FUTURA
The magazine of the near future
Feb 2024
Issue no.4
SEABED SPACE: Office in ocean BLOWN DRONE: Emerging sport
CLONE TONE: Listen to sounds from beyond the grave NEW IN BRIEFS Victoria Secret comes up with lingerie for the disabled
SCENTED VR Sniff the digital cookies: virtual reality comes to your nose
CONTENTS
10-17 FEATURES
6-9BIGIDEA FUTUREBACK19TOTHE
FEBRUARY 2024| FUTURA! | Page 3 Start
4-5ARRIVAL
Spin
Launch Have you ever heard of a catapult launching a satellite into orbit? Granted, it is an oversimplification of what scientists have come up with and more intelligent than a catapult, but the underlying technology is the same.
NASA is currently testing a prototype system called SpinLaunch to launch satellites or other payloads into space. It achieves this by using kinetic energy rather than employing the standard method of using chemical fuel, which is what traditional rockets use.
With this, payloads could be propelled skyward through a sizable launch tube while spinning at 8,000 km/h and 10,000 G. Payloads must still reach orbit with small rocket engines, but according to SpinLaunch, this system reduces fuel and infrastructure by an astounding 70%.
Aryananda
Lego Polaroid LEGO collaborates with Polaroid to launch LEGO IDEAS: Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera on January 1, 2024. This idea was conceived by a LEGO fan Marc (Minibrick Productions), this is a 516-piece set which is a tribute to Polaroid’s iconic camera.
This Polaroid by LEGO features a working viewfinder, Color Spectrum, exposure compensation dial, and a functional shutter button.
It’s incredibly iconic and shows up everywhere!” They were released globally on January 1 across websites and Lego stores priced at $79.99.
Spatial Video Apple has unveiled an exciting new feature on the iPhone 15 Pro - spatial video capture.
The newest iOS version 17.2, introduces an exciting new feature for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users.
Jhanvi Charkhawala
Nasa’s Armadas Christine Gregg, ARMADAS chief engineer at NASA Ames, states on the occasion, “The ground assembly experiment demonstrated crucial parts of the system:
the scalability and reliability of the robots, and the performance of structures they build. This type of test is key for maturing the technology for space applications.”
Robots such as Mobile Metamaterial Internal Co-Integrator (MMIC-I) builder robots that climb though the interior space and bolt them and Scaling Omnidirectional Lattice Locomoting Explorer (SOLL-E) that carry voxel building blocks and assemble them into a structure are used by the system.
This approach is a modern shift towards the methods of spacecraft fabrication.
Jhanvi Charkhawala
Now, you can record spatial videos, allowing you to capture and preserve your most cherished memories.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max boast compelling camera systems, representing a significant leap forward in smartphone photography and videography,” Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. The spatial videos are captured in 1080p at 30 frames per second. Princy Jain
Apple x MLS Apple TV+ and Major League Soccer (MLS) have unveiled plans for an unprecedented, all- access docuseries that will provide an all insider’s view of 2024 MLS season.
The eight-part documentary, a collaboration with the award winning filmmakers Box to Box Films, aims to offer both dedicated fans and new audiences an in-depth look into the league, showcasing the most significant moments of the season. With exclusive access to players, coaches and teams, the series will capture the most compelling storylines, adrenaline-pumping moments and captivating personalities of the 2024 MLS season from preseason to the MLS Cup Final.
As part of this collaboration, Apple launched the MLS season pass, a subscription service available exclusively in Apple TV app, allowing fans in over 100 countries and regions to watch MLS matches without blackouts.
Apple TV+ has been making significant strides in the nonfiction programming space, offering a wide range of compelling content, including documentaries, drama and comedy series.
Pauranik Bali
The base includes not one, but two layers of LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam a material light in weight for that effortless sensation and contact with the ground.
Adidas shoe designer, Mortiz Hoellmueller explains that “when creating the Takumi- Sen 10, we wanted to create a shoe specifically for the demands of 5-10k’s. Phoebe Hobson
News! Page 4 | February 2024 | FUTURA!
Adidas-Takumi Sen-10 The Takumi- Sen 10 is a new member of the Adizero family and franchise, a high performing running shoe powered by technology.
Great Depression predicted to begin in 2030 and run roughly until 2036. It will take around four years to recover entirely from that low point and return to our pre-Great Depression state after these six years of economic collapse.
Between now and the end of the predicted Great Depression, a lot may and probably will change; we anticipate that the globe will seem substantially different than it does now. The millennial generation will bring about a lot of changes as its members will be the ones to come up with fresh and original ideas.
There will be new chances and pressures in this new world, along with a promising future.
That does not, however, imply that the Great Depression of the 2030s will be followed by ten years of calm.
In some cases, international borders might need to be redrawn, conflict or not. Even while the world is always changing in subtle ways, there will soon be more obvious changes as well. Ankit Nayak
Spotify X Delta announces partnership with Delta with the launch of a new docu-series. “The Passport Sessions” is now available free during flight, exclusively for passengers traveling on Delta airlines.
Each episode features two artists, exploring the cultural and historical similarities of twin cities. The series aims at providing a rare glimpse into the creative process of song making.
Through this series the viewers will witness songwriters, collaborating with local talents, while enjoying the food, culture, and history of a different cities across the world. It is available in the ‘Series’ section on your Delta flights. The launch episode features Andy Clay and Maye travelling from Florida to Colombia and collaborating with two local artists called Juan Duque and Aria Vega. This is the first episode and is called “From Miami to Medellín”.
This series is available in the ‘Series’ section on your entertainment screen in your Delta flights. Jhanvi Charkawala
MSO McLaren has offered a limited-edition McLaren Special Operations (MSO) experience on its GT model exclusively to the United Kingdom. Only eight units to be produced, the GT that is designed by MSO has just four hues as colour options, including one developed specifically for the special edition.
Power comes from a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 620PS. Faris Danial
Magic Mirrors Tommy Hilfiger and other retail brands are introducing a novel shopping technology, called virtual “magic mirrors.” These advanced screens, looking like shopping center maps or advertisement billboards, allow customers to virtually try on clothes. Zero10 has installed these mirrors in select Tommy Hilfiger stores across London, Milan, and Berlin.
Using an iPad as a control panel, customers can choose clothing items and instantly see them on their bodies simulating a real try-on experience.
This innovation aims to streamline the shopping process by reducing waiting times in fitting rooms, easing the workload on retail staff, and potentially increasing sales through an interactive form of advertising.The AR mirror, with an in-built camera, enhances the shopping experience. Phoebe Hobson
Cutting Edge Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world’s largest technology event that took place from 9th to 12th January in Las Vegas Convention center this year. Smode Japan, launched its immersive Mode XR system in CES this year. Taking center stage in Sony’s virtual production showcase where the real-time ball was set in motion.
Smode XR system is specifically designed for virtual production and extended reality (XR)projects. It features the Smoder software and media server. This system was provided by Smode Japan to Sony PCL as a part of their successful partnership at the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Base in Tokyo.
The cutting edge XR system effortlessly integrates with Sony’s crystal LED. This offered the visitors of CES a firsthand experience of virtual production alongside set extensions. This provides free shooting angles not depending on the size of LED.
The partnership not only marks a milestone of collaboration of Smode Japan and Sony PCL but also showcases the limitless possibilities that XR technology has to offer. Jhanvi Charkawala
AMSilk In an effort to combat environmental pollution and promote sustainability in fashion, scientists and brands are developing eco-friendly materials. German scientists in Munich have created ‘AMSilk’, a biodegradable, recyclable fiber with a lower carbon footprint, inspired by the strength and structure of spider silk.
This innovation, pioneered by AMSilk in 2015 with their ‘Biosteel’ fiber, is being used in various products, from clothing to car interiors, due to its lightweight, durable, and hygienic qualities. AMSilk’s partnership with Adidas to create eco-friendly sports shoes exemplifies the potential of this material in fashion. Phoebe Hobson
News!
Page 5 | February 2024 | FUTURA!
Aryananda Technology
We have traveled to new worlds through virtual reality (VR), but one sense was left behind: smell.
Imagine baking virtual cookies and inhaling the aroma of freshly baked goods, or venturing into a virtual forest and experiencing the scent of the damp earth. A recent research introduced scents into virtual reality.
Xinge Yu, a professor at the department of biomedical engineering at the City University of Hong Kong, and Yuhang Li of Beihang University in Beijing came up with the idea of ‘smelly VRs’.
They created two wearable interfaces to address the drawbacks of traditional scent creation methods, like applying gels or big dispensers, which could be messy and impractical. One can
IDEA #1 VR FRAGRANCE
THE IDEA
be applied as a bandage to the skin between the mouth and nose, and the other can be worn under a headset as a face mask. Offering a more realistic and engaging aroma experience.
Miniaturized odor generators, a grid of tiny containers filled with scented paraffin wax, are used in both types of interfaces. According to Yu and Li, the wax heats up when a heat source beneath it is turned on, effectively turning it into a scented candle that can replicate several scents in 1.44 seconds. A copper coil kicks a magnet to tamp down on the wax and cool down, ending the scent, when the experience is over. According to Yu, the smell is stronger and easier to recognize in higher temperatures. This implies that interfaces have the potential to reach dangerously high temperatures—60° C, or 140° F—for
human skin. However, Yu claims that the interface is safe because of a piece of silicone that acts as a barrier between the skin and the device and an “open” design that allows hot air to escape.
In an experiment involving eleven volunteers, the interface between the mouth and nose was deemed safe as long as it was at least 1.5 millimeters away from the nose and had a surface temperature of 32.2°C, or 90°F. However, Yu acknowledges that wearing a scorching hot interface on your face might not feel secure enough.
“Me and Li were investigating ways to cool the interface more quickly or at lower temperatures” he concluded. This creates a plethora of opportunities for VR applications beyond audio and visuals.
Big Idea
Page 6 |February 2024 | FUTURA!
BIG IDEA
The fashion industry is notoriously known for catering to specific audiences and stereotypes, often neglecting smaller social groups and demographics. Taking responsibility for the smaller sized women and claiming the average clothing size as a UK 10, but is not realistic. Victoria Secret & Co have developed an adaptive lingerie line to make women with disabilities feel confident within their bodies. Whether the disability is visible or not, the brand has established pieces that will accompany their needs.
This new line is a testament to the brand, a marketing area they’ve managed to reach before many in the retail industry, but also an incentive for the future. People living with conditions and disabilities are one of the most underrepresented minorities, a social group that’s been neglected for quite
IDEA #2 ADAPTIVE LINGERIE
some time now. This line of intimate lingerie is a breakthrough for fashion suppliers like Victoria secret marks a moment in history that will hopefully encourage other brands to supply clothing accommodating for this demographic.
The new pieces have been well researched with the customers needs in mind, instead of having bras with hook and eye clasps at the back. Similarly for the underwear items, magnets have been placed on either side of the fabric, to sit comfortably on the customers lower region. The new range also comes in different and satisfying styles, to create both an easy and confident experience for those with additional needs. Aesthetic pleasure has been non-existent for this minority, while hospital and practical garments have been their only option. Victoria secret
has single handedly introduced a new wave of elegance and positivity for women with disabilities, and rightly so clothing is created to make everyone feel self assured.
The garments have adjustable straps and are laced with frills and feminine detailing, bows and beads finish the lingerie off nicely and give customers that long awaited confidence boost. Victoria Secret designer, Ursula Todaro explains that “the journey and the development of the product wasn’t 100% where it needed to be in the beginning, I’m going to be honest. We needed to go back, we needed to make tweaks. Partnering with GAMUT, asking the questions, and having the open conversation with women with disabilities allowed us to get to those corrections and put forward a great product.”
Big Idea
February 2024 | FUTURA!| Page 7
Phoebe Hobson Fashion
IDEA #3 TASTY WASTE
SuperGround, a Finnish startup has revealed a revolutionary method. The company aims at turning discarded bones and hard tissues of animals into edible chicken nuggets and fish cakes. This major innovation does not only reduce food waste but also reduces carbon emissions from animal agriculture. The method offers conventional meat production, an eco-friendly alternative.
Santtu Vekkeli, the founder and chief inventor of SuperGround said, “I have been collecting a list of unsolved food-related problems for many years. Utilization of bones to food without chemicals such as enzymes was on the list for maybe eight years.”
The company has successfully created a “smooth and tasty paste” from hard tissues of animals by retaining the important nutrients in a usable (non-denatured) form. The paste was made using combining and refining existing machinery. SuperGround is currently seeking partnerships with food production companies globally that are linked with its mission of sustainability.
The method used by SuperGround, without compromising taste, smell or any other characteristics, incorporates up to 30% paste-ified leg, breast, back bones and wing tips into chicken nuggets. Same method can incorporate up to 50% of raw materials in fish products, such as fish heads, skin, scales, and bones. This process enhances the food yield. SuperGround also claims that the method leads to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 20 to 70% in both chicken and fish products.
With almost 130 million tonnes of poultry meat consumption annually, the recent scenario of animal waster from agriculture is overwhelming. More waste is generated as approximately 20% of poultry’s mass is hard tissue. Bones are traditionally used for making broths and processed animal food. With SuperGround’s new and different approach, bones can be transformed into valuable components and make them available for human consumption.
Sonam Thukral Environment
Even though there is a lot of questioning pertaining to the efficiency of waste management in terms of animal agriculture, the approach of SuperGround could potentially lead to making significant impact on emissions. Food systems are responsible for one third of all planet heating gases. This shift towards sustainable meat production from one aspect seems crucial even with involvement of unconventional methods.
SuperGround has come up with an initiative that challenges the traditional notion of sustainable meat. It also, with this innovation, is proposing an interesting concept in an industry which has been working on same pattern for years now. Ground chicken products constitute a very small segment of the overall meat market. This approach can pave the way for a very sustainable future.
Consumers are currently experiencing an expansion in the range of food choices. Markets have presented before them things such as deep-fried insects and lab-grown burgers. With constant change and sustainable options, a question arises, ‘will the meat eaters embrace the idea of consuming the skin and bones of the same animals?’
SuperGround believes that by making the products tasty with no compromises in taste, mouthfeel, or smell, these products can be appealing to the consumers.
Further, with the introduction of the ‘Upcycled Certified Program’ in the US, markets could be regulated for bone-filled products. This can lead to a possibility of cost efficiency, which can appeal to the producers as well as the consumers. The world is in urgent need of innovative and cost-effective sustainable practices. And companies like SuperGround are presenting those solutions whilst challenging the norms.
February 2024 | FUTURA!| Page 9 Big Idea
BALLERINA BOTS AND DANCING DROIDS
Jhanvi Charkhawala Entertainment
We live in a world with quite strict boundaries between science and art. Merritt Moore chose to blur those lines by creating a career that links quantum physics and professional ballet. Moore has a PhD in quantum optics from the University of Oxford and has also given a collection of performances with world class ballet companies. With esteemed knowledge of both worlds Moore is challenging the traditional contrast between the analytical scientist mind and the free imaginative artistic spirit.
“I gravitated towards physics because it felt like a puzzle and had to do with the real world,” Moore says reflecting upon her early influences. Growing up, her parents presented mathematics as an engaging game rather than a chore to her. She grew up in Los Angeles and she loved solving puzzles, which developed her curious mind. It led her to explore the domains of both science and art.
She serves as both a professor and an artist in residence at NYU Abu Dhabi. She pushes the boundaries of dance by involving robots as dance partners while teaching robotics. It is her mission to present to the world the integral compatibility that exists between science and art which she believes is essential, not just beneficial.
“I thought, ‘okay, I’ve now danced professionally, I’m going to be a good physicist and just do physics’,” Moore says, talking about her dilemma during her undergraduate studies at Harvard. But she soon discovered how the two of her contrasting interests can actually complement each other. With her knowledge of physics, she enhanced her dance and movement optimization.
While pursuing PhD at the University of Oxford and learning about photons and quantum mechanics, she was dancing for the English National Ballet. She later thought of merging two of her passions. She collaborated with Silje Gabrielsen, the co-founder of Hiro Futures. With that collaboration she explored the aspect of choreographing a dance duet that involves a human and a robot. This creative experiment later evolved into becoming her main focus in life.
Moore’s dance partner is a very elegant
yet quite challenging companion. It is a robotic arm. Using motion capture and/ or virtual reality-based tracking systems for interactive sessions, the choreographies include pre-programmed sequences for the performances.
Moore confesses that the robot acts as a blank canvas of machine. It is dancing with that blank canvas, that allows her to project her personal feelings and memories. She also talks about how often does dancing with robots evokes more emotions in her than dancing with humans.
Moore also has her unique perspective on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) that affects her creativity. It is because as a scientist and dancer who is constituting technology with art and works with robots every day. She also emphasizes the importance of learning to ask the right questions in order to preserve creativity in scientific education
“I really do believe that if you play and if you’re passionate, then the rest will follow,” Moore advises her pupils time and again. She continues dancing with robots and dreams of dancing on the Moon one day. With her endeavors she constantly challenges everyone to reconsider their boundaries and embrace the endless possibilities that lie in a world where art intersects science.
blending
Entertainment
Merritt Moore’s February 2024 | FUTURA!| Page 10
blending science and art Moore’s unconventional path
February 2024 | FUTURA!| Page 11 Entertainment
GAME DRONES
Pauranik Bali Sports and Leisure
Drone racing is a sport combining velocity, skill, and cutting-edge technology, that has transcended its roots as a niche hobby becoming a global phenomenon. In the words of Mr. David Allen, GBR Team Manager and Secretary to the British Drone Racing Association (BDRA), “Drone racing has changed from home-built, very failable kits to something more robust, reliable, and able to withstand crashes”
Drone racing ,is an emerging sport for all the adrenaline junkies who are thrilled by speed. The pilots navigate agile drones through intricate obstacle courses at high speeds. The participants wear a head mounted display that is connected to their drone’s camera which transmits a live feed helping drone pilots navigate their FPV (First person view) drones. In simple words, drone racing is a form of air racing where the competitors are judged on
how quickly they can navigate their drone through a course of obstacles. However, this sport has its own set of rules that the participants must abide by. For example: the drones must adhere to specific technical requirements including the ability to continuosly hover mid-air, fly through designated obstacles and maintain a specified altitude during the race. Failure to do so may lead to penalties such as a yellow card (warning), red card (heat disqualification)and blue card (expulsion from the race). All the races are monitored by cameras, timing/ laps system along with judges making sure the race is carried out in all fairness. The sport not only demands speed & precision but also highlights the technological advancements that have made drones more resilient and adaptable.
In recent years, drone racing has experienced a meteoric rise, captivating audiences and securing substantial sponsorship deals. The Drone Racing League (DRL) started in the US by Nicholas Horbaczewski in 2015 Another notable event was the ‘World Drone Prix’ held in Dubai in 2016, won by a 15-year-old Luke Bannister from theUK. The British Model Flying Association (BMFA) National championship is another popular competition that showcases some of the best drone pilots in the world
Sports&Liesure
.
February 2024 FUTURA!| Page 12
OF DRONES DISCOVER THE THRILLS OF DRONE RACING,
The last eight years, have seen a substantial transformation in the sport. BDRA has played a pivotal role in propelling drone racing into the limelight, establishing it as more than just a hobby. Allen states, “The BDRA is battling to keep pilots active and to introduce new pilots, all while facing cost pressures and regulatory changes imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority
The growing fan base of drone racing is palpable, and this rise can be attributed to various factors. Technological advancements have made the sport more accessible, not only for the enthusiasts but also for spectators. High quality live-streaming capabilities, coupled with the thrill of FPV perspectives have created an immersive experience for viewers. Sponsorship deals attracted by the sport’s unique combination of skill & technology have injected financial support, further fueling
its ascent. The BDRA’s influence has extended beyond the United Kingdom with the organization participating in international events like the World Drone Racing Championship (WDRC) in Korea. Funding from the BMFA, a sister organization to the BDF, has facilitated such global engagements, underscoring the collaborative efforts within the drone racing community. The BDRA’s role in elevating drone racing to new heights is evident, shaping the sport into a global spectacle that continues to garner attention and support.
Mr. David Allen, GBR Team Manager and Secretary to the BDRA, provides valuable insights into the evolution of drone racing in the UK and the support mechanisms in place for pilots. Reflecting on the eight-year period, Allen notes the remarkable shift from fragile homebuilt kits to more robust, crash resistant drones. This evolution has been essential in enhancing the overall experience for pilots and spectators alike. The support structure for drone racing in the UK involves collaboration with organisations like the British Model Flying Association (BMFA). The BMFA, operating largely behind the scenes in an administrative role offers vital support to the BDRA. Allen acknowledges this support, stating, “The BMFA provided some of the funding that enabled us to take part in the WDRC in Korea
last October.” Such financial backing, underscores the collaborative efforts within the drone racing community, fostering international participation and elevating the sport’s status.
As drone racing continues its ascent , the future holds exciting possibilities. Technological advancements, increasing sponsorship, and a dedicated community contribute to a promising outlook. The sport faces challenges as highlighted by Mr. David Allen. The battle for the BDRA involves keeping pilots active, introducing new participants, and navigating regulatory complexities imposed by the CAA.
Allen underscores the pressure to use simulators & addresses the financial constraints that impact both seasoned pilots and newcomers alike .The future of drone racing is intrinsically tied to its ability to adapt to these challenges. The BDRA, with its focus on sustainability & inclusivity plays a critical role. As technology continues to advance, the sport is poised for even greater heights. The BDRA’s, commitment to shaping the future of drone racing in the UK as exemplified by its responses to regulatory consultations ,reflects a proactive approach to ensuring the longevity & vibrancy of this high tech sport.
February 2024 FUTURA!| Page 13 GAME
Sports&Liesure
VOICE CLONING
MUSICAL LEGENDS CLONE AWAY
OF
Aryananda Technology
ctuPicture yourself listening to a brandnew song by Michael Jackson . Or a duet between Kurt Cobain and Billie Eilish that combines pop sensibilities with the swagger of rock music . with the development of AI voice cloning these are becoming the new reality rather than futuristic fictions.
This technology, which creates lifelike human voice synthesizers using AI
Technology
AWAY
To produce high-quality synthetic voices, they combine traditional digital signal processing algorithms with proprietary deep learning techniques. Such as Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing.
“We do this by cloning human speech, which gives us the opportunity to swap voices without the robotic touch currently shared by many video games or auto navigation systems underpinned by text-to-speech technologies”, says Alex Serdiuk, CEO and founder of Respeecher.
“Once we agree on what needs to be done we begin with the very first step which is training the model, meaning we introduce to the model some recordings of the target voice, It’s simple to understand human speech because AI already knows how people sound.
Therefore it just needs to pick up a few details to be realistic” he concluded. Recently, Artificial Intelligence was used to digitally recreate John Lennon’s voice for the Beatles’ final single.
Additionally, The forthcoming film “Piaf” will be narrated by an AI-generated version of the French singer Edith Piaf, who passed away 60 years ago.
Respeecher also created an uproar when it was announced that voice actor Miłogost Reczek would reprise his role as Cyberpunk 2077’s Dr. Viktor Vektor.
Although the recording was not finished because Reczek passed away in 2021, Respeecher used artificial intelligence to turn the performance of another actor into his voice.
These AIs only require a relatively small set of recordings to work from, unlike the AIs already on the market, that are trained on massive amounts of data.
The duration of this process varies from days to months, contingent upon the volume of data and required level of accuracy.
However, there are other programmes available besides Respeecher that let you mimic the vocals of your preferred celebrities. The public can easily access a multitude of open source software programmes, such as Moses AI, SoftVC VITS Singing Voice Conversion, and many others. Recently, it gained popularity among young people through tiktok, where popular pop song covers trended, such as Amy Winehouse singing “Salvatore” by Lana del Rey or Freddie Mercury covering Adele.
There has been many ethical concerns raised against using AI to raise people from the dead . Famous rapper Ice cube has came out bashing the technology : “it is demonic and has no place in music” he added .
In a statement made to Music Business Worldwide, a spokesperson for universal music group said : “The training of generative AI using our artists’ music. begs the question as to which side of history all stakeholders in the music ecosystem want to be on: the side of artists, fans and human creative expression, or on the side of deep fakes, fraud and denying artists their due compensation.”
The topic of copyright has dominated a lot of legal discussion. digital artists have filed lawsuits against DeviantArt, Stability AI, and Midjourney for allegedly stealing their work and using it to train models. Under copyright law, AI presents a challenging issue for record labels and musicians: proving ownership of a song that resembles an artist’s body of work but does not directly replicate any specific work.
Another urgent concern is the possible effect on human voice actors. Could AI replace their special talents, creating job displacement and financial hardship? What about the wider ramifications for interpersonal relationships? How will it impact our ability to connect and build true relationships if we can no longer believe that voices are authentic?
The bigger picture shows AI voice cloning has an unwritten future that contains both discordant and harmonious notes. We can make sure that this technology improves our lives rather than stifling the real voices that really matter by encouraging responsible development, open communication, and an emphasis on moral applications.
February 2024 | FUTURA!| Page 15 Technologgy
SELF HEALING BUILDINGS
Urban Development
ODDITY February 2024 | FUTURA!| Page 16
SPACE
ODDITY
BUILDINGS ARE THE
Heba Abdulla Urban Development
In Greek mythology, Proteus is an early prophetic sea god of rivers and oceanic bodies of water, who has been called the god of ‘elusive sea change’, which suggests the constantly changing nature of the sea or the liquid quality of water. It is an apt name for the up-and-coming project of an international space station
Swiss designer Yves Behar unveiled his futuristic idea for French ocean conservationist Fabien Cousteau’s underwater pressurised research station a few years ago. The 4,000-square-foot modular lab is designed as a two-story circular structure grounded to the ocean floor on stilts, and will be located under the sea near Curaçao, an island in the
Proteus will have protruding pods that contain laboratories, personal quarters, medical bays and a moon pool for divers to access the ocean floor. This marine habitat will provide a home to scientists and researchers from across the world studying the ocean. Powered by wind and solar energy, and ocean thermal conversion, it will have its own greenhouse and will allow scientists to cultivate their own food 18 meters
under the sea as they research various topics, from the effects of climate change and new marine life to medical breakthroughs.
“Ocean exploration is 1,000 times more important than space exploration for –selfishly – our survival, for our trajectory into the future,” Cousteau said over a video call, with Béhar. “It’s our life support system. It is the very reason why we exist in the first place.”
Proteus recently signed a collaboration agreement with US Navy R&D facility the Naval Undersea Warfare Centre (NUWC) in Newport, Rhode Island. This follows the announcement of a similar collaboration with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric & Administrative (NOAA). The deal with the US Navy facility is a co-operative research & development agreement to drive ideas about underwater habitat and mission operations.
“NUWC Division Newport has over 150 years of experience developing undersea technologies, including ocean & biological inspired sciences,” said its chief technology officer Dr Jason Gomez. “We are very excited to collaborate with Proteus and explore the use of habitats for research purposes.” This collaboration will encourage shared research initiatives and lessons learned from past projects, creation of audio-visual content for future training and educational materials, and development of safe undersea operational procedures.
“We welcome NUWC’s experience and collaboration, and the opportunity to see how technologies derived from US Navy research can be used for civilian applications,” said Cousteau, chief oceanic explorer of Proteus Ocean Group.
February 2024 | FUTURA!| Page 17 Urban Development
Back to the Future
Will AI capture the Governments of Tomorrow?
Opinion Piece
Every sector demands a simple and effective technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to alter the operation of government and public services.
In recent years, A.I. has captured global attention since it can provide an opportunity for increased efficiency and enhanced citizen experience.
With the rapid advancement of AI technology, numerous areas of public administration stand to be revolutionised. This includes policy formulation, service delivery, and public safety. The widespread applications of AI has sparked public interest, extending beyond the realm of tech enthusiasts and positively impacting ecenomic value.
When used responsibly with proper governance, AI has the potential to revolutionise the government services. Services that have the potential to give citizens more power and rebuild their trust in public entities.
Although there are numerous potential benefits, AI Government agencies around the world often find themselves at a crossroads. They have the option to fully embrace it or protect people’s well-being. Government agencies that have been quick to embrace AI , have witnessed the benefits of his technology publicly.
For example, tax return processing and Development’s to the Global Health Supply Chain in the USA. Another example is the Ukrainian Embassy in the Czech Republic who developed a virtual assistant to benefit Ukrainian citizens.
One aspect that is gaining attention is the concept of workforce transformation, specifically digital labour.
Government employees at all levels of their career must be prepared and trained to use this device. It is also crucial to consider both hiring new talents, such as data scientists and software programmers, with AI experience.
Legacy systems often limit the governments from achieving true transformation due to their tightly coupled workflow rules which necessitates significant efforts.
With the assitance of AI, agen-
By: Princy Jain
A great advantage in terms of cost optimization and bolstering cybersecurity, allowing a swift response to potential threats.
When considering the future of government, AI will likely have a significant impact but the focus remains on identifying the problems that can be addressed and finding ethical ways to implement solutions, with focus on improving the delivery of services to citizens.
While numerous opportunities will arise to contribute to the betterment of society, there’s no denying the anticipation of reflecting on the progress of technology and
February 2024 | FUTURA!| Page 19