Date and time: 10 April 2025, 13:00-14:00 CEST
Speaker: Tamara Lorenz, University of Cincinnati
Title: Towards Humane Technology Development
Where: Digital Futures hub, Osquars Backe 5, floor 2 at KTH main campus OR Zoom
Directions: https://www.digitalfutures.kth.se/contact/how-to-get-here/
OR
Zoom: https://kth-se.zoom.us/j/69560887455
Host: Martina Scolamiero, KTH
Bio: Dr. Tamara Lorenz is an Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati (UC), holding a joint appointment in Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. She got her diploma (MS) in Mechanical Engineering from TUM Munich, majoring in Medical Technology, and Human Factors/Ergonomics.
Dr. Lorenz got her PhD in Systemic Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology from LMU Munich. Her research focuses on human-robot interaction, embodiment, and human behavior modelling.
Dr. Lorenz’ research takes a complex dynamical systems approach and ranges from basic to applied research, with major applications in healthcare and industry. More broadly, her mission is to promote transdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and humane technology development.
Dr. Lorenz currently serves as the director for the Cognition, Action, and Perception (CAP) Group and leads the Embodied Interactive Systems Lab. She has co-founded several transdisciplinary initiatives at UC, such as the Institute for Research in Sensing (IRiS) and the Industry 4.0/5.0 Institute (I45I). Dr. Lorenz is currently on Sabbatical to explore actionable methods for more humane technology development.
Abstract: Since the introduction of ChatGPT, the technology using and producing industry is in what can only be described as a frenzy. AI is integrated in every possible and impossible way, with very little care for consequences and impact. The industry is racing to innovate at all cost and as quickly as possible to get a huge cut out of the almost unimaginable potential for profit. For both the lay person and even many professionals the uncertainty about how this will play out creates both excitement and anxiety. It seems like these are unprecedented times. But are they?
We are currently in the midst of what some have coined the 4th industrial revolution. This implies that there were others before. Many of us also remember the frenzy of the early days of the internet. If this has happened before, maybe there are lessons to be learned for doing things differently this time?
In my talk I will outline the idea of Industry 4.0 and the 4th industrial revolution and show how the concept of Industry 5.0 might offer a more human-friendly perspective within margin. With this as a starting point I will outline my thoughts on humane technology development that center on human well-being, more holistic and transdisciplinary education, social values, and individual responsibility. Short of definite answers, I am hoping that this talk will serve as a starting point for further conversation and exploration.
