TEDxKTH – our digital futures: Exploring the next frontier of innovation
On 3 September, TEDxKTH 2024 was held at Open Box in Kista, Stockholm, drawing a vibrant crowd of over 220 attendees eager to explore the transformative power of digital technologies. The event was an inspiring journey into our digital futures, highlighting how digital innovations reshape society, industries, and daily life. Organized by Digital Futures, this year’s TEDxKTH event brought together visionary speakers, engaging demos, and networking opportunities.
“TEDxKTH – our digital futures is about more than just showcasing the latest technologies; it’s about challenging and inspiring us all to think creatively and critically about the digital futures we are shaping together,” says Yifang Ban, Host, Curator, and Organizer of TEDxKTH 2024. “This event highlights that innovation thrives when we come together to share bold ideas, embrace diverse perspectives, and spark new conversations.”
“Our goal was to create a space where people from all walks of life could connect, explore, and be inspired by the incredible potential of digital technologies. Today, we’ve seen how these innovations are changing industries and reshaping our everyday lives in ways we are only beginning to understand,” adds Johanna Gavefalk, Chief Communications Officer at Digital Futures and Event Manager & Co-Organizer of TEDxKTH 2024.
Left to right: Mario Romero Vega (demonstrator), speakers Angela Fontan, Ilaria Testa, Frank Jiang, Mats Mudigonda Lundbäck, host Yifang Ban, speakers Jörg Conradt, Madeline Balaam, Lanie Gutierrez Farewik and Erik Rosales.
A Day of Inspiration and Insight
The event started with a lively registration session with coffee and a chance to capture moments at the Magic Mirror Photobooth. Attendees were encouraged to strike a pose and instantly receive or print their photos, setting the tone for a day of inspiration, connection, and engagement.
The first speaker session showcased a diverse lineup of thought leaders who delved into groundbreaking topics:
- Erik Rosales, an artist and technologist, opened with his performance lecture “AI.DENTITY“, which merges artificial intelligence and performing arts. Erik’s interactive presentation used a research robot and real-time generated graphics to explore how AI influences and shapes our identities.
- Madeline Balaam, a Professor at KTH specializing in Interaction Design, challenged perceptions with her talk “Designing Care Robots without the ‘Ick’ Factor“. She emphasized the importance of designing robots that interact with humans sensitively and respectfully, especially in care environments.
- Jörg Conradt, an expert in neuro-inspired computing, explored how our brains’ energy-efficient information processing can inspire future technologies in his talk, “Energy-efficient Neuromorphic Computing“.
- Lanie Gutierrez-Farewik, a biomechanics professor, captivated the audience with “Empowering Motion: The Future of Mobility Through Biomechanics, Innovation, and AI“, highlighting how AI can revolutionize personalized movement assistance.
During the break, attendees enjoyed coffee, cakes, and engaging demos, including drone training sessions and interactive experiences in remote rehabilitation and physical therapy. These demonstrations provided a glimpse into the practical applications of emerging technologies.
Expanding Perspectives
The second session featured more groundbreaking ideas:
- Mats Mudigonda Lundbäck from Telia shared his visionary perspective on “Shaping Tomorrow’s Connectivity: The Future of Telecom” focusing on the evolving landscape of global communications.
- Angela Fontan discussed the dynamics of collective decision-making in her talk, “Technologies in Collective Decision-Making,” which explored how technology shapes opinion formation over social networks.
- Frank Jiang tackled the challenges of vehicle connectivity in “Rethinking the Internet for Vehicles,” advocating for a reimagined Internet that better supports modern mobility needs.
- Ilaria Testa concluded the session with “Can Microscopes Make Decisions?” showcasing her innovative work in event-triggered microscopy that adapts in real-time to capture critical molecular events.
Networking and New Connections
The event concluded with a networking and buffet session, allowing attendees to connect with speakers and fellow participants. From students and professionals to academics and industry leaders, the audience was diverse and engaged, reflecting the event’s aim to foster a collaborative atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
TEDxKTH 2024 was not just an event but a call to action—to explore, question, and shape our collective digital futures. As the day wrapped up, attendees left with fresh insights, new connections, and a renewed sense of curiosity about the possibilities ahead. With sessions recorded for viewing on YouTube, the impact of these ideas will continue to resonate, inspiring broader audiences to join the conversation about our digital futures.
