Lecture by Kevin Ashton: The Future and the Internet of Things

Introduction

• Kevin Ashton takes a photograph using a smartphone in Seoul, emphasizes rapid technological adaptation.
• Notes importance of the quick adaptation to technological changes.
• Discusses Korea's economic progress.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

• Highlighted by Vice Minister, a significant topic of discussion.
• Shipping Lanes vs. Internet Networks: Compares trade networks and internet networks, highlights their historical separation.
• Integration of IoT: Connects the physical and digital world, beyond just smartphones.
• IoT Definition: Involves computers sensing and interacting with the real world autonomously.

Technological Predictions

• Trend of Miniaturization: Predicts continued reduction in size of computing devices.
• Moore's Law: Computing power doubles every two years.
• Kumi's Law: Energy efficiency in computation improves faster than Moore's Law.
• RFID Technology: Early IoT example, microchips without batteries.

Developments in IoT

• Invisibility of Computers: Future of computing devices becoming smaller and battery-independent.
• Wemo Technology: Home automation example, using smartphones to control outlets.
• Use of Existing Standards: Importance of using widely available technology like Wi-Fi for IoT.

Emerging IoT Technologies

• Nest Thermostat: Intelligent, networked thermostats indicating Google's understanding of IoT importance.
• Self-Driving Cars: Google’s autonomous vehicle as a major IoT advancement.
• Personal Quantification Devices: Wearable devices for tracking fitness and health.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Data Analysis: Key skill for future, critical for interpreting IoT data.
• Presentation of Information: Simplifying data for actionable insights is crucial.

Education and Future Skills

• Teaching for Tomorrow: Focus on future skills, not past knowledge.
• Mathematics: Shift from traditional math to data science, probability, and machine learning.
• Simplicity and Communication: Importance of presenting complex data simply.

Final Thoughts and Q&A

• Creativity and Innovation: Encouraging bold new ideas despite inherent resistance.
• Big Companies: Challenges in adapting to technological changes.
• Korea’s Opportunity: Potential for new leading companies to emerge from Korea.

Conclusion

• Future Outlook: Confidence in Korea’s continued progress, encouragement for nurturing new innovators.
• Final Advice: Support and enable the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.