The Future Is Soft: Tiny Robots, Smart Prosthetics and the Rise of Neurodiversity Tech

AI toys can talk, listen and become a child’s “friend”. Experts say: don’t buy them. AI-powered teddy bears, dolls and companion toys can hold conversations with children, remember what they say and respond using generative AI. But the Safe AI for Children Alliance is warning parents against AI companion toys. CEO Tara Steele explains why, from inappropriate and potentially dangerous conversations to privacy, data collection and the emotional bonds children can form with AI chatbots.

New evidence of Russian-linked disinformation around European elections

AI Is Changing How Visas and Borders Work AI is increasingly being used in consular services to check documents, detect patterns, flag potential fraud and help process huge numbers of visa applications. But when an algorithm influences what a human officer sees, where does human judgement end and machine influence begin? We speak to the authors of AI Use Cases for Consular Affairs Don Kilburg and Virginia Blaser about the opportunities and risks of using AI in decisions that can determine who gets to cross a border.

Medical Devices, Critical Materials and the Race to Build Circular Devices Digital healthcare is producing a fast-growing mountain of electronic waste. Glucose monitors, wearable sensors and medical devices can contain lithium, copper, gold and rare earth elements, yet many are discarded or incinerated rather than repaired, reused or recycled. The DiCE project has spent four years investigating how to keep these devices, components and materials in circulation for longer, without compromising patient safety.

Myanmar, Customer Data and Human RightsAfter Myanmar’s military coup in 2021, authorities demanded access to sensitive customer information held by a major Norwegian telecommunications company. Data linked to customers suspected of opposing the military was handed over, according to allegations in a new civil case. Now, more than 1,200 customers are part of a legal action in Norway seeking damages over the sharing of their data. A Norwegian court has ruled that the case can proceed as an opt-out class action. We examine what happened, what the lawsuit alleges, and the wider question of whether technology companies have a responsibility to protect customer data when operating under authoritarian regimes.Could Yeast Build Houses on Mars?Then we leave Earth for Mars, where future astronauts will face an extraordinary problem: how do you build a home when resources are scarce, temperatures are extreme and the atmosphere is just a fraction of Earth's? We explore how yeast could potentially be used to create building materials for future Martian habitats and whether biology could provide a way for humans to manufacture what they need to survive on another planet.The Programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Production Manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Subscribe and listen to the ad-free PodExtra version here: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/Fancy buying us a coffee? You can do that here: https://buymeacoffee.com/somewhereonearthSomewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Website: http://www.anialichtarowicz.com📩 Contact us or book a project: [email protected] ➡️ Email: [email protected] 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.