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

  • Cutting-Edge Humanitarianism
    (Photograph ©2019, Josh New, and used with permission.)

    Virtual reality, plus humanitarian goals, may equal a better world. 

    And that's the vision with which International Reacue Committee Emergency Accountability Coordinator Elena Chopyak is working.  She's creating a new pilot program which uses VR to accomplish IRC's training goals.

    Nonprofit International Rescue Committee has been responding to the world's worst crises since the 1930s.  The organization began with an idea from Albert Einstein.  His goal: to provide humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing Nazi Germany.

    Almost ninety years later, IRC continues to provide resources, empowerment, health services and education to people whose lives have been upended by war, unrest and natural disasters.

    Elena says that she first had the idea of worldwide mixed-reality training a year ago.   The pandemic, with its restrictions on travel, made the use of VR seem much more viable.

    Elena talked about her background, gave an update on her pilot program and projected the directions in which she'd like to see it grow.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How Elena first became inspired to use her talents in humanitarian work;

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    How she began working for the International Rescue Committee;

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    The story of Elena's implementation of the pilot program;

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    Which applications proved most workable for IRC's workshops and remote conversations;

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    The obstacles to overcome, since IRC serves more than 40 countries worldwide;

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    Some of the ways IRC might collaborate with others to make this program a reality;

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    An update and timeline on the pilot program's progress;

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    What a trainee will experience, in one of the simulations in this particular program;

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    Where Elena would like to see the pilot program grow, in the next five years;

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    How you can get involved, if you'd like to help!;

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    One favorite experience Elena has had, involving VR;

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    Elena's advice to anyone who'd like to make a difference with virtual reality in their area;

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    AND, several resources she recommends!

    23 min
  • A Roundup of Robots
    An Over Coffee® special-edition podcast

    Robots used to be the stars of sci-fi.

    Today they show up all over the place.  They can be fun, educational, or literally lifesaving.

    Over the years of producing Over Coffee®, we've had the privilege of seeing some incredibly cool robots.  Here are just a few personal favorites--and the ways you can get involved with them.

    In this week's podcast, we take a look at the Robotics Society of Southern California.

    One of the world's first robotics societies, RSSC started in the 1970s!  Boardmembers Alan Timm and Walter Martinez talk about their projects, which include the InMoov robot, the world's first life-sized 3D printable robot.  There's an exciting enhancement: Walter created one which he could move through brain waves.

    And heads-up: nonprofit RSSC is having free virtual meetings, the second and fourth Friday of every month!  You're invited: here's the link for more information.

    Next, we explore the Zumi robot, which is a kit created by multiple award-winning educational software startup Robolink.   Robolink CEO Hansol Hong and his team have designed Zumi to teach students--middle-school to high-school age--how to work with artificial intelligence.

    Last, but certainly not least, is a look at sustainable robot P.E.T.E.R., which Pleasant Robotics CEO and Founder Gabriella Pleasant created.  P.E.T.E.R. is a biodegradable robot which purifies water!
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    What two boardmembers of Robotics Society of Southern California created with 3D printers;

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    Factors that enable RSSC to create more fun robots inexpensively;

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    How brain waves moved a robot!;

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    What a conversation with a humanoid robot could be like;

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    How Robolink came to create an AI robot for students;

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    How Robolink's latest educational robot, Zumi, works;

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    Why Zumi is effective (hint: she's had some very tough critics!);

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    The story of the P.E.T.E.R. robot;

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    How Gabriella designed P.E.T.E.R. to help create a more sustainable planet.

    20 min
  • Innovation On the Set
    "Erica" humanoid robot at the Japan section of Eureka Park® during CES® 2020, Las Vegas.

    Erica is ready for her closeup.  And her medium shot, long shot and anything else in the script.

    As the star of the upcoming $70 million dollar science-fiction movie "b", she'll be a pioneer of sorts.

    That's because Erica is a humanoid, created at Osaka University, in collaboration with the Advanced Telecommunication Research Institute, as an autonomous communication robot.

    Filmmaker Sam Khoze is an A.I. technology entrepreneur, CEO of Life Productions, Inc--and the co-creator and producer of "b".   After an extensive search, he cast Erica as the lead.

    Currently, "b" is in pre-production.   Sam has broken new ground as the first filmmaker to teach method acting to an AI entity.  He and his team have shot some preliminary scenes in Japan and are looking at resuming production in Hungary, depending on restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

    Sam talked about his experiences, shared a preview of some of the surprises we might expect in "b" and offered a look at what these innovations could mean for the future.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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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, currently in negotiation, for "b";

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    What will be involved in the next stages of production;

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    Where to connect with Erica on her new Instagram account;

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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.


    32 min
  • World-Changing Design
    (Photograph courtesy of Natalia Pinilla Rivera, ©2020 Kiwibot, and used with permission.)

    "This is just the beginning.   I want to change the world," says Kiwibot Head Designer Alejandro Otalora.

    And he's continuusly using his creativity to do exactly that.

    Alejandro excels at designing autonomous vehicles.   In the past, he's won international competition awards for his autonomous-train designs.

    Kiwibot, a very cute four-wheeled robot, is one of his creations.

    Originally, Colombia-based startup Kiwi Campus envisioned Kiwibot as a vehicle for fast, affordable food delivery.

    But with COVID-19, Kiwibot is also perfect for contact-free medical-supply delivery.  Recently, Kiwi Campus started a pilot program in Berkeley, with the little robots delivering sanitizers and masks.  In addition, Kiwi Campus will be activating "a fleet of robots", according to their webpage, to deliver any needed supplies.

    Alejandro talked about the experience of creating Kiwibot, how the robot evolved into its current role and what's next
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How Alejandro first began creating autonomous vehicles;

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    His experience coming onboard with the Kiwibot Campus team;

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    What the process of designing Kiwibot was like;

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    How the robot is currently evolving;

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    One creative "beginning mistake" which Alejandro would advise fellow robot designers not to make;

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    His advice for fellow creatives, on one pitfall to avoid;

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    When we can expect to see the next version of Kiwibot;

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    How Alejandro "reimagined" Kiwibot's capabilities after the onset of the pandemic.

    25 min
  • Making…an Accessible World
     

    Makers Making Change Community Coordinator Zee Kesler.           (Photo courtesy of The Neil Squire Society, and used with permission.)

    Makers Making Change is expanding their network of creativity and empowerment.  And they'd like to invite you to bring your maker skills and join them. 

    Since late 2019, they've been opening new chapters.  They need both Community Champion volunteers and Chapter Leaders as they continue to grow.

    Makers Making Change, which is a program of Canada's nonprofit Neil Squire Society, connects makers with people with disabilities to create affordable, open-source assistive technology.   How this works: the "client" looks on the MMC website.  If they see a device they need, they can be connected with a maker who can create it.   If there is no current technology to make a current situation more accessible, the client can request something that solves a specific problem.  Or, a maker can submit a new idea for an assistive device!

    Toy hacks, laser-cut signature guides, 3D printed adaptive switches, and, of course, The Neil Squire Society's flagship technology, the LipSync mouth-control mouse, have all been among their innovations.    Generally, these devices away to community members who need them.

    And their "community" is now the world.

    Even before the pandemic, they had begun expanding their network.  They opened multiple new chapters in Canada, and three new ones in the U.S.   Volunteers can choose to lead a chapter (and there's a brand-new one in Boston that will be ready to go as soon as a Chapter Leader comes on board!), help with making technology, connect with "clients" who need the devices, or a number of other tasks.
    Going virtual
    Now, of course, with the pandemic, everything is online.   Which means schools and homeschooling parents can also involve their students as part of a regular curriculum.   Monthly, Makers Making Change hosts an online information session for anyone who'd like to know more.

    Zee Kesler is the Community Coordinator at Makers Making Change.  We talked about some of the exciting ways Makers Making Change is growing since our 2019 interview, where they're going with their new online format and the areas in which they'd most like to get new volunteers involved.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How Makers Making Change has taken their programs virtual;

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    What they're beginning to do, with their online "builds" and hackathons in the work;

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    The ways Makers Making Change is expanding with their new chapters (in both Canada and the U.S.!)

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    Some of the opportunities Makers Making Change offers, including their free online courses and tutorials, available for both schools and homeschoolers;

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    How one school is adapting Makers Making Change's tutorials into their curriculum, and how that can be adapted in your area;

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    How to get involved by either starting a chapter, as a maker or just in general;

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    The types of volunteers which Makers Making Change needs most, currently;

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    An opportunity, right now, in the Boston area!;

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    The story of one of the best adaptive technologies Zee has seen, which makes gaming accessible;

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    One of Zee's best creative challenges, in adapting the programs during the pandemic;

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    Some of the new innovations Makers Making Change is creating in response to COVID-19.

    34 min
  • New Worlds For Imagination
    (Photograph courtesy of Heather Dodds, and used with permission.)

    Virtual events allow lots of room for creativity, says senior XR researcher, designer and author Heather Dodds.

    Heather, who has a Ph.D. in virtual worlds, creates and produces events in VR and XR.  In June, she co-chaired the 2020 Immersive Learning Research Network conference.  She and her staff had just over three months to take the conference completely virtual, due to the pandemic!

    They did it--and ILRN 2020 was available as a fully-online, free conference AND in 360-degree virtual reality.

    Heather talked about her background, the experience of taking the ILRN conference virtual, and offered guidance for anyone who's similarly looking at hosting a conference, special event or class in virtual or mixed reality.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear;

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    How Heather was first introduced to virtual worlds;

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    Her story of creating this year's completely-virtual ILRN conference;

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    Where to start, when you're planning a virtual event;

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    Differences to keep in mind, between creating an onsite event and one in XR;

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    Some of the "mechanics" involved in creating the ILRN 2020 all-virtual conference;

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    Heather's advice on adding the "fun" element to virtual events;

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    Mistakes to avoid, when hosting new virtual events;

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    Some of the platforms Heather recommends for classes and other virtual events, and why.

    30 min
  • HYPERVSN: Magical Tech
    HYPERVSN USA Regional Director Ed Teller(Photo courtesy of HYPERVSN, and used with permission.)

    How do you create magic with technology?

    London-based  HYPERVSN has that down to a science.   They've designed the world's first holographic 3D display system.

    And "eye-catching" doesn't come close to describing the way their units grab everyone's attention.   We've seen them at three CES® shows so far--and the crowd around the exhibit has always been three-deep.

    So, what are they looking at?

    Think 3D holograms floating--and moving--in mid-air.  At CES 2020, they also demonstrated interactive holograms.

    And while HYPERVSN's website calls their 3D integrated holographic system "the next generation of advertising", their holographic-imagery units can be put to use in a lot of other applications.  Education, small-business promotion and special events all come to mind.

    And you can customize your own content!

    Ed Teller is HYPERVSN's USA Regional Director.   We talked about the story of HYPERVSN, some of the applications beyond commercial use, and how the technology is working to get messages across during the pandemic.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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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
  • OC Fair: Hours Away From “Virtual”
    A special-edition Over Coffee® podcast!


    We admit it.  Like many other Southern Californians, we love the Orange County Fair.  And tomorrow, July 17th, is IT--Opening Day!

    This time, it's virtual.   Here's the link!

    Since 1890, the OC Fair's been a summertime celebration for Costa Mesa.  Normally, the festivities start just after the Fourth of July and continues into August.  Our favorite Fair memories include some amazing concerts at The Hangar, lots of Home Arts creativity, 4-H competitions, fireworks at night, pig races, acrobats, dancing to the music...

    And then, of course, there are those curly fries and hand-dipped ice cream bars.  Which we sample purely for research purposes, of course (not).

    While this year's pandemic has forced closure of the Orange County Fairgrounds, it hasn't dampened the spirit of the Fair.

    After the OC Fair and Event Center Board of Directors voted to cancel this year's onsite event, they came up with ways to bring Fair fans some "Slices of the Fair"--virtually.

    Accordingly, starting this Friday, July 17th, the Orange County Fair will host virtual events--24/7--on their website.

    Terry Moore is Director of Communications at the Orange County Fair and Event Center.  We talked about what "virtual Fairgoers" can expect, for summertime, 2020.
    14 min
  • At the Heart of the Journey
    (Photo courtesy of Emory Craig, and used with permission.)

    "It's an exciting journey," says futurist and Digital Bodies co-founder and CEO Emory Craig. 

    He's referring to the current developments in VR, AR and XR--and where they're headed in the future.

    Front and center?  Education.   Currently, Emory and his Digital Bodies co-founder, Maya Georgieva, are Shaping EDU Innovators in Residence at Arizona State University.

    In January, they implemented ASU's Humersive Learning Project, which explores ways of humanizing immersive technology, while revolutionizing the ways college courses are offered.

    Emory and Maya are both educators, as well as entrepreneurs.   Emory's background includes serving for more than three decades as Director of Elearning at The College of New Rochelle.

    And today, through Digital Bodies, he and Maya offer workshops, research, and consultant services for a wide variety of clients who would like to implement immersive technologies into their business, organization or educational institution.

    They also offer a great resource for everyone: their news stories about the latest developments in the areas of immersive technology!  (Personal note: we loved Emory's story about the augmented-reality Liberty Bell, complete with video, which artist Nancy Cahill created for Independence Day!)

    Emory talked about current trends in the use of immersive technology in education, as well as offering a look at some of the creative ways other fields are using XR and AI, and shared some of his favorite resources.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    What first inspired Emory to make innovation, education and entrepreneurship his life's work;

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    How he, himself, first experienced virtual reality;

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    The ways Emory foresees XR and AI transforming education;

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    Some of the social and ethical considerations involved in bringing XR into the learning environment;

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    What Emory is seeing, happening around the world, with immersive technology, as a result of his work with the United Nations;

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    How immersive technology is changing the creative experience for artists;

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    Some of the resources he recommends to educators who would like to include VR experiences in their classrooms;

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    What you'll see on Digital Bodies' website;

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    What Emory and Maya are currently doing with the Humersive Learning Project;

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    An uncanny AI experience which Emory and Maya had at Sundance Film Festival--and its implications for the use of digital  avatars in education.

    46 min
  • The Role of Robots
    Due to a "sick" computer, our normally-scheduled episode will be posted later this week.  Please enjoy this rebroadcast of one or our most popular episodes of 2020.

    Robots are one more tool in the arsenal against COVID-19.

    And Eugene Demaitre, senior editor of The Robot Report, sees them being put to use in numerous ways to fight the pandemic.

    Sterilization, assisting medical professionals and, in some situations, monitoring health, are all tasks for which robots are suited.  And as with many other forms of technology, after the pandemic ends, they may be much more a part of daily life.

    As discussed in our 2018 interview, Eugene sees robots as augmenting, rather than replacing, humans in the workforce.   WIth COVID-19 and social distancing, they're especially effective.

    Eugene explained the various roles in which robots are functioning during the pandemic,, offered some resources for aspiring roboticists and shared some insights for the future.

    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

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    How robots are serving "on the front lines" in healthcare;

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    A closer look at the way a  disinfection robot works;

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    How robots allow for expansion of human capabilities, through telemedicine;

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    Some of the considerations involved in delivery applications;

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    Why food-handling automation may soon become more common;

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    Where we are, currently, with telepresence robots;

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    Eugene's recommendations for educational robotic resources;

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    What human skills will be most needed in the post-pandemic job market;

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    How drones are being put to use in China;

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    Resources for open-source software and learning more about robotics while we're isolated;

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    How robotic capabilities are evolving to meet the needs of smaller businesses;

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    A look forward, at what we may see in the robotic field after the pandemic.


     

    For more information on current robotics developments, check out The Robot Report, Robotics Business Review and Collaborative Robotics Trends.
    39 min

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

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Would you like to know more about the art of twenty-first century "cool stuff" that's changing our world? Such as: robots, space exploration, new media, wearable technology and other innovations that…