesting descriptions as a young child, teenager, professional or more. Also, creating custom GPTS as a coach for business, relationships and for experiencing joy.

True - Has been focused on building larger social connections and, in a short time, connected someone in the Midwest who felt they didn’t have any social relationships to about 20 others in their city using their university network. They are now interested in where are the new hybrid technologies making a difference and found drone technology and more used for managing crops in northern California.

Aldo - In 10 min you can create an AI assistant that is programed with your information and upload pdfs, images of text from a book and urls. It will pull data from those sources and he has created a personal assistant for workout suggestion in mn forest, kettle ball training and has a logo. And, you can put it on a market place and you can get paid for their using it.

Also created a shortbread mold on his CNC machine.

Kevin - Air taxi’s, electric vehicles that take of vertically are in the process of getting their final FAA approval.

October 21

Report from the field: (learning from others)

True - Plaud $170 Wearable device that captures conversations and edits them.

Veronica - ChatGPT has become her new cooking companion. Using Gemini and GPT and what I asked said “I can’t do that yet”.

Paul - Used Perplexity to do medical research for things that happened to two family members. And, created a moving checklist.

Kaer - Is using Perplexity to look up words. It is providing the etymology which is enhancing the learning experience.

Aldo - wood block carving with his CNC router machine giving a new level of creativity.

Debrief of our trip on the Camino de Santiago.

Information Overload - how we are affected?

In his new book, Nexus, Harari argues that information overload impacts individuals by overwhelming their cognitive capacity, making it harder to discern truth from misinformation. This flood of content can lead to decision paralysis, where the sheer volume of conflicting or complex data hampers people’s ability to make informed choices. Additionally, Harari highlights that individuals may increasingly rely on algorithms to filter information, which can reinforce biases and create echo chambers that skew perceptions and isolate people from alternative perspectives.

He goes on to say the cumulative effect is a reduction in individual agency and critical thinking, as people may start to doubt reliable sources or dismiss important issues amid the noise. To manage this, Harari suggests fostering systems that prioritize accuracy and self-correction, which can help individuals regain clarity and engage more thoughtfully with information networks.

Harari’s Recommendations for Individuals:

  1. Take Ownership of Your Data

    Harari emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing your personal data. Ensure that you have control over where your information goes and who has access to it. Use privacy-enhancing tools and settings on devices and platforms to limit data sharing.

  2. Practice Digital Minimalism:

    Limit the amount of information you consume and the time you spend on digital platforms. This helps reduce distractions, prevents burnout, and allow you to focus on high-quality, verified information rather than being overwhelmed by an endless stream of content.

  3. Critically Assess Information Sources:

    Be vigilant about the reliability of the information you encounter. Harari suggests relying on trusted sources and cross-referencing information to avoid falling prey to misinformation. Developing digital literacy and critical thinking skills is essential to navigate the vast information landscape effectively.

  4. Engage in Lifelong Learning:

    Harari encourages continuous education, especially in understanding how AI and technology work. This not only empowers you to use these tools wisely but also helps you adapt to a rapidly changing world where skills and knowledge need to be updated constantly.

  5. Advocate for Democratic Oversight and Regulation:

    Individuals can collectively push for laws and regulations that protect privacy, ensure transparency in AI decision-making, and prevent monopolies of information by a few powerful entities. Harari believes democratic engagement is key to preventing authoritarian use of these technologies.

These recommendations give you better navigation of the challenges of the digital age and protect your autonomy, privacy, and decision-making power. Harari’s emphasises the importance of staying informed, maintaining critical thinking skills, and advocating for responsible technology governance to ensure that technological advances benefit individuals rather than control them.

Report from the field:

Aldo - talked about possibly getting an intelligent refrigerator. Also, mentioned he is using an AI agent in photoshop to do a lot of the little, less creative tasks.

Using an AI agent in photoshop and adds content based on my request and making editing very fast - using generative fill.

Kevin - mention Harai’s new book Nexus, where an AI agent could manage the amount of information you are receiving since we humans are limited.

Kaer - studying using a robot to interview you on your health condition who does not have a point of view. It’s like Joe Friday, just the facts mam.

Paul - Using Canva for Wisdom in the Arts project.

Used ChatGPT for the best questions to ask someone you are dating.

September 23

We explored specific new hybrid technologies that have emerged from the convergence. Some key areas are:

AI + Genome Sequencing

Personalized medicine and disease prediction and prevention. - This technology is transforming healthcare by making precision medicine more accessible, reducing treatment costs, and improving patient outcomes. As it evolves, AI-powered genome sequencing will lead to more effective treatments and preventative care, revolutionizing how we approach health management.

Blockchain + AI + Robotics

Smart Traffic Management, Energy Grid optimisaton - The integration of AI and blockchain into smart cities enhances urban living by optimizing resource use, reducing waste, and improving public services. It promotes sustainability, better mobility, and energy conservation, improving quality of life in urban environments

Robotics + AI + Energy Storage

Automated Surgical Systems and Medical Diagnosis - These advancements improve patient care by reducing human error in surgeries and diagnostics, leading to quicker, more accurate treatment options. Additionally, the use of energy-efficient robotics makes healthcare more accessible in remote or underserved regions by allowing these systems to function autonomously for longer periods.

Video

Ai Agents In Action - Learn With Real World Exampjles of intelligent AI Agents.  5:30 min

Assignments for Oct-21

1) Bring a discovery from your research that contributes to our exploration.

2) Do at least of one 20-minute call with your partner.

3) Identify a new hybrid technology that touches your life and determine which innovation platforms are involved.

4) Expand the understanding of the future for those closest to you by inviting them to join our free public conversation on October 22nd.

September 9

We know what ai is…but What is Generative AI? And…what are AI Agents…how are they different?

Generative AI (content creation)

• Generative AI is a subset of AI focused on producing new content (e.g., text, images, audio) that did not previously exist by learning from existing data.

• It generates original outputs, such as human-like text or realistic images, rather than just analyzing or predicting from existing data.

• Innovative Technologies: Generative AI uses models like GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) and transformers (e.g., GPT) to generate creative, coherent, and often human-like content.

It doesn’t just analyze data or make predictions; it creates new sentences and responses by understanding patterns from the vast amount of text it was trained on.

Video

AI Agents Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Slides

Generative AI and AI Agents

how open are you to receiving help? How much are iyou glued to doing it yourself?

What concerns do you have where AI could provide support?

(see lists in slides)

What is Generative AI?

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

• AI is a broad field that aims to simulate human intelligence by enabling machines to perform tasks such as decision-making, problem-solving, and recognizing patterns.

• It is often used for tasks like predictions, classifications, and recommendations based on learned data patterns.

• AI includes various techniques like machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing to automate processes and improve accuracy.

What are AI Agents?

(decision making and can take action)

An AI agent is a software program that observes its environment, makes decisions, and takes actions to achieve a specific goal. Unlike generative AI, which focuses on creating new content like text or images (e.g., ChatGPT or image generators), AI agents actively interact with their surroundings, learning and adapting over time to perform tasks, like driving a car or managing a smart home system.

For example, while a generative AI might create a poem, an AI agent could decide when to send you that poem based on your mood, using data it gathered about your preferences.

Report from the field:

Kaer: Found out that micro robots can repair aneurysms.

Paul: Found out that Xfinity is offering a free year of Perplexity Pro in their rewards program for their customers.

Aldo: Found that there is a function in MidJourney for generating new patterns. He was able to create an entirely new design. He also discovered that if he uploads his patterns to a site named Spoonflower that will print it on fabric, wallpapper, bedding, napkins and more. He realized he can make his home exactly the way he wants it to be. (Society 5.0, the Imagination Society is happening).

Assignments for Sep-23

1) Bring a discovery from your research that contributes to our exploration.

2) Do at least of one 20-minute call with your partner.

3) Identify a new concern that you will replace with AI.

4) Determine where you want to use your first an AI agent.

4) Expand your study of the future and invite people around you to our free public conversation on Sep-17.

Tips from the Session

  1. Youtube is the new University, go there to find your tribe… people who have same questions as you.

  2. Watch vidoes that are no more than 3 months old.

  3. Vidoes vetted by other people will have very high number of views. Watch those videos.

  4. Create a relationship with you primary AI tool. Children learn by observing what you "do." Using conversational AI is similar to interacting with a child on an accelerated learning curve. You need to train it on how to engage with you. Start by introducing yourself and providing relevant details about who you are. This helps the AI tailor its responses to better fit your needs.

Full recording.

August 26

Exploring A deeper understanding of the Convergence…it’s origin, character and impact.

Definition, origin, history and a brief glimpse of societal impact.

Key Aspects of Convergence:

Here’s a list of key aspects of technological convergence with dates and involved technologies:

1. Internet Development

1980s-1990s: Convergence of computing and telecommunications led to the creation of the internet, merging digital communication with data processing.  

2. Smartphones:

2007: Introduction of the iPhone combined mobile phones, PDAs, cameras, and MP3 players into a single device, epitomizing technological convergence.

 3. Digital Media and Streaming:

Late 1990s-2000s: Fusion of digital media with telecommunications facilitated the rise of streaming platforms, integrating TV, film, and internet services.

4. Smart Homes:

2010s: Integration of IoT and AI technologies created smart home systems, enabling automated control of interconnected home devices.

5. Telemedicine:

2020s: Convergence of telecommunications, AI, and medical technologies accelerated remote healthcare services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is the Technological Convergence?

Technological convergence involves the integration of distinct innovation platforms—such as AI, robotics, genome sequencing, energy storage, and blockchain—leading to the creation of entirely new hybrid technologies which is revolutionizing industries.

One example is the development of autonomous AI-driven robots in healthcare, capable of analyzing genomic data in real-time and conducting advanced surgical procedures. These robots, powered by cutting-edge energy storage systems, operate within blockchain-verified networks, ensuring secure, efficient, and highly personalized healthcare delivery, ultimately transforming the entire healthcare landscape.

Another example is the integration of blockchain and AI which is optimizing supply chain management across industries. AI analyzes vast amounts of data to predict demand and optimize logistics, while blockchain ensures transparency and trust by providing secure, tamper-proof records of transactions and product provenance. This convergence is improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing trust in global supply chains, particularly in sectors like food and pharmaceuticals.

It’s not a new term…

The term "technological convergence" was popularized in the 1980s by Nicholas Negroponte, a founder of the MIT Media Lab (1985). Negroponte used the term to describe the merging of previously distinct technologies, such as computing, telecommunications, and broadcasting, into a unified system. 

  • His discussions on the subject, particularly in the context of the digital revolution and the blending of media technologies, helped shape the understanding of technological convergence as a critical driver of innovation and industry transformation.

Report from the field:

Benson: Nurses at the hospital have a device like the Star Trek “communicators”.

Kevin: Now able to track the effect of therapy on child trauma measuring biomarkers to determine cellular aging.

Aldo: Used ChatGPT to understand 3 congi symbols and now has access to a special recipe book. And got encouragement and suggestions from ChatGPT when he told it he didn’t want to practice guitar today.

True: Using Claude.ai to clean up the chapters in Sasha’s new book. And asked it to “make it funny” and it was really good.

Paul: Added humor using Claude.ai to an essay and had impressive results. Perplexity gave some very interesting pairing with Cincinnati Chili and also included the source.

Kaer: Traveled in a Waymo car over the weekend and discovered it had so many sensor and felt that it was very safe.

Veronica: is studying the difference between generative ai and an ai agent.

Societal Impact

Assignments for Sep-9

1) Bring something you've discovered to share with the course that contributes to our exploration.
2) Do at least of one 20-minute call with your partner.
3) Identify 3 areas where you could use some help.
4) Begin building your own ecosystem of support for the new technologies by inviting people you speak with to the Sep-17 free, public conversation.

Video

Technological Convergence Big Ideas 2024. Bret Winton, ARK Invest Chief Futurist 0-4 min.

 

Progress In The News:

We have partners all over the world working on creating a better future. (Click on hyperlink to read full article.)

Assignments for Aug-26

1) Identify one habitual way of working or managing your time that you could replace with AI. Then, research an AI tool that up-levels your efficiency and begin incorporating it into your daily routine.

2) Bring something you've discovered that contributes to our exploration to share with the group.

3) Do a minimum of one 20-minute call with your partner.

4) Invite people that you talk to on a regular basis to attend the 5 Conversations session next Tuesday. This will help you start building an ecosystem of support for adopting the new technologies.

August 12

August is about going deeper and wider in our work with AI.

We began by examining Cathie Wood's 2019 chart which highlighted the anticipated impact of the five groundbreaking innovative platforms— Robotics, AI, Energy Storage, Genome Sequencing and Blockchain Technology—evolving simultaneously to ignite the largest technological transformation in human history.

We noted that there is an unexpected acceleration of innovation within these platforms caused by their mutual influence on each other, a phenomenon known as technological convergence.

Our research will delve into how this technological transformation is affecting our communities, society, other countries and the global landscape. We will also explore some of the specific advancements in areas such as climate restoration, medical research, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, education, and more.

Understanding the technological revolution we're experiencing is just the beginning, but not enough on its own. We will expand our horizons to explore what’s happening in different parts of the world. Why is this important? As we think about the emerging future and the world we live in, it’s essential to recognize that this is the context in which our lives unfold. Our planet is currently the actual physical arena where our aspirations, hopes and work come to life.

From Catherine Wood’s ARK Invest, Big Ideas 2024 Report