No need for metaverse, cheer physical reality

No need for metaverse, cheer physical reality

by with No Comment PerspectivesPhdLife

No need for metaverse, cheer physical reality

“The 3 C’s of Life: Choices, Chances, Changes. You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.”- Zig Ziglar

At crossroads of our life journey, we get to make small casual choices, take end of the road turns, but sometimes decisions are huge and disruptive. It is up to us on how much of the change we seek. Regarding career, there used to be limited option and as borders have opened, trotting the world became easier. The average job tenure for Gen X workers in EU was around 8.5 years in 2020, while baby boomers stayed at one workplace 12.5 years on average (Eurostat “Labour Force survey”, 2020). As some of the positions are becoming redundant due to Digital Transformation (e.g. Administrative and Executive Secretaries, Accounting, Bookkeeping (WEF, the Future of Jobs Report, 2020)), people seek for self-realisation. Now more than ever we can fulfil our needs just like we would do on the SIMS.

After 7 cumulative years in industry, working as a Teacher, Project and Product Manager, in employed or co-founding positions, I have spent a year in Australia trying to figure out my next steps and find my calling. After over 300 job applications, these are a few insights that guided me towards career in academia.

  1. Reflect. I believe this is the hardest but the most crucial step of the whole journey – pause for a moment and connect the dots. One recruiter helped me by asking to list the tasks I liked and didn’t enjoy doing at each workplace. I believe there is no perfect job that has no chores, but these questions narrow down the search. Later on, I discovered that a few more things are as vital to identify: an environment that helps you thrive (solitude, crowd, international, etc.), strengths and personality traits that make you flourish, and finally, extremely important things to you in the workplace. This reflection should not only help you understand yourself but also your career aspirations, reducing the surrounding noise to inner silence.
  2. Play. When life happens, we tend to forget our inner child, but this is the place where all the secrets are and this is the person that holds the key to the problems one has created. I have learned that the career that is meant for you is not the hardest or most serious one, but the one that is fun in daily tasks. Ambition, challenges and personal / professional development are important but only as long as this brings you joy. Life is a sandbox, and we are just kids playing. Think for a moment, what was the game you liked most when you were a child? The answer might give you useful hints for the future career. E.g. My favourite toy was a teacher’s journal.
  3. Use resources. Internet with its collective knowledge and science research offers plenty of resources for solving any problem. So why not take self-discovery as a projects or scientific study? There are coaches that can guide you through the journey, podcasts and literature to learn from other mistakes and discoveries, finally, there are tools tailored to find specific answers like ikigai or SWOT. In the end, there are so many options and solutions that we only need to ask the right question and be determined to find the answer.
  4. Listen. There is so much noise in our surrounding that the actually important skills nowadays are critical thinking and filtering. Foremost, we need to hear ourselves (previous steps can help on that). I love the saying that “the self should not be found or created, but heard and discovered”. When in line with the self, you might start paying attention to your environment. Hear what people who know you and occurring life events try to tell you. Life sometimes tries to tell us something, but our stubbornness does not allow us to see it. In my case, my family and relatives were calling me professor for as far as I can remember, and I was getting coaching jobs from random people in my network. Again, having clear questions and ability to trust the process can open serendipitous opportunities.
  5. Dare. Have you ever had shivers because of applying for a dream job? I had when sending my first email to my research supervisor to be. There is no point applying for hundreds of jobs if the job description and idea of working there does not give you shivers of excitement. This is a first step towards your future, so this must be thrilling! As our energy is in high frequency at that moment, there is no other option but getting the acceptance – we attract same frequency as we share. Our desired change sometimes requires lowering the ego and to start over. That is extremely hard but essential for career shifts. In a long run, purposeful and sincere career choices take you further and bring financial success as a byproduct.
  6. Validate. Some career change choices are built, some are snapped, but as startup world and transformations in business teaches – incremental and validated steps can save the day. Therefore, it is advised to test yourself in the new field and aspired role, the game might be different there, so it’s good to know the rules and take informed decisions. So, internships or temporary non-binding roles can not only answer your questions and see your fit, but also open opportunities for faster, smoother and more fulfilled integration in the new world. As for me, I have started my career in academia as a Junior Researcher in a pre-PhD position and I could not be happier. This experience opened many doors for me and surrounded me with like-minded people that made me feel home.

As a junior researcher at EINST4INE, I did a research not only on state-of-the-art practices and supportive mechanisms managing Digital Transformation across industries, but also on career in academia, preparation for a PhD, and integration in a different country, learning the rules of the life game board. Not sure whether the wind will be favourable for me continuing on this path, but I know myself and my strengths better now to say that academia is my fit. I hope these insights will encourage you to drift towards your fulfilment.

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When in Paris… talk about AI

by with No Comment ConferenceESR TravelogPhdLifeTechnology

Exploring AI Beyond the Hype: Reflections from the second edition of our workshop

I recently had the honor of co-organizing (together with my fellow colleague Domenico Di Prisco) and participating in the second edition of the workshop titled “Emerging Technology and AI: Beyond the Hype.” This initiative, launched by Prof. Lauren Waardenburg and my supervisor, Cristina Alaimo, aims to foster a deeper understanding of AI, cut through the surrounding hype, and explore its broader implications for management, society, and institutions.

First workshop “Emerging Technology and AI: Beyond the Hype” at LUISS in 2023:
Source: Author

After the inaugural workshop at the LUISS campus in 2023, this second edition was held at the ESSEC campus in Paris. The event brought together experts from various disciplines, including information studies, organization and management theory, marketing, and even sociologists. They were all focused on studying the intricate impacts of AI on organizations and society and how these entities, in turn, shape AI.

2nd workshop edition in ESSEC Paris in May 2024:
Source: Author

Over the course of two days, the workshop featured a series of insightful keynote speeches. The introductory keynote was delivered by Professor Jan Recker, who set the tone with his thought-provoking topic “Responsible AI = Sustainable AI?” He challenged the assumption that responsible AI is inherently sustainable, suggesting that we need to approach these concepts differently to ensure both responsibility and sustainability in AI development.

Following this, Prof. Elena Esposito delivered a compelling keynote on the transformative power of AI in making predictions actionable. She illustrated how, unlike traditional predictions like weather forecasts that merely prepare us for the future, AI enables proactive interventions to alter the predicted outcomes. This represents a significant shift in the role of predictions, akin to changing the weather itself rather than just dressing appropriately for it.

The second day of the workshop continued with equally engaging keynotes. Prof. Harris Kyriakou discussed the “Implications of AI for Research & Practice,” offering valuable insights into how AI is reshaping both academic research and practical applications. Prof. Melissa Valentine from Stanford University captivated the audience (making us solve math equations!) with her ethnographic study of an online clothing retailer. She demonstrated how introducing an algorithm transformed the organizational structure, with data science approaches to buying and planning redefining existing departmental boundaries.

These keynote speeches, followed by dynamic roundtables and project presentations, provided me with a lot of answers about AI, but it also left me with some new questions (which, I think, is a good thing?):

  • We still don’t truly know what falls under the category of AI. While many consider it an emerging technology, some argue that parts of it have reached the level of a general-purpose technology. As various fields navigate the creation and adoption of digital and advanced technologies, it’s uncertain whether we will have a clear answer to this question even next year.
  • This uncertainty leads to broader questions about our common understanding. Do we mean the same things when we talk about AI, sustainability, responsibility, accountability, and the role of data in addressing problems and finding solutions? How does this ambiguity impact our research? Are we experiencing an epistemological crisis due to the lack of clear definitions and shared understanding?
  • This also raised important questions about AI and sustainability. While AI is often touted as a contributor to sustainable solutions and development, it’s essential to consider the substantial resources these processes consume. Although AI can indeed foster sustainable outcomes, the experimentation process itself, even when shifted from physical to digital realms, still consumes a significant amount of resources. How, then, do we address this issue effectively?
  • As AI continues to become smarter and more autonomous, questions about accountability arise. Who is responsible for the good and bad decisions we outsource to AI? What decisions can we ethically and effectively delegate to non-human entities, and which should remain under human control? This issue is particularly pertinent in the use of AI for human resources, such as in the hiring process.

This workshop was and will continue to be an incredible opportunity to delve into these questions, fostering a deeper understanding of AI’s role and potential in society.

Looking forward to next year!

Source: Rahul/Adobe Stock

A practical look at Large Language Models

by with No Comment PhdLifeTechnologyTechnology

Good day, developers and aspiring coders! The potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) has sparked excitement in the AI community. These AI superstars are transforming how we interact with computers, and comprehending them is an essential skill for any developer or student interested in the future of technology. So buckle up and prepare to dive into the exciting world of LLMs!

Consider a neural network on a data binge, consuming mountains of text and code. That’s basically what an LLM is. These models are trained on large datasets, allowing them to understand the complexities of language, including grammar, syntax, etc. What’s the secret weapon behind this learning process? Transformers are a specific type of neural network architecture that excels at analysing sequential data such as text. By analysing these massive amounts of data, LLMs become experts in predicting the next word in a sequence, translating languages, creating unique material, and even answering your questions in an informative manner.

LLMs are a developer’s toolkit, full of potential applications. Here are a few ways to use their power:

Code completion and bug detection: Are you stuck on a particular line of code? LLMs can analyse your existing code and provide improvements or even uncover possible flaws. Consider your friendly neighbourhood debugging assistant, all powered by AI!

NLP projects: Create chatbots, virtual assistants, or sentiment analysis tools. LLMs can be an invaluable resource. They can assist you in training your models on large amounts of text data, enhancing their capacity to interpret and respond to real language.

Creative Text Generation: Looking for a clever tagline or some code documentation inspiration? LLMs can generate a variety of imaginative text formats, serving as a catalyst for your own creative spark.

Machine Translation Integration: Developing a Global App? LLMs can assist you with implementing seamless machine translation services, allowing your users to communicate with your application in their native language.

These are just a few ways developers can use LLMs. As the field advances, we should expect even more fascinating applications to emerge.

Getting Started with LLMs: A Developers Playground
Are you ready to try with LLMs? Here’s a simple roadmap to help you get started:

  1. Choose Your Platform: Several cloud platforms provide access to pre-trained LLM models via API. Popular choices include Google AI Platform, OpenAI API, and Amazon Comprehend.
  2. Explore Tutorials and Documentation: Most platforms provide extensive documentation and tutorials to assist you get started with their LLM services. These tools will walk you through the process of configuring your environment, submitting requests to the LLM, and analysing the outcomes.
  3. Begin with Simple Tasks: Don’t plunge right into creating a sophisticated chatbot! Start by experimenting with simple tasks such as text generation and sentiment analysis. Before moving on to more complicated projects, be sure you have a strong understanding of how LLMs work.
  4. Explore Existing Libraries: The open-source community is constantly creating libraries and frameworks for working with LLMs. Consider using libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch to simplify your development process.

Remember that the field of LLMs continually evolving. Continue to be interested, investigate other platforms and libraries, and stay up to date on the latest developments. There’s a whole world of possibilities waiting to be discovered!

This is only the first step in your LLM journey. As these models evolve, they have the potential to become a valuable tool in your development toolkit. So, continue to study, experiment, and help shape the future of AI with LLMs!

Entertainment technology VR background in blue circuit lines remixed media

Enter the Matrix: VR Glasses and Cobots Dance the Tango

by with No Comment PerspectivesPhdLifeTechnology

Hello everyone!

Today, let’s delve into the realm of VR glasses. With the recent unveiling of the Apple Vision Pro, there’s been quite a buzz surrounding these devices. But what exactly is driving the excitement, and how do VR glasses intersect with the intriguing domain of human-robot collaboration?

First, let’s zoom out and consider the broader landscape. In recent years, there’s been a notable push towards crafting more agile and adaptable automation systems. This has spurred increased interest in HRC solutions, where both automated processes and human dexterity can coexist seamlessly, without sacrificing complexity or flexibility.

Bridging the Gap: VR Glasses and Human-Robot Collaboration

However, a significant challenge in HRC lies in communication. Interactions between humans and robots aren’t always smooth, intuitive, or quick. This is where emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (XR) come into play. These technologies offer promising avenues for enhancing communication between humans and machines across various phases of design, commissioning, and operation (Badia et al., 2022).

VR and AR technologies, in particular, offer immersive experiences that can revolutionize how we visualize and analyze procedures in HRC systems. From evaluating layout designs to analyzing task scenarios, programming robots, calculating cycle times, and ensuring safety, VR and AR provide powerful tools for fostering collaboration between humans and robots.

Additionally, the concept of digital twins has emerged as a compelling complement to VR and AR technologies in the realm of HRC. Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical systems or processes, offer a means to simulate, monitor, and optimize operations in real-time. By integrating digital twins with VR glasses, users can immerse themselves in virtual environments that mirror physical realities, enabling enhanced training, troubleshooting, and decision-making in HRC scenarios (Malik & Bilberg, 2018). Check out this video by rfin.tech R&D to see how digital twins can be applied in human-robot collaboration:

Evaluating the Current State: VR and AR Solutions in HRC

So, what does this mean for the future of human-robot collaboration? VR glasses are not just a passing fad; they represent a significant step towards creating more efficient and flexible automation systems. By harnessing the immersive capabilities of VR and AR technologies, coupled with digital twins, we can unlock new possibilities for enhancing communication and interaction between humans and robots.

As we continue to explore this exciting intersection, it’s crucial to leverage insights from research and real-world applications. By doing so, we can pave the way for a future where humans and robots collaborate seamlessly to achieve remarkable outcomes.

Stay tuned for more updates on the captivating fusion of VR glasses, digital twins, and human-robot collaboration!

Until next time!

 

References:

Badia, S. B., Silva, P. A., Branco, D., Pinto, A., Carvalho, C., Menezes, P., Almeida, J., & Pilacinski, A. (2022). Virtual Reality for Safe Testing and Development in Collaborative Robotics: Challenges and Perspectives. Electronics, 11, 1726. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11111726

Malik, A. A., & Bilberg, A. (2018). Digital twins of human robot collaboration in a production setting. Procedia Manufacturing, 17, 278-285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2018.10.047.

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Who Cares? Beyond the Hypes of Fast Technology

by with No Comment PerspectivesTechnology
Crowd of visitors at CES. Source: Imagist3ds

Every year in January, Las Vegas becomes the epicentre for tech enthusiasts, innovators, and industry leaders who gather to witness the spectacle of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Advertised as ‘the most powerful tech event in the world’ by its organizers, CES stands as a platform for unveiling the latest advancements in consumer electronics. Is between the myriad of products and technologies showcased there that tech giants like Google, Microsoft and Netflix built their bones back in their early days.

The significance of CES goes beyond flashy presentations and product unveilings. It serves as a compass for forthcoming trends and innovations in the consumer electronics industry. The prototypes and concepts showcased at CES often foreshadow the direction of technological development in the coming year. However, amidst the excitement and anticipation, lies the inevitable phenomenon of hype cycles.

The Gartner ‘hype’ cycle, introduced by the IT firm Gartner. Source: Wikipedia.

A hype cycle reflects the evolution of specific technologies over time, encompassing their maturity, adoption rates, and societal impacts. It begins with an initial surge of excitement and inflated expectations, fuelled by media coverage and investor interest. However, this euphoria is often followed by a period of disillusionment and scepticism as the technology fails to meet exaggerated expectations. Over time, as the technology matures and its real-world applications become clearer, a more balanced perspective emerges.

A notable recent example of a hype cycle is the fervour surrounding the metaverse. Presented as the next evolution of the internet, the metaverse captured the imagination of industry leaders and the public alike. However, just a year after its grand unveiling by Mark Zuckerberg, the metaverse faced scrutiny and scepticism. Reality Labs, the division responsible for metaverse-related initiatives, reported an operating loss of $13.7bn last year (1.6 million every hour!) [1], highlighting the challenges of translating hype into tangible market traction. Mark Zuckerberg itself went from “metaverse-first, not Facebook-first” in 2021 [2] to saying that the metaverse is “not the majority of what we’re doing” in 2022 [3].

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s avatar speaks during a virtual reality event. Source: Bloomberg.

But the metaverse and its promised marvels are only the most recent hype cycle. Prior to the metaverse, blockchain technology – to name one example – experienced a similar trajectory of hype and disillusionment.

Unsurprisingly, this year at CES was all about artificial intelligence, which has sucked all the air out of the room. The technology you heard about everywhere was AI [4]. Investors are surfing the wave and floods of money are being thrown at AI start-ups [5]. Time will tell us whether AI can deliver on its promises and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

Hype cycles, while often viewed negatively, are an inherent part of technological progress. They reflect the tumultuous journey from concepts to reality, where expectations collide with the complexities of implementation and adoption. These waves of ‘next big things’ can be bewildering, confusing and erode confidence towards technology. It is true in fact that many of the technology are just “flashes in the pan” and die before reaching any kind of matureness [6].

Introduced by Samsung during the last CES, ‘Ballie: your perfect home AI companion’ (at least for your pet). Source: Samsung electronics.

Amidst the buzz of tech shows and the frenzy of media coverage, it’s essential to adopt a discerning perspective. Rather than succumbing to the appeal of hype, it’s crucial to focus on the core features and affordances of what is presented to us as ‘the next big thing’. Core features represent the essential capabilities that define a technology’s identity [7], while affordances denote the possibilities of action that it offers to users [8]. By evaluating technologies through this lens, we can better discern their true value and potential impact.

For instance, at CES last January Samsung presented an AI (of course) home assistant that follows you in your daily tasks. Is it just an Alexa on wheels or something more? A start-up called Rabbit presented a handheld device capable of control your music, order you a car, buy your groceries, send your messages, and more, all through a single interface. Have they just reinvented the smartphone?

Rabbit R1 from the AI startup Rabbit. It promises to be a universal controller for apps and services without any login. One device to rule them all. Source: The Decorder.

In the vast sea of gadgets and innovations at CES, the question “who cares?” takes on new significance. By interrogating the core features and affordances of emerging technologies, we can identify the tools, services, and devices that truly offer value to users.

What are the core features of the device? What those functionalities afford me to do? Given such functionalities and affordances, should I buy it? Which other tools are available out there with the same features or affordances? This critical perspective enables us to navigate hype cycles with clarity and discernment, separating ephemeral trends from transformative innovations.

As we await the next wave of gadgets from Vegas, let’s embrace a (positively) critical mindset. By focusing on the substance behind the hype, we can uncover the technologies that will shape our digital future in meaningful ways. In a landscape dominated by novelty and excitement, it’s the thoughtful consideration of core features and affordances that ultimately guides us towards genuine progress.

 

[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/01/meta-lost-13point7-billion-on-reality-labs-in-2022-after-metaverse-pivot.html

[2] https://about.fb.com/news/2021/10/founders-letter/

[3] https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-metaverse-not-majority-were-doing-facebook-meta-focus-2022-11?r=US&IR=T

[4] https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/13/24035152/ces-generative-ai-hype-robots

[5] https://www.ft.com/content/9c5f7154-5222-4be3-a6a9-f23879fd0d6a

[6] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-lessons-from-20-years-hype-cycles-michael-mullany/

[7] DeSanctis, G. and Poole, M.S. (1994), “Capturing the complexity in advanced technology use: Adaptive structuration theory”, Organization Science, INFORMS, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 121–147.

[8] Markus, M.L. and Silver, M.S. (2008), “A foundation for the study of IT effects: A new look at DeSanctis and Poole’s concepts of structural features and spirit”, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, Vol. 9 No. 10, p. 5.

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What Art can tell us about Digital Societies

by with No Comment PerspectivesPhdLifeTechnology

What Art can tell us about Digital Societies

The representation of our society in cultural forms has fascinated me for a long time. Theatre, opera, dance, film, photography all have shaped my upbringing. It was during years of studying digital and creative media that I learnt more about the versatility of media and its representation of life and society at large—from a practical as well as theoretical lens.

First signs of art go back to the Stone ages. As put by Prof. Xiang Xiong Lin in this article in the Humanities, Arts and Society magazine, “Artistic cells are born within human blood. […] Art is the carrier of human culture, and culture is the platform of human civilization.“ Art holds a mirror to the time when it was created. As highlighted by the MET, “art from the past holds clues to life in the past. By looking at a work of art’s symbolism, colors, and materials, we can learn about the culture that produced it.” Equally, art from this century truly tells a lot about the times we live in today. How does technology change the perception about our identity? How does data drive objectivity and erase individuality? How do robots interact with humans?

I want to highlight here a few contemporary artworks that fascinated me in the past and may tell us, step by step, a little bit more about the era we call ourselves a part of or, at least, provide some thought provoking perspectives—on human civilisation in the digital era:

Exploratory Selfie or Selfiecity.Net, 2014, L.MANOVICH

© Lev Manovich

The presentation of the self. A topic that probably never experienced such a dramatic change like right now and within the digital age. Our self-representation is even so important since Instagram, and selfie-camera that Manovich decided to do an artwork on the topic “selfie”. The project is an interactive web app of 3200 Instagram selfies from different countries in the world (Bangkok, Berlin, Moscow, New York, and Sao Paulo). A software creates a certain visualisation of the photos. Via a computer that shows the web app the visitor can explore the dataset of selfies that is then projected onto the wall infront of the visitor. With other artists and specialists, Manovich wants to discuss the construction of self-representation in the digital age. He started analyzing the selfies with a special software, and visualizes the received data. The portraiture of a single person changes through history – from the art of painting, to the photography, to the selfie. The way the self is portrait changes with its society. The project of Manovich even argues if the selfie can be seen as a new sub-genre of photography.

“Selfie is not only a photographic image that we recognize as a self-portrait and which bears a formal resemblance to numerous canonical photographic self-portraits from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Instead, selfie is a product of a networked camera. […] While focusing on Instagram, one of several available platforms of online image-sharing, Selfiecity comments on the social media in general. The project views social media as a vehicle of voluntary interpersonal communication, and discusses the visual component of such communication.” (Tifentale and Manovich, 2015)

Face Cages, 2013-2015, Z.BLAS

© Zach Blas

Face Cages is an artwork that is critizising the biometric industry. Its measuring in an objective way is creating a cage. There is either 1 or 0. If you are too extraordinary for the system what are you then? Do you have to worry if your smile is not detected as a smile – by a software? The face cages are inflexible metal constructions for the face that look like a biometrical measurement of the facial factors. These biometric systems are a generalization of the human individuum that create stereotypes. The result is either discrimination, racism, sexism, transphobia or even homophobia. The discomfort the cages entail, dramatizes the discrepancy of the interaction of biometric norms and the individual person.

“Blas fabricated face masks that resemble iron muzzles based on the shape of biometric diagrams, evoking resonances with prison bars, the Scold’s Bridle, and torture devices used during slavery in the U.S. and in the Medieval period in Europe.”; “The different machinations of faciality […]—as a singular, unique, personal and identifiable security-check, as the imposition of a political norm, as collective empowerment, as a plural, multi-form, malleable and amendable canvas, as a means to play with identity, similarity and difference, and as a source of data extraction—indicate that supra-individual cultural narratives and concerns about policing and governance are braided around the algorithmic capture of the face.” (de Vries, 2020)

 

Drawings by Robot Paul, about 2013, P.TRESSET

© Patrick Tresset, Galleries West

After Tresset lost his passion for his hand drawn paintings he started building robots and he named them Paul. Paul is a robotic arm mounted on a table. Paul uses computer vision to recognize faces he then starts drawing on a paper in about 30 minutes. Through Paul, a robot becomes human. Art used to be made by human kind – what changes now, that even robots know how to draw a portrait? The boarders merge. But what stays is the fascination of only one human-like robotic arm that has the ability to identify a human face and to draw it.

“Paul is a naive drawer: it does not have highlevel knowledge of the structures constitutive of the human face (such as the mouth, nose, eyes) nor the capability of learning expertise based on experience as a human would. However, Paul is able to draw using the equivalent of an artist’s stylistic signature based on a number of processes mimicking drawing skills and technique, which together form a drawing cycle. […] Although the individual algorithms driving Paul are relatively simple and not particularly novel, the way in which they are combined is of interest as the drawings Paul produces are considered by professionals as being of artistic value, which is unusual for computer-generated figurative portraits” (Tresset and Leymarie, 2013)

 

Hysterical Machines, 2006, B.VORN

© Bill Vorn

Vorn creates a huge impressive installation with up to eleven dysfunctional machines hanging from the ceiling of the room. Each machine has eight arms made of aluminium reaching out from a spherical body. The machine works like a nervous system made of motor-, sensing-, and a controlling-system. This allows the machine to detect the visitors and react to them. The Hysterical Machines serve to exemplify the paradoxal nature of artificial intelligence. They provoke the visitor’s empathy as they are reacting to their appearance.

“In addition to physically interacting with the audience, Hysterical Machines also initiate or establish an emotional relationship with the audience. Their hybrid status, combining the properties of living organisms (their behavior) and technical machinery (their appearance) causes viewers to re-act with a similarly structured ambiguity and ambivalence, in which affective emotions combine with cognitive interest and empathy mixes with primal anxiety and technophobia.” (Kluszczyński 2018)

 

What artworks do you find most remarkable for our digital lives?

To me, art still represents much about us, our past, our present, and makes us think about our future. To close, I choose the words of a popart legend:

“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.”  – Andy Warhol

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Wasen Beers, Workshop Cheers, and Cobot Gears: Stuttgart’s Workshop Fiesta

by with No Comment ConferenceESR TravelogPerspectivesPhdLifeTechnologyTechnology

Hey everyone!

If you think life as a PhD student is just about boring books and endless research, think again! My last few weeks have been a whirlwind of cool events, amazing people, and lots of learning. Let me take you on a quick tour.

A Dive into Enabling Technologies at Stuttgart

In the heart of October, I found myself amidst the historic beauty of Stuttgart, ready to attend a workshop hosted by the University of Stuttgart. The central theme of the event revolved around enabling technologies and their pivotal role in the digital transformation.

The workshop spread over three days, promised – and delivered – a potpourri of informative sessions, panel discussions with industry stalwarts, and glimpses into the future of digital advancements. From discussing AI and data’s role in research to exploring the dynamics of enabling technologies for ecosystems was genuinely enriching.

A personal highlight for me was the chance to present my ongoing research project on the implementation of collaborative robots (or cobots) in SMEs. It’s a subject I’m deeply passionate about, as emphasized in my paper titled “Cobots in SMEs: Processes, Challenges, and Success Factors”. The feedback and interactions that followed the presentation were invaluable, offering diverse perspectives and new angles to consider in my research.

Participants at the EINST4INE Workshop in Stuttgart
Participants at the EINST4INE Workshop in Stuttgart (Source: photo taken by Christina Theodoraki)

A Taste of Local Culture

Before the intellectual marathon began, a few colleagues and I took a cultural detour to the vibrant Wasen event in Stuttgart. It was a delightful amalgamation of tradition, laughter, and shared memories – a perfect start to an intense week.

Reaching Out to the World

Another proud moment was presenting my conference paper remotely at the IEEE TEMs conference in Lithuania. The virtual platform extended the reach of my work to a global audience. Engaging with professionals and academicians from different corners of the world brought forth a myriad of viewpoints, making the experience thoroughly enlightening.

Looking Ahead

The journey, as they say, is never-ending. As I pen down these words, I’m in the midst of preparing a poster presentation for the upcoming World Open Innovation Conference in Bilbao, Spain, this November. I’m eagerly looking forward to further collaborations, feedback, and the joy of sharing my work with a broader audience.

In the world of academia, every day brings new challenges and revelations. These events and interactions have been instrumental in shaping my thought processes and providing direction to my research. I’m grateful for these opportunities and excited for the road ahead.

Until my next update, stay curious and keep exploring!

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Unveiling the Hidden Gems of the First Academic Conference

by with No Comment PerspectivesPhdLife

Fellow researchers, I recently took part to the first conference of my PhD journey. As a PhD student, joining a conference for the first time is a milestone rich of emotions and takeaways.

In this blog post, I will highlight eight key reasons why attending a conference is a game-changer for early-stage researchers like me, hopefully inspiring those who are undecided or haven’t attended one yet to take the leap and experience the invaluable benefits of such events. For more experienced researchers, this post will serve as a good reminder of the profound impact that conferences can have on their professional growth and networking endeavours.

The mixed group of colleagues attending the HCI 2023 conference in Copenhagen. Source: Nicola Felicini.

Networking Opportunities

The conference was teeming with brilliant minds from diverse fields and backgrounds. From more established academics to fellow PhD students, I found myself amidst an ocean of intellect and ideas. Engaging in discussions during coffee breaks and networking events allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals, and I even exchanged contact information with potential collaborators. These connections opened doors to potential research partnerships and sparked exciting possibilities for my future career.

Knowledge Exchange

Presenting my research at the conference was a bit of a nerve-wracking experience, but it turned out to be immensely rewarding. The audience’s constructive feedback during the Q&A session provided fresh perspectives and valuable insights into my work. Additionally, attending other presentations exposed me to various research approaches and methodologies, which I could integrate into my own study to enhance its quality and depth.

Staying Updated with the Latest Research

The conference boasted a diverse range of presentations, workshops, and keynote speeches, each showcasing cutting-edge research. As a PhD student, staying informed about the latest trends and advancements in my field is crucial, and the conference provided the perfect platform for this. The exposure to the latest studies and discoveries has renewed my passion for research and motivated me to push my work further.

Break and networking time at the HCI 2023 conference. Source: Nicola Felicini.

Skill Development

Attending conferences offers a valuable opportunity to develop essential skills that are vital for a researcher’s academic and professional growth. One of the key skills that can be honed through conference participation is effective communication. Presenting research to a diverse audience, engaging in discussions during Q&A sessions, and networking with fellow researchers all contribute to refining communication abilities. Articulating complex ideas concisely, adapting language to suit different audiences, and conveying research findings persuasively are just a few aspects of communication that can be improved. This skill is not only crucial for disseminating research effectively but also for building lasting connections and collaborations within the academic community and beyond.

Inspiration and Motivation

As I sat through thought-provoking presentations by seasoned researchers and passionate fellow students, I couldn’t help but feel inspired and motivated. Witnessing the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the tangible impact of research fueled my determination to make a meaningful contribution to my field.

Building Confidence

Presenting my research in front of a diverse audience was indeed intimidating, but the experience immensely bolstered my confidence. Defending my work during the Q&A session taught me to articulate my ideas more effectively and logically. This newfound confidence will undoubtedly serve me well during future academic events and job interviews.

Centre of Copenhagen, where the HCI 2023 conference took place. Source: Nick Karvounis on Unsplash.

Broadening Perspectives

Attending a multidisciplinary conference exposed me to a wide range of research topics and methodologies beyond my primary area of study. Engaging with researchers from different backgrounds expanded my horizons, challenging me to think more creatively and consider novel approaches to my research questions.

Strengthening Academic Identity

As a PhD student, it’s crucial to feel like a part of the academic community. Presenting my research at the conference was a significant step in establishing my academic identity. The positive feedback and recognition from peers and established researchers helped solidify my presence within the academic realm.

In conclusion, attending to my first academic conference was an unforgettable experience that has left an indelible mark on my academic journey. The networking opportunities, knowledge exchange, and exposure to the latest research have undoubtedly enhanced my research skills and broadened my perspective. Furthermore, the inspiration, motivation, and strengthened academic identity have instilled in me the belief that my contribution to the field is valuable and vital.

To all my fellow PhD students out there, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take advantage of such opportunities whenever they arise. Embrace the chance to connect, learn, and grow within the academic community. The benefits are immeasurable, and you’ll find yourself returning from the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for your research endeavours. Happy researching!

Ensuring Safe Human-Robot Collaboration: The Role of Vision and Proximity Sensors

by with No Comment PhdLifeTechnologyTechnology

Robots working alongside humans is becoming more and more probable as robotics technology develops. But when people and robots collaborate, safety is still a major issue. Vision and proximity devices can be used in this situation to guarantee secure human-robot interaction. Robots can detect people, objects, and obstacles in their environment due to vision sensors. They track and identify motion and shapes using cameras and other tools. Robots are able to identify and steer clear of humans and other objects with the help of this ability.

  • As the use of robots spreads across a variety of sectors, safety concerns regarding human-robot collaboration have taken on greater significance.
  • Robots can sense their surroundings and identify objects, people, and obstacles with the help of vision sensors.
  • Proximity sensors can help avoid collisions by detecting the existence of an object or person and their proximity to the robot.
  • By utilizing both kinds of sensors, robots can more accurately perceive their surroundings and decide how to interact with people.
  • Human-robot collaboration is becoming more prevalent in the industrial and healthcare sectors, but safety is still of utmost importance in these environments.
  • While sensors can significantly increase safety, human supervision and training are still necessary to guarantee secure and productive human-robot interaction.

On the contrary, proximity sensors can both sense the presence of an object or person and their proximity to the robot. They employ a variety of technologies, including ultrasonic, capacitive, and infrared sensors, to identify changes in the environment and warn the robot to stop or slow down when a person is close. Robots can more accurately sense their surroundings and decide how to interact with people by combining these two kinds of devices. A robot in a manufacturing environment, for instance, could use vision sensors to recognize nearby people and proximity sensors to determine their closeness. The robot may slow down or halt if the person approaches too closely in order to prevent a collision.

Healthcare is a further application where vision and proximity sensors can be used for secure human-robot collaboration. When working with vulnerable patients, safety is of the highest importance. Robots can help medical workers with tasks like lifting and transporting patients. While proximity sensors can warn the robot to halt if the patient approaches too closely, vision sensors can track the patient’s position and movements. Additionally, sensors can be used by robots to track their own motion and recognize when something is wrong. For instance, a robot with a broken arm may be able to sense when it is moving too quickly or in the incorrect direction and stop before it does any damage. While sensors can significantly increase safety in human-robot collaboration, it is essential to remember that they are not infallible. For the collaboration between humans and robots to be secure and productive, human supervision and instruction are still necessary.

Finally, the integration of vision and proximity sensors can significantly improve the security of human-robot interaction in a variety of contexts, from manufacturing to healthcare. The distance between a person and a robot can also be determined using a depth camera, but it is more difficult to attach multiple cameras to the robot’s skin than it is to attach numerous proximity sensors to various regions of the skin in order to calculate the precise distance from various angles and prevent collisions. The project we’re working on also makes use of a camera and a proximity sensor for secure human-robot collaboration.

 

Unsplash picture by Joshua Hoehne

Pitfalls and Blessings: A 21st century Research Journey

by with No Comment PerspectivesPhdLife

Pitfalls and Blessings: A 21st century Research Journey

Being in the academic world these days comes with many pros and cons, ups and downs, privileges, and struggles. On average, doctorate holders represent 1.1% of the 25–64-year-old population across OECD countries (source). That sounds like a very small percentage. But let us put this number a little bit into perspective: In 2006, approximately 1.3 million peer-reviewed scientific articles were published, synonymously leading to a rise in scientific journals from 16.000 in 2001 to more than 23.000 in just five years (source). Today the number of available journals to choose from is even larger, a presumed 30.000+ while, at the same time, enabling lower quality journals (source). You might think “paradox of choice”, how to decide which journal to go for?

Unsplash picture by Claudio Schwarz

Let us add another lens to that: “Fewer than 1%—manage to publish a paper every year” (source). Publication practices have long received the slogan: “publish or perish” (that speaks for itself) across disciplines such as medicine (source) and management studies (source). Assuming you have made it into a journal, about one third of articles in the social sciences do not get cited, much less in the natural sciences, but even more in the humanities with an approximate 80% of publications never getting cited after publication (source).

Publishing in a scientific journal has become a significant challenge. A challenge so significant that a professor once said to me, “When you receive the response from a journal inviting you to revise your manuscript – you celebrate” (Note, this does not mean the paper has been accepted yet, but it has moved on to round 2). A study on journal acceptance rates at Elsevier found an average of 32% of papers that make it past review (source) while “scientists suffer constant pressure to publish new work frequently” (source). In the case of a paper-based PhD, it is often mandatory to get papers into the review process while working on the PhD. Fortunately, actually being published by the end of the PhD is not necessarily a requirement – although it certainly will not hurt. But looking at the statistics sheds a light on the chances of doing that.

The lifecycle of scientific publishing only works with the valuable and dedicated time of unpaid reviewers but the pressure in the academic world is high, and an elbow-mentality is growing. In recent years the peer-review process is receiving some significant backlash. An article published by the highly recognized Journal of Management Studies almost read like a long-suppressed outcry: “Reining in Reviewer Two: How to Uphold Epistemic Respect in Academia”, criticizing the behavior of a reviewer who deprecated the use of low-tier journals (source). In a similar vein, DORA (the Declaration on Research Assessment) was formed in 2012 in order to improve ways in which researchers and research outputs are evaluated (source) and to date, more than 20,000 individuals and organizations have joined in, promoting this objective. While epistemic respect is crucial for scientific publishing, criticism and accepting rejection is the “daily bread” as Germans would say, or “the norm” for every researcher. However, a rejection by one reviewer or one journal does not decrease the value of the manuscript. Publishing is a journey and taking it from an Associate Professor at Princeton: “Authors should be wary of being drawn into this morass until they find an interested editor“ (source). And, I too know researchers who publish more than one paper a year—nothing is impossible.

Unsplash picture by Nathan Dumlao

It goes without saying that we have achieved a few milestones in education and academia in general. Higher education enrolment rates have almost doubled to close to 40% worldwide since the beginning of this century to 2018 (source). Education has become increasingly accessible to people around the world and this is a great achievement in many ways. However, there is no such thing as a flawless education system and scientific publishing has become an obstacle like never before. But along the ups and downs and the long way ahead, being able to learn, publish, and contribute to knowledge generation, informing others about our findings feels so very rewarding at the end of the day. Being able to produce research and working on the world’s challenges and concerns, in my humble opinion, is still worth the hours we put into it.

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” 
― Albert Einstein

robot-g78f84ae61_1920

Robots, Drones, and Robo-Dogs, Oh My! A Journey Through the World of Robotics

by with No Comment ESR TravelogPerspectivesPhdLifePublication SummarySecondmentTechnologyTechnology

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay

Hello everyone! I’m happy to share some experiences that I’ve made during the last month. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to accomplish my academic secondment at Aarhus University in Denmark and attend the European Robotics Forum in Odense with my EINST4INE colleague Alejandra Rojas.

ERF23

The European Robotics Forum (ERF) is an annual event that brings together experts in robotics from industry, academia, and government to discuss the latest developments in the field and explore potential collaborations. The forum is organized by the European Robotics Association (ERA) and typically features keynote speeches, technical sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions showcasing the latest robotics technologies and applications.

The ERF serves as a platform for researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and knowledge on a wide range of topics related to robotics, including industrial automation, healthcare robotics, service robotics, and artificial intelligence. It is also a forum for policy makers and industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving field of robotics, such as ethical and legal considerations, workforce training, and investment strategies. Even Crown Prince Frederick, His Royal Highness of Denmark, attended the event this year!

ERF with EINST4INE colleague Alejandra Rojas
ERF23 with EINST4INE colleague Alejandra Rojas. Source: own photo.

As a visiting researcher, I was thrilled to be able to connect with so many people who are passionate about robotics and human-robot interaction. I was able to learn about the latest developments in this field. I was particularly interested in discussions surrounding collaborative robots, which are designed to work alongside humans in manufacturing and other industries. During the forum, I had the pleasure of engaging with some brilliant minds, from both the academic and practitioner side. Their contributions to the discussions were invaluable, and I learned a lot from them.

Exploring the Fascinating World of Robotics

In addition to my research on collaborative robots, I’m also fascinated by other robotic technologies such as drones and robotic dogs. These technologies are shaping our world in profound ways, and I believe they have enormous potential to improve our lives. For example, drones have the ability to conduct aerial surveys, deliver packages, and even help with search and rescue missions. Robotic dogs, on the other hand, can be used in a wide range of applications, from military and law enforcement to assisting people with disabilities. I find the intersection between these technologies and human needs to be particularly interesting, as it challenges us to think about how we can design and use robots in ways that are safe, ethical, and beneficial for society as a whole.

Robotic Dog ERF23
Robotic Dog ERF23. Source: own photo.

 

 

The Journey Goes On

Aside from the forum, I also spent time at Aarhus University, where I was conducting interviews with SMEs located around Denmark. These interviews are an important part of my research, as I’m studying the implementation of social and collaborative robots in organizations. By understanding the effects of cobots on an individual and firm-level, I hope to achieve a clearer understanding of cobot implementation processes, organizational opportunities and challenges.

 

Visit at AU with Agnieszka Radziwon and Cristina Marullo
Visit at AU with Agnieszka Radziwon and Cristina Marullo. Source: own photo.

Overall, my trip to Denmark was an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many brilliant minds in the robotics field. I’m excited to continue my research and see what developments the future holds for human-machine interaction models. I am also looking forward to the next EINST4INE Summer school and see my ESR friends in person again. Thanks for reading!

 

Source: Midjourney / DALL-E 2 prompted by MIXED

What’s new in the VR and AR shelf?

by with No Comment Perspectives

Augmented reality and virtual reality have been advancing rapidly, with each new release bringing exciting developments to the table. As someone who’s been researching AR and VR for a while now, I can say that there are some benefits of working with such cool technologies. For one thing, it’s easy to try out the newest gear from top companies.

Researching headsets makes it possible to get your hands on cutting-edge technology without breaking the bank. Even better, resellers are often happy to bring the latest products directly to you, so you can try them out in the comfort of your own workspace. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the latest VR headset from Meta, the Quest Pro, as well as the Magic Leap 2 AR headset from Magic Leap. Both probably represent the state of the art in the two different technologies of augmented and virtual reality. It was exciting to see how these technologies are advancing, even though they still present a few flaws that make them far from ready for the mass market.

Meta Quest Pro from Meta. Source: Lewis Painter – Foundry.

Starting from virtual reality, one of the evident improvements of the Meta Quest Pro from its predecessor, the Quest 2, is its enhanced comfort. This is thanks to the battery pack being moved to the back of the head, the compact lenses pack developed by Meta, and the cushions and spacers that make the headset light to wear. While the resolution remains the same as the Quest 2, the Meta Quest Pro features better screen technology (QLED) and a (usually expected) increase in memory and storage. The new sensors, especially face and eye tracking, are incredibly interesting for remote collaboration applications and can really enhance the immersion of your peers in the so-called metaverse. The addition of RGB pass-through cameras is also a huge plus, as the previous model only had grayscale cameras.

However, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. The pass-through video quality is still quite raw and doesn’t seem to be suitable for prolonged use in XR mode. It’s more useful for quickly checking the surroundings while developing. Another drawback is the battery duration, which doesn’t seem to last much more than a couple of hours during intense usage. Even keeping it plugged in, the battery doesn’t seem to charge fast enough to forget about its charging status. This can impede prolonged demo sessions and break the developing flow.

A final note about the recent price drop (~30%) of the model, whose reasons are unclear. On the one hand, it could be a strategic move to shake up the market, increase sales and gain market share. On the other hand, it could be an attempt to give away models before the release of the future one later this year. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that the VR market is incredibly competitive and moves at a rapid pace. For early adopters who paid the full price for the device, this drop might be frustrating. But for those looking for a deal, could be an excellent time to get a quality product at a lower price point.

Magic Leap 2 AR glasses. Source: Magic Leap.

Moving into augmented reality. The Magic Leap 2 it’s incredibly light and comfortable to wear. This is a huge plus for anyone who plans to use the device for extended periods of time, especially in a work-related context. But the most impressive feature of the Magic Leap 2 is its field of view. This has long been a bottleneck for AR devices, but the Magic Leap has managed to dramatically increase it. The device now covers all the space within the frame of the goggles, eliminating the “window effect” that previously made the AR experience less convincing. Additionally, the dimming function is a surprising feature that occludes the lenses with a black filter, making the device almost like a VR headset when activated. The dimming function has a ‘segmented dimming’ option which works only behind the virtual object visualized. It aims to remove transparency of the AR content, which is the second barrier to a perfect AR experience. While giving kudos to the company for the ground-breaking feature, it isn’t accurate enough to follow the object’s boundaries, resulting in a dark aura that isolates the object from the context. Finally, the image quality of the trial apps, in terms of resolution, texture, and lighting quality, was not as impressive as I expected in terms of realism. Despite this, the Magic Leap 2 is a big step ahead in the AR market and the newly introduced features look very promising.

From the comparison of the latest models, VR emerges as a more mature technology. AR is still in earlier stages of development, even though progressing very fast. The recent news that Apple has postponed indefinitely the launch of their AR headset is a testament to the difficulties inherent in creating convincing, high-quality, mass-market-ready AR glasses. This news shows two things: firstly, the fact that they postponed and not canceled means that it is still appealing and there are market applications to be seized. Secondly, it is evident that technological breakthroughs are still required to reach the level of readiness required for the mass market. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for both VR and AR.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are independent and purely personal from the author. The author has not received any funding or other incentives from the companies producing the products described in this post.