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OUR ORIGINAL SERIES
Latest stories of our network
4 Star Wars-inspired films for May the 4th
Lives today are linked to the world of Star Wars more than many realize
Today is Star Wars Day! What better way to celebrate the iconic movies than by checking out these 4 documentaries that show how Star Wars technology is becoming a daily reality. These short films explore the amazing possibilities of this moment in robotics, cryonics and human augmentation.
Imagine Beyond - The Body (above)
In the final scenes of The Empire Strikes Back, Luke Skywalker's hand – cut off by Darth Vader – is replaced in just 24 hours. Scientists across the world are now working on robotic limbs that can integrate with human bodies. Will we soon become superhuman?
Watch these videos to see how technology is making Star Wars-evoking strides into human augmentation, robotics and cryonics.
Unlocked: Is more tech inside making us better?
Should bionic augmentation aim to restore bodies, or add to them? Tilly Lockey, who has highly customized bionic arms, and Wojtek Paprota, with his implanted chip, discuss the possibilities and advantages of cyborgs and robotic upgrades.
Robotic Relationships: How we could fall in love with machines
Robotic relationships may be a turning point in the age of the machine. Can humans and AI connect on a deep emotional level?
Frozen in time: Is this how we will cheat death?
Eternal life might be possible sooner than we think. What will it mean for our bodies and society?
How will you celebrate Star Wars Day? Share your traditions with us on Twitter and Facebook!
Taking notes from nature
3 examples of scientists using biomimicry for human improvement
Humans are innovative but has it been done before? Learning from and mimicking nature for human designs is known as biomimicry. Find out how inspiring nature truly is when scientists utilise biomimicry in order to successfully create intelligent mechanisms:
Reducing carbon dioxide and making cement
How a kingfisher helped an engineer
Biobots inspired by nature
What are some other examples of biomimicry? Share your favourites with us on Twitter and Facebook!
This Valentine’s Day – are you ready for AI love?
Spielberg, your dreams may have come true
Valentine's Day: a celebration of cherubs, chocolates and human contact. Until COVID-19 hit. As the global pandemic continues to rip up the dating rulebook, and with loneliness at an all-time high, is now the right time to consider if we can start to love machines?
Robot relationships become a real possibility this Valentine's
Tinder. Bumble. Grindr. The notion of digitized matchmaking is nothing new, but normally a love match is followed by dating in real life. However, with COVID-19 bringing feelings of isolation, detachment and loneliness, even digital dates don't satisfy our need for human interaction. The answer? AI-powered sex companions and robot relationships.
Back in 2018, Forbes described sex robots as "the most disruptive technology we didn't see coming," predicting robots will become familiar companions in the future. As people attempt to replace Netflix with new interactions, we may be on the cusp of a surge in AI, robot and virtual relationships.
The year of love and loneliness
Found in Kaspersky's Love and Loneliness campaign, 84 percent of people across Europe admitted they are lonelier during the pandemic than before. This detachment from human contact meant that nearly two in three 18 to 34-year-olds used technologies like video-calling, online dating and chatbots to fight feelings of loneliness. A clear sign that we're now more likely to seek companionship using tech in times of need.
Be still, my mechanical heart
A year has passed since COVID-19 entered most of our lives. During this time, we;ve become more confident and creative with the tech we use. And as feelings of loneliness intensify, it's fair to say that the idea of artificial comfort, company or closeness is no longer as bizarre as it may have seemed before the pandemic.
We're heading towards another Valentine's Day, and for those already feeling detached, technology could provide a (literal) release. Using AI and robots to enhance sex and relationships won't be for everyone, but for those who do explore this novel territory, it's a meaningful option. Just as using dating apps or going on a Zoom date was considered bizarre just a few years ago, this tech could be the future of love.
We need to keep this new tech secure. The past year has called for heightened education around email scams and other escalating cybercrime threats. It's knowledge that keeps people safe. And knowledge can only be shared if we're open to discussing these new technologies without stigma.
Can we learn to love robots? Watch more stories about AI, robots and love in the Imagine Beyond episode: Build Me Somebody To Love.