Lecture Notes: "Beyond: Exploring Future Trends and Technologies" by Amy Webb

Introduction

• Speaker: Amy Webb, quantitative futurist and CEO of Future Today Strategy Group (TSG)
• Lecture focused on global changes, technologies, and the future.
• Audience engagement through a physical activity using wooden blocks to emphasize discomfort and cognitive focus.

Key Themes

Global Events and Climate Change

• Reference to Lenin's idea: "There are weeks when decades happen."
• Mention of the hottest year in human history with unknown causes beyond climate change.
• Example of plastic infiltration in human bodies, highlighting environmental issues.

Human Enhancement and Technology

• Introduction of the "Enhanced Games" – competition encouraging human enhancement through gene therapy and steroids.
• Critique of current societal and technological changes lacking long-term strategy.

Strategic Foresight and Trends

• TSG's methodology involves tracking signals and identifying long-term trends using data.
• Concept of strategic foresight: modeling future scenarios to predict plausible outcomes.

Annual Tech Trends Report

• Launch of the 18th edition of the annual Tech Trends Report.
• Report is 1000 pages long, divided into sections on technologies (AI, Bioengineering, etc.) and industries (healthcare, entertainment).
• Executive summaries and actionable frameworks provided for organizational use.

Emerging Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Ingestion

• Multi-agent systems (MAS) that can self-organize and solve problems without human input.
• New languages like Droid Speak improving communication speed among AI systems.
• AI's future requires physicality and lived human experiences to advance intuition and common sense.

AI and Biology Integration

• Generative biology: leveraging AI to predict biological structures and interactions quickly.
• Metamaterials: engineered materials with non-natural properties (bending light, sound).
• Progression towards programmable and reprogrammable matter.

New Biological and Sensor Technologies

• Development of wearables for cells, including sperm bots and neural wearables.
• Emphasis on microscopic machines enhancing human control over natural processes.

Living Intelligence

• Definition: A complex system integrating AI, sensors, and biological entities.
• Differentiation from Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
• Potential for profound societal impact across sectors like energy and healthcare.

Robotics and AI Embodiment

• Overview of historical limitations and anticipated advancements in robotics.
• Biohybrid robots combining organic and mechanical components.
• Expected advancements in robotic adaptability and intelligence.

Future Scenarios

Scenario 1: Sonic Sanctuary

• Development of noise-cancellation technology creating perfect acoustic environments.
• Potential misuse for societal control through subliminal compliance.

Scenario 2: Climate Change and Business Alliances

• Business-led initiatives for climate stabilization through advanced materials and AI.
• Risks of deregulation and ignoring long-term sustainability in favor of short-term profits.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to engage in strategic foresight and long-term planning.
• Call to action for the audience to contribute to future-oriented decisions.
• Reminder that present decisions shape the future world.

Additional Resources

• Promotion of the strategic foresight masterclass available at South by Southwest.
• Invitation to access and utilize TSG's free resources and methodologies.

Closing Thoughts

• Importance of thanking event volunteers.
• Final reminder: Every decision is a doorway to a better future.