Robots, AI Ethics, and the End of Thinking: Top Researcher on The State of AI in 2026

What does the future of AI really look like as we head toward 2026, beyond the hype, headlines, and fear-driven narratives?On this episode of Digital Disruption, we’re joined by internationally recognized advisor, speaker, and researcher on AI strategy, Walter Pasquarelli.Walter is one of the world’s leading voices on ethical and strategic AI. He has advised governments, global institutions, and leading technology companies on AI governance, policy, and readiness, and brings a grounded perspective on what it really takes to lead in the age of artificial intelligence.Walter joins Geoff to unpack what’s actually happening with artificial intelligence and what most media coverage gets wrong. He brings a 360-degree view of AI adoption and how AI is moving out of boardrooms and into everyday life, reshaping how people think, decide, work, and relate to technology. This conversation dives into: Why AI adoption is accelerating among consumers not just enterprises The rise of AI companions, humanoid robots, and everyday AI use The real risks behind automation anxiety, data privacy, and emotional dependency What “AI psychosis” is and why it’s a growing concern Why AI literacy matters more than fear, hype, or blind regulation How AI is reshaping work, leadership, and global competitiveness In this video:00:00 Intro01:14 AI’s trajectory toward 202602:09 AI moves from boardrooms to living rooms03:16 Humanoid robots: From screens to physical bodies05:35 Household robots, prestige, and consumer adoption07:33 Military, drones, and high-stakes AI applications08:46 Self-driving cars as robotics, not just vehicles13:49 Automation anxiety and ethical reality18:30 Shifting authority from humans to algorithms19:58 Power concentration and data privacy risks22:49 AI, mental health, and emotional dependency28:11 Why regulation alone will always lag33:25 Business leaders’ biggest AI misconceptions36:49 Data, talent, and capability gaps42:18 Estonia, strategy, and digital leadership44:42 Advising governments: What leaders must do49:49 AI, sector disruption, and the future of work53:22 Why top performers benefit most from AI56:14 Judgment, curation, and human excellenceConnect with Walter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-m-pasquarelli/?originalSubdomain=ukX: https://x.com/waltpasquarelliOur links:Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcastFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG