Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

By Dot Cannon: Public Speaker & New-Media ReporterSociety & CultureEducationArts
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Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak episodes

  • Bringing Another Classic to Life–in 360


    "At some point in everyone's life, they've (played Tarzan)." says filmmaker and Fun Train VR Founder/CEO Douglas Nabors.

    He's explaining how he and his team came to decide on their second VR project, Tarzan VR, released in December, 2020.

    In 2017, Fun Train VR had their hit first release, The Exorcist: Legion VR.   While the classic horror title garnered rave reviews, Douglas says Fun Train VR is producing various other genres as virtual-reality experiences.

    Tarzan VR, based on the Edgar Rice Burroughs classic adventure series, is getting a similarly enthusiastic response from gamers.    Swimming, puzzle-solving and a sense of humor are all part of the new series.   But one of the top features which gamers mentions as their favorite?  The vine-swinging.

    Episodes 1 and 2 of Tarzan VR are currently available, both on Fun Train VR's website and on Steam.  Douglas says Episode 3 is in beta.

    And Fun Train VR has a third project currently in the works.   This one will be a sci-fi experience!

    While that's about all we can tell you currently, Douglas says there will be an announcement in the future, both about this project and about some new developments with The Exorcist: Legion VR.

    What we can tell you, though?  If you have an Oculus Quest, get ready to do some vine-swinging.  The Oculus Quest didn't exist whenFun Train started development on  Tarzan VR--but Douglas says Tarzan VRis coming to the platform next year!
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

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    How Douglas and his team decided on Tarzan VR as their startup's second release;

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    A look at the experience of working with the Edgar Rice Burroughs team;

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    What players experience, as they play Tarzan VR;

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    How the team made the physics of the game work (swinging, swimming) to avoid motion sickness among gamers;

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    A look at the creative decisions involved in developing the project;

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    An "Easter egg" you can find in Tarzan VR!

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    The "fun" ways the game developed, that weren't in the original plans;

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    What Douglas considers especially fun, when he plays Tarzan VR!

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    Douglas's tips, to other creators, about what works well, and what does not work, when storytelling in VR;

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    A hint of some exciting forthcoming developments at Fun Train VR, for the future;

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    One of the most exciting areas in which Douglas considers that he has grown, as a creative, while working on Tarzan VR.


     
    27 min
  • Winning–for the Environment
    Over Coffee® is on holiday hiatus.  Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2020, as we count down to CES® 2021!
    CES® will look vastly different, this year.

    The pandemic has forced the show to go all-virtual.  But we predict that the show will maintain its mix of pure innovation, creativity and excitement.

    Exactly as we observed when we met Pleasant Robotics Founder/CEO Gabriella Pleasant.

    At the time of our conversation, in Las Vegas in January, 2020, Gabriella, or Gabi, as she prefers to be called, had just won Techstars' “Pitch Competition Student Startup Showdown”, hosted in the Eureka Park startup area.

    Her winning creation: a biodegradable robot named P.E.T.E.R., designed from sustainable materials.  P.E.T.E.R.'s mission: to purify water: ocean and otherwise.  She does this by "eating" microplastics that pollute the water!

    According to Gabi's blog, P.E.T.E.R. has had some modifications in the year (has it really been, already?!?) since we spoke.   Gabriella writes that she is working with a team on a concept model, and a demo is next!   And P.E.T.E.R., while she's Gabi's first robotic creation, may just be the beginning.  Gabi writes, "I just want to build robots!"

    Here's Gabi's story about developing the P.E.T.E.R. robot.  We'll look forward to seeing the next steps in her creative journey.
    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

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    What first inspired Gabi to become a roboticist;

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    The steps involved, in the two-year process of creating P.E.T.E.R;

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     How the robot works;

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     How the design changed, from original idea to now;

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    Gabi’s “dream technology” she’d like to add to future editions of P.E.T.E.R.;

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    And, since the robot is a “she”, the reason behind the name!

    10 min
  • HYPERVSN: The “Wow” Factor
    Over Coffee® is on holiday hiatus.  Please enjoy this reposting of one of our most popular episodes of 2020, and we'll see you as CES® 2021 goes virtual!
    HYPERVSN USA Regional Director Ed Teller(Photo courtesy of HYPERVSN, nad used with permission.)

    HYPERVSN has a tendency to wow anyone who sees it.

    Just ask Ed Teller, who is USA Regional Director for the London-based company.   Upon his introduction to the technology, Ed says he couldn't stop looking at it!

    So, what is HYPERVSN?  The world's first holographic 3D display system.  In other words, it's a system which creates 3D images that seem to materialize in midair.  Prior to the pandemic, at CES® 2020, staff also displayed a new, interactive version of the technology.

    And it's not just for advertising.  HYPERVSN's customizable content lends itself to a number of other uses.

    Earlier this year, we talked with Ed, who shared the story of HYPERVSN, explored some of the uses of the technology and shared the ways HYPERVSN can communicate messages of safety during the pandemic.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

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    How Ed first encountered HYPERVSN’s holographic technology;

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    The story of HYPERVSN;

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    How the technology can work for noncommercial applications, such as education;

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    How users can customize and create their own content;

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    Some of the noncommercial ways individuals are using the holographic systems;

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    How the device works!;

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    Some of Ed’s favorite creative experiences, using the technology;

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    A look at the programs which HYPERVSN created to get messaging out, during the pandemic;

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    Some of the ways HYPERVSN may work in a post-pandemic world.

    28 min
  • Restructuring Travel–Digitally
    Over Coffee® is on Christmas hiatus.  Please enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our top podcasts of 2020, and we'll see you in the New Year!
    (Photograph courtesy of The Wild, and used with permission.)

     

    Suppose you needed to present a special creative project in another city.

    Even without considering the current pandemic, you would still have to deal with: reservations, check-in, luggage, delays, possible jet lag, potential mix-ups...

    What if, instead, you could simply offer your project virtually?  And collaborators could work with you, in mixed reality, to suggest modifications?

    That's exactly how The Wild Founder/CEO Gabe Paez is reimagining future travel through XR.

    While The Wild is primarily immersive software for professional design teams, it can also have applications for education.   And families may even use it when, due to the pandemic, face-to-face gathering just isn't a possibility.

    Gabe, who was one of the  speakers at the VR/AR Association's first Global Online Summit in June, shared a way his own family used The Wild for a social gathering: his daughter hosted a virtual party, complete with games, for her ninth birthday!   And during the summit, The Wild sponsored the VRARA's first Global Student Design Competition.  It was an exciting one!

    And in this interview, Gabe discussed The Wild's most recent innovations, and his perspectives on the ways XR can change transportation for the better, as well as offering a look at some additional ways XR could become a part of daily life in the future.

     
    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

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    How a unique professional challenge ultimately led to Gabe’s interest in working with immersive technology;

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    The immersive-software insights that led Gabe to create The Wild;

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    How The Wild mirrors the physical world;

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    The ways in which XR may provide a preferable alternative to physical travel for creative collaboration;

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    How virtualized transportation could be beneficial in the educational and medical fields;

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    A look at some possible personal-use scenarios of virtualized environments.

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    Something new that Gabe and his team had, literally, just added to The Wild at the time of our conversation.


     
    26 min
  • An “Inspirited” Means of Education
    Over Coffee® is on holiday hiatus.  Please enjoy the rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes of 2020!
    (Photo courtesy of Aditya Vishwanath, and used with permission.)

    What if, when you were back in school, you had been able to go inside a microscope?  Or witness, firsthand, the destruction of a coral reef?  Or even experience life, for a day, as someone from another culture, of a different gender, or of a different age?

    All of these are possible for today's students, with virtual reality.

    And education researcher/entrepreneur Aditya Vishwanath is at the forefront of making it happen.

    Aditya, who is a Knight-Henessy Scholar and Stanford PhD candidate, describes himself on his website as a "passionate technology and education enthusiast".  He is both the CEO of Palo Alto startup Inspirit, and the director of Mumbai community-run makerspace MakerGhat.   With Inspirit, he and his team are developing both immersive and interactive labs as teaching tools.

    Meanwhile, MakerGhat is currently focused on home-based STEAM education, with a series of lessons in areas including design, science and mathematics.

    Prior to his presentation at last summer's first-ever VRARA Global Summit Online, we talked about Aditya's research and his experiences as an education professional, as well as the ways educators can implement and use VR to supplement lesson plans.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

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    What first inspired Aditya in his calling as an education and technology professional;

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    How his early experience introducing a new VR technology led to his current work;

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    Adiya’s guidelines to creating good educational VR experiences;

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    The story of Inspirit VR;

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    How Inspirit engages students with free-roam VR experiences;

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    The ares in which VR is a “home run” for education and training;

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    Some of the considerations involved in working with students in VR;

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    A discussion of the barriers to implementing VR into education;

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    Some of Aditya’s favorite VR resources;

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    A look at MakerGhat and they ways they’re building community through making;

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    One of Aditya’s best lessons learned, in his own journey as an education professional.


     
    29 min
  • An Innovator’s “VRx”
    This post and podcast episode are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as medical advice.  Please contact a healthcare professional with any health-related questions.
    Dr. Brennan Spiegel presents at inaugural "Virtual Medicine" conference, Los Angeles, 2018.

    Could virtual reality be effective as a treatment for chronic pain?  Or as therapy for PTSD?  As a way to combat phobias?  Or even as a means of preventive medicine?

    According to Dr. Brennan Spiegel's new book, VRx: How Virtual Therapeutics Will Revolutionize Medicine, the answer is, "very possibly".  It may also be, "very soon."

    In VRx, Dr. Spiegel, who is Director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, explores numerous areas of medicine in which he and his fellow medical professionals are implementing the technology into the healing process.    Cedars-Sinai currently has one of the largest virtual-medicine programs in the world, with new innovations forthcoming.

    And some of these uses are absolutely mind-blowing.

    Dr. Brennan Spiegel presents some of his findings during the inaugural Virtual Medicine Conference, Los Angeles, 2018.

    Psychologists are looking at helping patients combat depression through the use of digital avatars.   Obstetricians are starting to offer VR experiencesan alternative to an epidural.  And Dr. Spiegel's own experience includes management of chronic pain--both for his patients and for himself--through virtual reality.

    Early in his book, Dr. Spiegel points out that virtual reality is not a panacea.   But he takes his readers on a journey, starting with his own first introduction to the technology in 2014.  From there, VRx explores the cases and research in the areas in which he's seen it work effectively.

    Dr. Spiegel (who is the founder of Cedars-Sinai's annual Virtual Medicine conference, which we've had the pleasure of covering in the past) talked about his own journey from skeptic to virtualist, offered a look at some of the use cases in his book and previewed some exciting developments on the horizon. in the field of virtual medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

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    What first inspired Dr. Spiegel to begin using virtual reality in his medical practice;

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    One of the early experiences which he had with VR, and describes in his book;

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    How VR is currently being used in therapy to treat anxiety;

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    A look at one doctor's use of virtual reality to help veterans with PTSD;

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    How VR works to combat eating disorders, such as obesity and anorexia;

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    And, a neuroscience explanation of why it works--to "fool" the brain!;

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    A look at how VR can work in the brain alleviate pain;

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    The story of one patient who used VR to control pain and wean himself off opiods;

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    Some of the obstacles to widespread adoption of medical VR--and how the field is growing;

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    An exciting new program, currently in the planning stages at Cedars-Sinai;

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    One program which Dr. Spiegel developed with a congregation, covered in VRx, to help parishioners lower their blood pressure through VR;

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    AND, how to find out more about upcoming free webinars and resources through Cedars-Sinai.


    27 min
  • Disruption and Opportunity
    Over Coffee® is on Thanksgiving hiatus.  We hope you had a safe and healthy holiday.  Please enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our top episodes of 2020.
    (Photo courtesy of Amy Peck, and used with permission.)

    How might VR and AR be helpful, as we navigate the holiday season?

    Amid the turbulence that has been 2020, immersive technology strategist Michelle Excell guides clients in creating a better world through virtual and augmented-reality applications.  And those solutions apply both to our current isolation, and the ways things may change, after the pandemic ends.

    At the time of our initial conversation, in April, Michelle, who is  the founder of hybrid consultancy and production collective The Antipodean, had been researching some of the new ways people immersive technologies were facilitating interaction during quarantine.   These areas included creative collaboration, effective distance education, and a re-imagining of social events.

    In her LinkedIn article, "COVID As a Catalyst for Transformation", Michelle offers tips for using immersive technology in daily life, amid our current circumstances.

    And here is our April, 2020 conversation, in which we discuss trends, resources and applications for digital transformation, as well as Michelle's two new startups.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

    * The new roles which existing immersive technologies have assumed, during the pandemic;


    * Some current VR and AR resources for virtual collaboration;


    * How immersive technology can facilitate distance education;


    * How a virtual platform allowed Michelle and her husband and friends to create an imaginative social event;


    * Some great suggestions for learning and education (both for adult learning and keeping young students engaged);


    * How virtual platforms can  combine immersive learning and social catch-up for everyone in the family;


    * ;The most powerful tool you can use, when starting to work with immersive technology, and a perspective to keep in mind;


    * Why immersive technology may actualy create more value online, for small businesses, than in-person interactions;


    * How attitudes have been changing, towards immersive technologies–and where we could go from there;


    * Some of the exciting new free AR tools;


    * A look at Michelle’s two new startups, VOIIJER and Quartet Agency, and what’s currently happening at The Antipodean.
    42 min
  • Erica: A New (AI) Era?
    Over Coffee® is on Thanksgiving hiatus.   Please enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes of 2020--and have a safe and healthy holiday.


    In August, Erica had filmed some of the preliminary scenes for her upcoming movie, "b".

    Her director said she was excited about the project: she has the starring role.

    And she was doing well in her Method acting lessons.

    If that last sounds unusual,  it's even more so when you stop to consider that Erica isn't human.

    Instead, she is a humanoid, created at Osaka University, in collaboration with the Advanced Telecommunication Research Institute, as an autonomous communication robot.

    And filmmaker/technology entrepreneur Sam Khoze is teaching her method acting, in preparation for her starring role in his upcoming  $70 million science-fiction movie "b",   But he isn't stopping there.

    During our summer 2020 conversation, Sam explained that he's also looking at adding additional robots to his cast AND his crew, for the shoot.

    Here is our prerecorded interview--and we'll keep you posted as we hear more about "Erica" and her film career!
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

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    What the process of casting Erica for the film was like;

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    Why a robot can be a sympathetic main character (as opposed to Hollywood’s tendency to depict robots as villains);

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    Sam’s first impressions, interacting with Erica for the first time;

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    What the process is like, teaching a humanoid robot method acting;

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    A funny story from Sam’s experiences with Erica while filming some preliminary scenes;

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    Some of the issues Sam had to keep in mind, when working with a robot instead of a human actor;

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    What’s happening in “b”;

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    Additional robot-related innovations, which viewers may encounter in  “b”;

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    What will be involved in future stages of production;

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    One major reason why robots will NOT be replacing humans in the workforce any time soon;

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    Another groundbreaking AI development which could lead to safer conditions for human actors on future sets.

    31 min
  • AI: Future Positive


     

    What might artificial intelligence--and machine learning--mean to your future?

    More, perhaps, than we can imagine today.  According to professor/technologist/entrepreneur J. Scott Christianson, machine learning may soon be a core element of everyday life.  And the effects can be much more positive than people tend to think.

    With the right focus, Scott says, machine learning can help students determine their future careers.  It can also help in the fields of medicine, possibly facilitate breakthroughs in research, and even lead to more successful social interactions.

    On his website, Scott states that we can shape the future by understanding technology.  He doesn't simply say that--he's lived it.

    In 1996, Scott co-authored the book, Virtual Classrooms: Educational Opportunity Through Two-Way Interactive Television.  Two years later, according to his LinkedIn profile, he founded the company, Kaleidoscope Videoconferencing, which served businesses and educational institutions with videoconferencing equipment and tech support for 21 years.

    In other words, he was twenty-plus years ahead of today's remote conferences and distance learning.

    Scott, who describes himself as a "technologist who is also a teacher", currently teaches classes at the University of Missouri's Trulaske College of Business.  He also supplies a lot of great resources on AI, and on technology in general.  You can subscribe to his newsletter, The Free Range Technologist, and check out his latest recommendations for artificial intelligence resources and information at this link.

    Scott talked about his background, shared a number of the ways AI can positively shape the future and explored some of the current resources available for anyone who'd like to learn more.
    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

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    How Scott first became interested in artificial intelligence;

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    A definition of machine learning (which is a narrow form of artificial intelligence);

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    A "preview" look at a projected future with AI;

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    How AI and machine learning predicted the pandemic (and are combating it);

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    A project in which the average person can help in the research process;

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    The ways AI could allow us to reimagine education in the future;

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    What "brain science" is and how it can be used in the classroom;

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    Some of the AI resources Scott recommends;

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    Why AI and machine learning can make errors;

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    Where we currently stand on guidelines for ethics in AI systems;

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    Scott's recommendations for remaining employable and relevant in the future;

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    Some of his favorite "learning experiences" while teaching his students;

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    How machine learning can combat climate change;

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    Several AI applications Scott enjoys using;

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    A number of great resources if you would like to learn how to create artificial-intelligence technology;

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    A cutting-edge technology currently active in other countries, which will probably be adopted in the U.S. "sooner rather than later"

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    Scott's advice to his students about becoming invaluable for the future.


     
    28 min
  • STEAMing Forward–Virtually
    Two Events! One Registration! As an Over Coffee® listener, use discount code OVERCOFFEE when you register today at steamcalifornia.org for this year’s virtual California STEAM Symposium Dec. 11-13, 2020! You’ll get full access to #CASTEAM20 and the Nov. 17th Pre-Conference.
    (Image courtesy of CDE Foundation, and used with permission.)

    Teaching is an art.  And the eighth annual California STEAM Symposium is just about to celebrate and enhance it!

    This year, the popular three-day educators' conference takes place completely online.   The dates: Friday, December 11th through Sunday, December 13th.

    And a lot of new features have been added, says Karyn Warner, STEAM Program Manager of nonprofit Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation, which cohosts the annual event.

    This year's California STEAM Symposium includes a "Family Day", where parents and students can collaborate in hands-on maker activities.
    Resources in advance
    Plus, there's a California STEAM Symposium Pre-Conference, happening November 17th, featuring two keynote speakers..

    (Image courtesy of CDE Foundation, and used with permission.)

     

    The goal: to provide support to educators, so they don't have to wait a month for inspiration and ideas!

    Attendees get admission to both events when they register for the California STEAM Symposium.  And, as an Over Coffee® listener, you also get a discount!  (The code to enter when registering: OVERCOFFEE.)

    You'll recall, from our earlier posts, that California STEAM Symposium is a highly interactive gathering.  Educators learn to incorporate science, technology, engineering, art and math into curricula.  The goal: showing students the ways these subjects relate to their lives, now--and how they could relate to their future careers.

    And a major component, as evidenced by this 2019 picture, is fun.

    California STEAM Symposium, Anaheim, 2019.

    Karyn says that interactive, "maker" aspect will be front and center, virtually, during this year's symposium.   An online Student Showcase, coding sessions and a number of hands-on activities are on the program.  Meanwhile, the symposium is happening on an interactive platform that allows attendees to travel around and "explore" virtually.

     

    CDE Foundation STEAM Program Manager Karyn Warner.(Photo courtesy of CDE Foundation, and used with permission.)

    As discussed in our earlier interview, Karyn discovered her own talent and passion for teaching as a mom with a background in professional broadcasting.   Her classroom approach involves building classroom community and involving students as learning collaborators.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

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    What the process was like, for the CDE Foundation, in reimagining the California STEAM Symposium as an all-virtual event;

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    How the Symposium will offer interactive activities (including maker projects!);

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    A preview of the Celebrating Teachers Pre-Conference keynote speakers;

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    A look at "Family Day", premiering this year and presented in partnership with the California PTA;

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    What virtual attendees will experience with the "Winter of CS (Computer Science)" sessions

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    How Karen, as a former kindergarten teacher, taught her students to "code" with a playful exercise;

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    A preview of the upcoming Student Showcase;

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    What newcomers to the virtual experience can expect;

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    36 min

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