The Future of Everything

The field of robotics has a long history at Stanford Engineering, and Professor Oussama Khatib has been a pioneering leader in that field, working on everything from human-interactive robots to underwater exploration, pushing the boundaries of what robots can do. Most recently, he’s led the opening of a new Robotics Center at Stanford. Today we’re bringing back the conversation we had with him about his work on OceanOneK — a humanoid robot who now has a new home in the Robotics Center. Join us as we talk about his journey, his vision for the future of robotics, and how his research is transforming the way humans interact with machines. We hope you enjoy the episode! Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Oussama KhatibStanford Robotics LabConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Oussama Khatib, a professor of engineering at Stanford University.(00:01:54) Underwater Robotics AdvancementsInnovations in underwater robotics, including breakthroughs for deeper exploration.(00:05:35) New Flotation MaterialsThe discovery of lightweight, strong flotation materials for deep-sea robots.(00:06:25) Robot Battery ChallengesThe challenges of powering robots at extreme depths.(00:09:09) Importance of Anthropomorphic DesignWhy humanoid features are essential for performing delicate underwater tasks.(00:14:20) Robotic Design ChallengesThe design of lightweight robotic arms that can withstand underwater pressure.(00:19:51) Ease of Use for OperatorsHow both novices and experts can quickly adapt to controlling these robots.(00:22:37) Applications in Biology and ArchaeologyFuture applications in marine biology and underwater archaeology.(00:26:12) Search and Rescue PotentialThe potential for robots to assist in search and rescue missions.(00:27:48) Future of Deep-Sea ExplorationThe future of deep-sea exploration using robotics.(00:29:40) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Guest James Landay is an expert in human-centered artificial intelligence, a field all about optimizing technology for human and societal good. Landay says one of the most promising intersections is in education and AI, where the technology excels as a coaching and tutoring tool. His Smart Primer and Acorn apps use augmented reality and AI to engage children in outdoor, hands-on environmental science, and his GPT Coach is an AI-powered fitness planning tool. When it comes to AI and education, things are wide open and only just getting started, Landay tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: James LandaySmart PrimerConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest James Landay, a professor of computer science at Stanford University.(00:02:04) Evolving AI ApplicationsHow large language models can replicate personal coaching experiences.(00:06:44) Role of Health Experts in AIIntegrating insights from medical professionals into AI coaching systems.(00:10:21) Personalization in AI CoachingHow AI coaches can adapt personalities and avatars to cater to user preferences.(00:12:51) Group Dynamics in AI CoachingPros and cons of adding social features and group support to AI coaching systems.(00:14:08) Ambient Awareness in TechnologyAmbient awareness and how it enhances user engagement without active attention.(00:17:44) Using AI in Elementary EducationNarrative-driven tutoring systems to inspire kids' learning and creativity.(00:22:59) Encouraging Student Writing with AIUsing LLMs to  motivate students to write  through personalized feedback.(00:23:52) Scaling AI Educational ToolsThe ACORN project and creating dynamic, scalable learning experiences.(00:27:58) Human-Centered AIThe concept of human-centered AI and its focus on designing for society.(00:30:34) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Climate change authority Noah Diffenbaugh says that the effects of climate change are no longer theoretical but apparent in everyday, tangible ways. Still, he says, it is not too late to better understand the effects of climate change, to mitigate them through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other measures, and to adapt how we live in the face of a warmer planet. Society is falling behind in its ability to deal with increasingly extreme climate events but solutions are not out of reach, Diffenbaugh tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Noah DiffenbaughConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University.(00:02:34) Global Impact of Climate ChangeThe major areas where climate change is having the greatest impact globally.(00:03:27) Climate Phenomena and HumansConnecting climate science with localized human impacts(00:06:16) Understanding Climate ForcingThe concept of "climate forcing" and its significance in Noah’s research.(00:10:00) Geoengineering and Climate InterventionsThe potential and risks of intentional climate interventions.(00:21:18) Adaptation to Climate ChangeHow humans are adapting to climate change and why we might be falling behind.(00:25:19) Increase in Extreme EventsWhy extreme climate events are becoming exponentially more frequent and severe.(00:28:34) AI in Climate ResearchHow AI is revolutionizing climate research by enabling predictive capabilities.(00:32:26) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Climate modeler Aditi Sheshadri says that while weather forecasting and climate projection are based on similar science, they are very different disciplines. Forecasting is about looking at next week, while projection is about looking at the next century. Sheshadri tells host Russ Altman how new data and techniques, like low-cost high-altitude balloons and AI, are reshaping the future of climate projection on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Aditi SheshadriConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Aditi Sheshadri, a professor of Earth systems science at Stanford University.(00:02:58) Climate Projection vs. Weather ForecastingThe differences between climate projection and weather forecasting.(00:04:58) The Window of ChaosThe concept of the "window of chaos" in climate modeling.(00:06:11) Scale of Climate ModelsThe limitations and scale of climate model boxes.(00:08:19) Computational ConstraintsComputational limitations on grid size and time steps in climate modeling.(00:10:56) Parameters in Climate ModelingEssential parameters measured, such as density, temperature, and water vapor.(00:12:18) Oceans in Climate ModelsThe role of oceans in climate modeling and their integration into projections.(00:14:35) Atmospheric Gravity WavesAtmospheric gravity waves and their impact on weather patterns.(00:18:51) Polar Vortex and CyclonesResearch on the polar vortex and on tropical cyclone frequency.(00:21:53) Climate Research and Public AwarenessCommunicating climate model findings to relevant audiences.(00:23:33) New Data SourcesHow unexpected data from a Google project aids climate research,(00:25:09) Geoengineering ConsiderationsGeoengineering and the need for thorough modeling before intervention.(00:28:19) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook