Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore the future of home automation by debating the merits of humanoid robots versus the new concept of "ambient robotics." They discuss why invisible tech like self-cleaning litter boxes beats Elon Musk’s lawn-mowing androids and how Carnegie Mellon is creating kitchen appliances that anticipate what you need. The duo also shares their 2025 tech resolutions, covering everything from Mike’s backpack weight-loss plan and Emily’s grayscale strategy for digital detoxing in the new year.

Links

Go gray, not cray: why you should grayscale your phone

Toras phone cases

1X Neo

Carnegie Mellon University’s “ambient computing” research

Heath Zenith self-charging doorbell

Apple AirPods 4

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Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

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Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Chapters

00:00 New Year, New Resolutions

05:53 Tech Resolutions and Screen Time

11:27 Social Media Strategies and Engagement

16:17 The Future of Robotics and Ambient Technology

22:52 The Rise of Ambient Robotics

29:05 The Future of Home Automation

34:03 Challenges of Smart Home Technology

40:30 Reflections on Technology and User Experience

Keywords

Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, tech resolutions, digital detox, iPhone grayscale, screen time, smartphone addiction, backpack, Toras case, humanoid robots, 1X Neo, ambient robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Violet Han, smart home, home automation, AI, AirPods 4, adaptive audio, kinetic doorbell, smart home fatigue, invisible tech, consumer technology

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