Where What If Becomes What's Next

What happens when a computer scientist is also a trumpet player? Meet Roger Dannenberg — CMU professor, pioneer of computer music, and co-creator of Audacity — one of the most widely used free audio editing tools in the world. In this episode, drawing from CMU’s Oral History Archives, Roger reflects on a career spent bridging two worlds. From building a custom computer in 1984 to accompany live musicians in real time, to developing Nyquist, a programming language built just for music, to developing one of the most popular programs for teaching music to students, Roger’s work has redefined how computers play with and play music.He also shares the unexpected origin story of Audacity, born not from a product vision, but from a research project on "query by humming."  And he reveals how early gesture research in his CMU lab — including pinch-to-zoom — foreshadowed the touchscreen interactions we use every day. Roger also looks ahead, imagining a future where AI becomes a true musical collaborator, as he acknowledges how far computers still have to go in understanding the importance of rhythm, anticipation and surprise in music.Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.  For more, info visit: cmu.edu/whatsnextpodcast.

What if the secret to saving the planet was hiding in your hallway and under your kitchen sink? Matt Rogers, Carnegie Mellon University electrical and computer engineering alumnus, joins us to trace a remarkable career path — from engineering iPods and iPhones at Apple to co-founding Nest, the learning thermostat now in millions of homes, to his current venture Mill, a food waste technology company.Matt shares how his CMU robotics training shaped his instinct for systems thinking, and how working alongside Tony Fadell at Apple taught him the power of focus and user-centric design. He explains how Nest's learning thermostat has saved more than 100 billion kilowatt hours of energy worldwide — and how the same design philosophy (make the right choice, the easy choice) now drives Mill's odorless, AI-powered trash can that dehydrates food waste overnight and turns it into “rocket fuel” for the garden and the food chain (including backyard chickens).  Matt makes the case that profitability and planetary impact aren't just compatible — they need to be inseparable. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.  For more, info visit: cmu.edu/whatsnextpodcast.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile is now operational, and humanity's view of the universe will never be the same.  In this episode, we return to Carnegie Mellon University’s Rachel Mandelbaum, professor and head of the physics department – and a key architect of the observatory's data infrastructure — to hear what's happened since the revolutionary telescope first opened its eye to the sky.Mandelbaum walks us through the observatory's first scientific data release, the launch of its public alert system, and the successful measurement of gravitational lensing using early commissioning data. She explains how CMU and the LINCC Frameworks team are building the software tools that will allow scientists worldwide to make sense of up to 10 million nightly cosmic alerts. And we discuss the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), the observatory’s decade-long mission to track 40 billion celestial objects that will essentially create a 10-year movie of our universe.In this episode, you’ll learn: How the Rubin Observatory acts as a time machine for light from billions of years ago; the role of "alert brokers" in processing the 10 million nightly cosmic events the Observatory will track; and why understanding dark energy could be as transformative as the discovery of quantum mechanics.ResourcesLearn more about the Vera C. Rubin Observatory 

In 2007, an unused key on the phone keypad became the internet's most powerful organizing tool. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Messina, the Carnegie Mellon University alumnus who invented the hashtag – now used more than three billion times a day – and famously gave it away for free.Messina shares the fascinating journey of the hashtag, from its roots in early "nerd centers" like his BarCamp meetup to its rejection by Twitter’s founders as "too nerdy." You’ll hear how a 2007 wildfire in San Diego turned the symbol into a life-saving tool for citizen journalism, ultimately forcing tech giants to embrace it. The conversation explores the hashtag's evolution from a simple metadata tag to a catalyst for global social movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter.Messina reflects on his principled decision to forego intellectual property rights, ensuring the hashtag remained free for the world to use.Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.  For more, info visit: cmu.edu/whatsnextpodcast.

The smiley face in your last text, the Kevlar protecting first responders, and the Wi-Fi signal connecting us all—where did they actually come from?Welcome to Season 3 of Where What If Becomes What's Next, where we take you on a journey through 125 years of innovation at Carnegie Mellon University. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re digging into the university archives to reveal the definitive stories behind 15 breakthroughs that didn't just advance technology—they redefined our world.  From the spam saving benefits of CAPTCHAs, to the birth of artificial intelligence, to the pinch to zoom gesture on your smartphone—these are just some of the inventions you’ll learn about in Season 3.This isn't a dry history lesson. It’s also a roadmap for the next century of innovation.  With host Randy Scott, every other Thursday we’re going behind the scenes with the CMU makers and visionaries to bring you the stories you may know and the ones you won't believe.The future is waiting. Let’s find out what’s next.Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.  For more, info visit: cmu.edu/whatsnextpodcast.

What if machines could reason like humans? We're racing toward that reality. It's called artificial general intelligence. The question is, can we build it safely?In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Zico Kolter, head of Carnegie Mellon University's Machine Learning Department and OpenAI board member, where he chairs their Safety and Security Committee, we explore the critical challenges facing AI development today.Dr. Kolter addresses deepfakes and the erosion of trust in media, explaining how AI accelerates existing problems while offering potential technological solutions. We examine privacy concerns, debunking common misconceptions about how chatbots use personal data. The discussion covers data scarcity, infrastructure challenges, and the massive energy demands of AI systems.We also explore bias in AI models, the psychological impact of human-AI relationships on vulnerable populations, and the concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Dr. Kolter shares his optimistic yet cautious vision for the next five years, emphasizing the importance of building AI systems that safely serve humanity's best interests.This is the Season Two finale of Where What If Becomes What's Next from Carnegie Mellon University.

What if AI is automating the one thing that's always made us human—Intelligence itself? And how do we ensure that it's developed safely?In this first of a two-part series, we speak with Dr. Zico Kolter, head of Carnegie Mellon University's Machine Learning Department and newly appointed OpenAI board member, where he chairs their Safety and Security Committee, to explore the critical challenge of developing artificial intelligence safely. Dr. Kolter discusses CMU's pioneering machine learning department and outlines four essential categories of AI safety concerns: immediate security threats like data exfiltration and prompt injection; societal impacts on jobs, economy, and mental health; catastrophic risks from malicious actors wielding AI-powered capabilities; and long-term scenarios of uncontrollable superintelligence.Unlike previous technological revolutions that automated physical labor or computation, AI represents something unprecedented—the automation of intelligence itself. Dr. Kolter argues this fundamental difference demands collaborative oversight from industry, academia, and government to ensure AI serves humanity's best interests. The conversation emphasizes why getting AI safety right matters more than ever as we integrate thinking machines into our critical infrastructure.

What if AI could help design gene therapies so precise they eliminate chronic pain while leaving other senses completely intact? And what if the secret to treating Parkinson's Disease lies hidden in the genome of a mouse?In this episode, we explore groundbreaking advances in genetic medicine with Andreas Pfenning, Associate Professor in Carnegie Mellon University's Computational Biology Department and School of Computer Science. Professor Pfenning discusses research in his experimental lab, and how AI is revolutionizing gene therapy by making treatments more targeted while reducing toxic side effects.The conversation covers Pfenning's work developing precision gene therapies for chronic pain originating in the spine, where AI helps identify exactly which spinal cord cells transmit pain signals while preserving normal touch and movement functions. The episode also explores KGWAS (Knowledge Graph Genome-Wide Association Study), an AI-powered tool developed at CMU in partnership with other research institutions, that helps identify genetic problems that can cause rare diseases or disorders.Pfenning shares insights from his collaboration on the ambitious Vertebrate Genomes Project, which aims to map genomes from more than 500 vertebrate species. This massive international effort is revealing surprising genetic similarities across species that could unlock new treatments for human diseases including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other neurological disorders.The discussion also highlights how machine learning is accelerating the path from laboratory discovery to clinical applications, with promising results already emerging in Parkinson's disease treatment trials.

What if AI could help emergency responders make split-second decisions that save lives during disasters? And what if that same technology could be used in healthcare to identify which patients desperately need care before it's too late?In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing emergency response and healthcare decision-making. Host Randy Scott interviews Aarti Singh, a professor in the Machine Learning Department at Carnegie Mellon University and the director of the National Science Foundation's AI Institute for Societal Decision Making. Professor Singh discusses breakthrough technologies like the CLARKE System, developed by the Institute’s partner Texas A&M University, which can analyze disaster damage to 2,000 homes in just seven minutes using drone footage and AI, compared to hours or days with traditional methods. The Institute has trained more than 60 emergency managers from 38 agencies on using the CLARKE System for rapid damage assessment and resource allocation during disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. In healthcare, Singh discusses how AI is addressing the U.S.'s alarming maternal mortality rate—the worst among developed nations—by creating patient risk profiles and prioritizing health care worker interventions or text-message alerts to the maternal patients.  Field tests in India showed a 30 percent  improved patient engagement. The conversation also covers the Institute's work on responsible AI adoption frameworks, emphasizing the importance of accountability, proper training, and human-AI collaboration to ensure these life-saving technologies can be trusted and effectively integrated into real-world emergency and healthcare systems.

What if robots could pick apples without bruising them, detect diseases in tomatoes before farmers can see them, or even help prevent catastrophic wildfires?In this episode, host Randy Scott speaks with Professor George Kantor from Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute. Professor Kantor’s two decades of pioneering work in agricultural robotics are shaping the future of food and sustainability.As the global population races toward 10 billion by 2050, robotics and AI may be key to feeding the world while protecting the planet. Professor Kantor shares breakthroughs in robotic harvesters, disease-detecting drones and robots and AI-driven "digital twins" that simulate and optimize farm operations. He also explains how robots are optimizing specialty crops, balancing labor shortages, and reducing reliance on pesticides and fertilizers with real-time monitoring of nitrogen—all while lowering the negative impact of agriculture on the environment. He explains how robots and drones are helping to prevent wildfires in the Safe Forest program by mapping and then clearing potentially flammable vegetation.Building on last July's Season One discussion about teaching robots to pick apples, Professor Kantor shares new "learning from demonstration" methods where robots learn by analyzing videos of humans performing complex tasks. The conversation extends beyond the farm to CMU's new Robotics Innovation Center at Hazelwood Green in Pittsburgh, which will be a world-class testing facility for next-generation robots. He also discusses the Girls of Steel Robotics program, which he co-founded 15 years ago and runs through CMU—a K-12 initiative giving students of all genders and ages hands-on robot-building experiences. The program will soon move to the new facility.From apple orchards to tomato greenhouses to wildfire prevention, discover how robotics is becoming agriculture's most essential tool and a source of hope for a resilient and sustainable future for farming.

Imagine a telescope so powerful it could give us a whole new picture of the cosmos and help answer some of the biggest questions about the universe–if we can handle the data.From a mountaintop in Chile, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is revolutionizing astronomy. The Observatory began capturing images of the entire night sky in June 2025, launching the most ambitious astronomical survey in history. This powerful telescope–with the world’s largest digital camera–generates 20 terabytes of data daily, creating a decade-long "movie" of the cosmos through its Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) initiative.But without the development of innovative software, algorithms and computational systems, much of what the telescope is capturing would be unusable.   In this episode, host Randy Scott talks with Carnegie Mellon University’s Professor Rachel Mandelbaum and Jeremy Kubica, who take us behind the scenes to reveal the computational innovations and interdisciplinary collaborations making this massive data collection scientifically useful. Through the LINCC Frameworks initiative, their team has developed innovative open-source software that enables scientists worldwide to analyze data from the telescope with unprecedented access, collaboration and scale.  Professor Mandelbaum is the interim head of Carnegie Mellon's Department of Physics and CMU's lead for the LINCC Frameworks, and Jeremy Kubica is the Director of Engineering for the LINCC Frameworks.Our conversation explores groundbreaking technologies like algorithms for measuring galaxy shapes and gravitational lensing effects, software for detecting faint and distant moving objects in our solar system that we otherwise couldn’t see, and collaborative tools that bring researchers to the data rather than downloading massive datasets locally. Over the next ten years, this project will revolutionize our understanding of dark matter, the formation of our solar system, and the fundamental nature of the universe itself.We first reported on the Rubin Observatory in our podcast’s first season in the episode “Stellar Observations: AI’s Journey Into the Cosmos.”The universe is about to reveal its secrets—if our computers can keep up.

The sound of someone chewing can be annoying. But what if only one specific person's chewing bothered you? And what if it went beyond annoyance to actual pain?In this the second of a two-part episode on the Science of Sound, host Randy Scott discusses with Professor Laurie Heller what happens when our brain's relationship with sound goes wrong. Heller is a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, where she runs the Auditory Perception and Cognition Lab. The discussion covers various sound-related disorders including tinnitus, auditory processing disorder, and misophonia—a debilitating condition where certain sounds like chewing trigger intense emotional reactions. Through an engaging demonstration on the podcast, Professor Heller reveals how our brain's recognition of where a sound comes from, rather than its actual acoustics, controls our emotional responses. The episode also examines noise pollution's impact on wildlife, technological innovations such as enhanced virtual reality experiences, and AI's role in creating and detecting fake audio. Professor Heller further discusses what’s next for hearing technology, including better treatments for sound disorders and more sophisticated hearing aids that can adaptively filter environmental sounds.

We live in an increasingly noisy world. Our cities are louder than ever. Our devices can pump dangerous levels of sound directly into our ears. One in eight kids has permanent hearing damage.  And while we count calories and track our steps, most of us have no idea how much acoustic damage we're absorbing every day. In Part 1 of a two-part episode, we explore the Science of Sound and its profound impact on our lives. Host Randy Scott speaks with Laurie Heller, a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University where she runs the Auditory Perception and Cognition Lab. We speak with Professor Heller about how our brains process sound, the dangers of noise pollution, and the importance of protecting our hearing. The conversation delves into the physiological aspects of hearing and how too much noise can lead to not only hearing loss but other health consequences such as high blood pressure, sleep disturbances and even heart disease. Professor Heller gives us practical tips for safeguarding our auditory health and emphasizes the need for managing a balanced sound environment that promotes hearing safety and well-being.

Happy Fourth of July from the Where What If Becomes What’s Next podcast team and Carnegie Mellon University.  As we celebrate independence and look towards the future, our host Randy Scott reflects on the spirit of innovation and forward-thinking embodied by Carnegie Mellon University.  For generations, CMU has been a place for questions, like:  What if we could teach computers to learn? What if we could create art with algorithms? What if we could build robots that transform industries? These weren't just questions; they were the sparks that ignited groundbreaking research, revolutionary technologies, and world-changing ideas. But the Fourth of July isn't just about looking back; it's about looking forward. And for Carnegie Mellon, the journey from "What if?" is always evolving into "What's Next?" What's next for sustainable energy? What's next for personalized medicine? What's next for the human-AI frontier? As you enjoy your celebrations, take a moment to appreciate the spirit of inquiry and the pursuit of progress. Because between the bold "What if?" and the exciting "What's Next?" – lives the spirit of independence and limitless possibilities! 

What if instead of avoiding stress we actually leaned into it – and built resilience for next time?In this episode, we speak with Dr. David Creswell, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Carnegie Mellon University, about reframing our relationship with stress. Creswell argues that modern "comfort culture" contributes to rising stress levels because we avoid discomfort that actually builds resilience. He advocates for "equanimity reps" – deliberately engaging with uncomfortable experiences through meditation, exercise, or journaling to train a more resilient brain. His research led to the creation of Equa, an AI-powered meditation app that uses smartphone sensors to track breathing patterns during sessions, providing personalized feedback on mindfulness skill development. Our conversation also explores the future of stress management, emphasizing the role of AI and technology in understanding and improving mental health.Dr. David Creswell is the William S. Dietrich II Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at Carnegie Mellon University. He's also a co-founder of Equa Health.

In the second part of a special two-part episode on Game Theory, CMU’s Kevin Zollman discusses how the principles of Game Theory can be used for the betterment of humanity – including improving social interactions, addressing complex global challenges like hunger, and improving personal relationships. He emphasizes the importance of changing the game to create positive outcomes and explores the future of Game Theory in relation to AI, technology and social dynamics.Kevin Zollman is the Herbert A. Simon Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Institute for Complex Social Dynamics at Carnegie Mellon University.

Have you ever been stuck in traffic and switched lanes, only to watch your old lane start moving faster? Or perhaps you've stood in a grocery line, debating whether to move to the shorter line, knowing others are thinking the same thing?  Welcome to Game Theory in action. In Part 1 of a two-part episode, we explore the fascinating world of Game Theory with Kevin Zollman, a leading game theorist and professor at Carnegie Mellon University.  We discuss the fundamentals of Game Theory, its real-world applications, and how it influences various aspects of life, from parenting to business negotiations. The conversation delves into key concepts such as zero-sum games, the Nash Equilibrium, and the Prisoner's Dilemma, illustrating how these theories can help us understand strategic decision-making in everyday situations. We also touch on the future of Game Theory in scientific research – including the behavior of viruses – and its implications for social dynamics.Kevin Zollman is the Herbert A. Simon Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Institute for Complex Social Dynamics at Carnegie Mellon University.

What if a small startup transformed the future of artificial intelligence in the blink of an algorithm?This conversation explores the transformative impact of DeepSeek, a groundbreaking AI chatbot that has disrupted the AI landscape by offering competitive performance at a fraction of the cost of its counterparts. Plus, DeepSeek’s open source model offers transparency and crowdsourced improvements while providing greater access to AI technology for developers and even nations.  Experts discuss the innovations behind DeepSeek, its implications for the future of AI, and the broader trends and challenges in AI development, including its role in scientific discovery, the potential for agentic AI and the possibility of a “zero click” future.The conversation features insights from Param Vir Singh, the Associate Dean for Research and Carnegie Bosch Professor of Business Technologies and Marketing at CMU’s Tepper School of Business; and Graham Neubig, an Associate Professor at the CMU Language Technology Institute in the School of Computer Science.

What role should new technologies – such as robots, artificial intelligence and virtual reality – play in theatrical arts? And how are educators preparing their students for the future of this art form?This episode explores the future of arts education, particularly in theater, focusing on how educators are preparing students for a tech-driven world. It discusses the importance of arts education for social-emotional learning, the challenges faced by theater programs, and the innovative ways technology is being integrated into the arts. The conversation features insights from theater educators Kyle Haden the Senior Associate Head at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama and Roshunda Jones-Koumba, Theatre Director at George Washington Carver Magnet School in Houston, and the recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Theater Education Tony Award, sponsored by CMU, highlighting the significance of empathy, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of theater education.

What if AI and an emerging new technology called quantum science could save millions of lives from diseases like cancer or pneumonia? In this second part on Healing with Intelligence  –  we're exploring how quantum science has the potential to transform healthcare by helping doctors to better diagnose, monitor, and treat illness.We meet a pioneer in quantum science and health care – Sridhar Tayur - the Ford Distinguished Research Chair and University Professor of Operations Management at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business.  Sridhar explains how quantum science not only creates faster diagnoses and medical analysis by astronomical amounts – it can also create better results.  He uses pneumonia diagnosis as a case in point. The discussion highlights the differences between quantum and classical computing, the speed and accuracy improvements in diagnostics, and the potential for future innovations in patient care, powered by quantum science and machine learning.

In today’s episode – the first of a two-parter on Healing with Intelligence –  we're exploring how robots, artificial intelligence, and an emerging new technology called quantum science are transforming healthcare by helping doctors to better diagnose, monitor, and treat illness. In part one, we provide a sampling of some of those new technologies – including a head-worn device that can command a robot to help those with limited motion perform daily tasks ranging from making dinner to scratching an itch.  And then we meet Justin Chan, an assistant professor at CMU in the School of Computer Science, who has invented several AI-powered healthcare devices, including a wearable AI-powered camera that can help clinicians avoid medication errors while reducing risks and improving patient care.  Justin discusses some of his other inventions that use AI to leverage ubiquitous smart devices to help diagnose conditions like ear infections and even predict heart attacks – technologies that not only save lives, but also bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially in underserved populations. The episode concludes with a look at the future of AI in public health and the importance of innovation in addressing global health challenges.

Welcome to Season 2 of Where What If Becomes What's Next, a podcast from Carnegie Mellon University where we ask the bold questions that will become innovations for the betterment of humanity. You'll hear about breakthroughs at CMU from scientists, researchers, innovators and artists at the forefront of artificial intelligence, robotics, health science and the arts. With host Randy Scott, every other Thursday we’ll introduce you to the CMU experts and their game-changing stories of innovation. Experts who have already asked, "What if" to make "What's next" a reality.  Subscribe to Where What if Becomes What's Next so that you'll never miss an episode. For more, info visit: cmu.edu/whatsnextpodcast.

While we’re working on Season 2 of Where What If Becomes What’s Next, we’d like to introduce you to a new Carnegie Mellon University podcast - DOES COMPUTE — from our School of Computer Science – where CMU experts, alumni and students along with host Stephanie Stricklen will explore what’s next in computer science, robotics and artificial intelligence. In this sample episode from DOES COMPUTE – the first of a two-part episode on ROBOTS IN SPACE – CMU Assistant Professor Zac Manchester discusses nano and swarming satellites, what they're doing now and the role they're going to play in the future of space exploration.  You can view additional DOES COMPUTE episodes or subscribe to DOES COMPUTE on your favorite podcast portal.

Artificial intelligence is already revolutionizing almost every aspect of society.  But what additional advancements will we see in the near future?  And what ethical issues should we address along the way? In this, the second of a two-part episode – and our Season One finale – we explore what’s next for AI in areas such as disaster response, robotics, creativity, health care and transportation. And we discuss the ethical considerations surrounding its use and the importance of regulation to ensure safe and beneficial outcomes for society. Sharing their insights on this episode are AI experts from Carnegie Mellon University and various organizations and companies including: Rachel Mandelbaum, Aarti Singh, Robin Murphy, Tom Mitchell, Dan Green, Deva Ramanan, Jim Garrett, Zach Lipton, Carmel Majidi, Assaf Gad, Martial Hebert, Raj Reddy, Ramayya Krishnan, Chris Mueller, and Drew Thurlow. We’ll see you for Season Two of Where What If Becomes What’s Next from Carnegie Mellon University.  Stay tuned!

If you think that Artificial Intelligence was recently invented, think again. The roots of AI go back decades, centuries, even to ancient mythology.  So how did AI go from myth to reality? In this, the first of a special two-part episode, we present a brief history of AI.  We start with the first imagined robot in ancient Greece, fast-forward to Alan Turing’s groundbreaking work in computer science and then to the seminal 1956 summer workshop at Dartmouth College where the term “artificial intelligence” was coined. At that workshop, two Carnegie Mellon University professors, Herbert A. Simon and Allen Newell, presented what is considered the first artificial intelligence program and the “birth” of the AI industry. We’ll hear from a few of the other early AI pioneers at CMU as they share personal stories and milestones in AI and robot development while discussing the societal impact of AI. In part two, our season finale, we look to the future… and hear from these pioneers and more about where they think – and hope – What’s Next for AI, while discussing the need for guardrails and ethics around AI development. Joining us are: Tom Mitchell, CMU Founders University Professor; Dr. Raj Reddy, Moza Bint Nasser University Professor of Computer Science and Robotics in the School of Computer Science at CMU; and Dr. Manuela Veloso, the head of JP Morgan AI Research and the Herbert A. Simon University Professor Emeritus in the School of Computer Science at CMU.

What if paleontologists could create robot replicas of dinosaurs to better understand them – and how they moved – and in turn learn more about us? In this episode, we’re talking about the intersection of paleontology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. That includes paleobionics… an emerging field at Carnegie Mellon University – that uses robotics and soft robotics to help scientists better understand how dinosaurs and other extinct organisms might have moved.  Not only could this lead to new discoveries about dinosaur behavior and evolution, it also could provide new understandings on how we, as humans, move while helping engineers design more agile robots that move better through our world.  We’ll meet some of the scientists building these new robots based on fossil records of extinct organisms such as the pleurocystid, an ancient ancestor of the starfish and sea urchin, and the gorgonopsid, a strange dinosaur that’s part mammal, part reptile.  And could paleobionic scientists someday build a working, life size Tyrannosaurus Rex?  Let’s find out.   Joining us are: Dr. Aja Mia Carter, postdoctoral researcher working with Carnegie Mellon University’s Robomechanics Lab; Carmel Majidi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at CMU; and Aaron Johnson, Associate Professor of mechanical engineering and robotics at CMU and faculty for the University's Robomechanics Lab. 

What if a robot could be a compassionate companion - an antidote to loneliness as we age – and in some cases – help those suffering from dementia? Loneliness among the elderly has become something of an epidemic.  According to a recent national survey, about 37 % of American adults aged 50 to 80 experienced loneliness, and about 34% of respondents said they felt socially isolated. Companion robots have the potential to alleviate loneliness and improve the well-being of these older adults as well as help those suffering from memory loss from dementia or Alzheimer’s. They can converse about daily activities, connect to new friends around the country, lead workout sessions, suggest and place calls to loved ones, provide gentle reminders for taking medicines, play music, suggest what's for dinner, and even host live bingo games.  In this episode, which is Part 2 of a two-part episode on robots and health care, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing companion robots to help the elderly with loneliness.  We also meet ElliQ, an AI-powered companion robot that is already being used in thousands of older adults' homes. The future of companion robots may involve using softbotic technologies to create anthropomorphic features and lifelike physical interaction. Joining us in part two are four experts in robotics and the elderly: Carmel Majidi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University; Selma Šabanović, Professor of Informatics and Cognitive Science and Director of R-House Lab at Indiana University Bloomington; David Crandall, Professor of Computer Sciences and Director of the Luddy Artificial Intelligence Center at Indiana University Bloomington; and Assaf Gad, VP Strategy and GM for Intuition Robotics. 

Robots and artificial intelligence are transforming the healthcare industry, from drug development to surgical procedures to personalized healthcare plans.  In this, the first of a two-part episode, we'll take a big picture look at these transformational technologies and meet a leader in the emerging field of soft robotics, the creation of robots and wearable devices that look, feel, and move more like humans.  And we'll meet a co -founder of a fast-growing healthcare technology company and find out why their AI-powered technology is making life better for doctors and patients one doctor-patient visit at a time. We will also discuss how the use of robots and AI in healthcare raises regulatory and ethical considerations.  In part two, coming up in two weeks, we'll do a deep-dive on companion robots, and how they are helping the elderly overcome their loneliness, manage illnesses such as Alzheimers and dementia, and improve their health and well-being.  Joining us in part one are three experts in robotics and health care: Dr Christopher Müller, Director of the Statistical Department for the International Federation of Robotics; Carmel Majidi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University; and Zach Lipton, the Raj Reddy Associate Professor of Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University and Chief Technology Officer and Chief Scientist of ABridge.

What’s next for autonomous self-driving cars?  In this episode we explore the development of self-driving autonomous vehicles and the role of AI in improving their reliability, safety, and economic viability. We discuss the history of self-driving vehicles, including the DARPA Challenges which kick-started self-driving automobile development, and the challenges and advancements in the industry. The conversation also focuses on the use of AI and computer vision in autonomous vehicles, a new concept of “shared autonomy” in self-driving and the benefits of autonomous technology.  We also do a deep-dive on the potential for autonomous trucking, and speak with a company that already has a fleet of self-driving trucks on the road – trucks that have driven more than 2 million miles delivering freight. Joining us are three experts in autonomous driving: John Dolan, a Principal Systems Scientist in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University; Deva Ramanan, professor at Carnegie Mellon's Robotic Institute and  co-director for their Center of Autonomous Vehicle Research; and Bart Nabbe, VP of Corporate Development and Strategic Partnerships at Aurora Innovation.

What does it take to teach a robot to pick an apple? Let’s find out.  In today’s episode, we will explore how AI technologies are helping agriculture solve some of the world’s biggest problems – from world hunger to protecting the environment to a labor shortage down on the farm.   Robots, drones and machine learning are being used by farmers around the world to monitor crop health, soil conditions and weather patterns -- so they can optimize the yield from their crops while conserving scarce resources such as water.  AI is protecting the environment when robots identify weeds and then eliminate them one at a time – a precision that dramatically reduces broader usage of potentially harmful chemicals and herbicides.  AI-powered self-driving tractors and robots are performing tasks such as watering, spraying and harvesting crops  to help farmers grow food from fields that might otherwise go untended due to a worldwide labor shortage.  Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras are monitoring crops for real-time signs of disease and pest infestations, thereby securing the safety of food for generations to come.  Across the USA and around the planet, AI is quickly becoming the newest tool in the farmer’s toolshed.   Joining us are four experts in AI and agriculture: George Kantor is a research professor in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.  Pat Schnable is a distinguished professor at Iowa State University, director of its Plant Sciences Instituten and a co-founder of an ag-tech startup EnGeniusAg.  Abhi Silwal is a Senior Project Scientist at CMU’s Robotics Institute. Terry Bates is the Director of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab, a Senior Research Associate at Cornell’s School of Integrated Plant Sciences and the director of the Efficient Vineyard Project.

Happy 4th of July – from the Where What If Becomes What’s Next podcast team – and Carnegie Mellon University.  I’m your host Randy Scott, and we are giving the team a well-deserved break – and will see you on July 18th with our next episode on how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing agriculture and helping to feed the world. 

What if artificial intelligence and robotics – including  drones – are used to revolutionize disaster response? It's already happening. The use of drones – particularly small consumer drones – has become standard in disaster response due to their affordability and ease of use. AI is used to enhance disaster response by predicting natural weather disasters and helping first responders make better decisions about resource allocation and evacuation routes. AI can also analyze data from disasters to create predictive models and identify vulnerabilities. Ethical considerations include accountability for decision-making and the potential for biases in AI algorithms. The future of AI in disaster response includes improved decision-making algorithms for robots and drones and faster response times. Joining us are two disaster response experts: Robin Murphy is a professor of computer science and engineering at Texas A&M University and leads the Texas A&M team in Carnegie Mellon’s AI Institute for Societal Decision Making. Robin is considered to be the founder of and the leading practitioner in disaster robotics. Robin has been an active field responder, using robots, drones, and AI in more than 30 disasters in five countries. Aarti Singh is a professor in the machine learning department at Carnegie Mellon University and the director of the National Science Foundation's AI Institute for Societal Decision Making at Carnegie Mellon. 

What if AI could discover new black holes and unlock the secrets of the universe?  On this episode, we're diving deep into the cosmos and back in time to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing astrophysics and astronomy at warp speed.  From discovering black holes to modeling the birth of the universe to helping map the sky as part of a new wide-field survey, AI is reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.  Where did black holes come from?  What can AI teach us about exploding stars? Can AI prove the Big Bang Theory of the origin of the universe? What are the ethical and responsible uses of AI in astronomy?  Buckle up as we embark on a journey to the stars and beyond.  Joining us are astronomy and astrophysics experts: Rupert Croft professor of physics and a member of the McWilliams Center for Cosmology and Astrophysics at Carnegie Mellon University; Rachel Mandelbaum, professor of physics working on cosmology as part of the McWilliams Centers for Cosmology and Astrophysics, at Carnegie Mellon University; and John Wu, assistant astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which operates NASA's Webb, Hubble, and other space telescopes. 

What if AI transformed your job so you had four-day weekends or never even had to work again? The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is poised to dramatically transform the landscape of work. As routine tasks are automated by AI, new efficiencies are created, freeing up time for workers — but what should they do with that time? Use it for higher-level thinking and decision-making? Reduce their work hours and have a four-day weekend?  Add new skills and responsibilities to their job? Will jobs be lost, replaced or displaced? Our experts discuss the impact on wages, and the industries and jobs that are at risk or poised to thrive in an AI-powered workplace. They also address the need for workers to adapt and upskill or reskill themselves, the risks and ethical issues associated with AI in the workplace, and the role of regulation and policy. Joining us are three experts on AI in business and work. R. Ravi is the Andres Zoltners Professor of Business, and Professor of Operations Research and Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. Laurence Ales is a Professor of Economics at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. And Calum Chace is a global speaker, advisor, and the bestselling author of “Surviving AI” and “The Economic Singularity.”

What if AI can help discover new black holes and help scientists unravel the greatest mysteries of our cosmos?  In this preview of an upcoming episode, we journey into space with AI – which is revolutionizing astrophysics, uncovering the mysteries of the cosmos and shaping the future of space exploration.  We’ll show you how AI is helping to discover new galaxies, new exoplanets and black holes that hold the secrets to the origins of the universe.  Stay tuned, and stay curious.

What if researchers could run thousands of experiments all at the same time to solve some of the world's greatest problems -- like sickle cell anemia, Alzheimer’s or cancer?  We take you inside what's next for scientific research -- automated science. Automated science is where AI and hands-on robotic experiments power automated research and self-driving labs, while pushing the boundaries of science altogether.  Automated science represents a new way to speed up the scientific research that could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic drugs and find answers to questions about disease and DNA.  By taking on the tedious task of replicating and sequencing experiments while working 24/7, automated science and self-driving labs allow researchers to spend more time on the important stuff – analyzing conclusions, searching for breakthroughs and designing new experiments. These self-driving labs can be operated remotely by researchers around the country or around the world.  They allow for more collaboration and data-sharing among researchers, while providing access to sophisticated lab equipment and processes for those scientists who may have limited resources.   However, automated science doesn’t come without risks. With data and experiments being stored and run in the cloud, there are dangers of hacking and bad actors hijacking or corrupting self-driving labs.  And there are ethical questions as to whom should have access to automated science, and which kinds of experiments should be allowed in the cloud.  Join host Jeanine Herbst and her guests Subha Das, an associate professor in chemistry, and Andreas Pfenning, an associate professor in the Ray and Stephanie Lane Department of Computational Biology, both at Carnegie Mellon University.

What if a self-driving robotic vehicle or drone delivered your next package? Artificial intelligence is transforming how companies deliver packages the “last mile” to your home, the most expensive and time-consuming part of the supply chain.   Companies are using AI to reduce costs and improve sustainability in delivering products to customers. Robotic delivery vehicles, like Refraction AI's Rev One robot, are being used to deliver food from restaurants and grocery stores. The use of AI in last mile delivery has the potential to create new jobs that are sustainable and offer greater economic opportunities. Safety is a top priority, with measures in place to ensure the safe operation of robotic vehicles.  Drones may play a role in last mile delivery especially in rural areas, but face challenges such as weight limitations and landing points. The future of AI in last mile delivery is expected to be transformative and exciting. Join host Jeanine Herbst and her guest Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Director of the Robotics Institute and a professor in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University.  He's also the co-founder of Refraction AI, an AI-powered last mile delivery company.   To download CMU’s “A Responsible Voter’s Guide to Generative AI in Political Campaigning,” please go to this link:  https://cmu.app.box.com/s/uyuzcrwx8qpuh8ep3bzdej5ydk99fg38

What if AI-generated deep fakes could be used to influence our upcoming elections? Generative AI (GenAI) allows users to create realistic images, videos, audio and text, rapidly, cheaply and at scale. These capabilities can be useful, but during elections, they also could be misused to manipulate and deceive voters. Deep fakes have already started to appear in this election season. There have been deep fake videos on social platforms, fake images on news outlets, and fake robo calls for candidates from small to big races. They can sound or look like well-known politicians starting at the top with President Biden, former President Trump or former President Obama, or even your favorite singer encouraging you to vote or not vote a certain way. The accessibility, affordability and ease of AI technology have contributed to the proliferation of deep fakes and disinformation. But who’s doing them, and what’s at stake?  A fair election process, and perhaps democracy itself.   What can be done? Watermarking AI-generated content is one piece of the puzzle in identifying deep fakes but it will require collaboration among industry, academia, and governments – as well as citizens themselves – to take action against deep fakes. Join host Jeanine Herbst and her guests Matt Brown, National Race and Politics reporter for the Associated Press; Kathleen Carley, Director, Computational Analysis of Social and Organizational Systems, Carnegie Mellon University; and Ramayya Krishnan, Dean, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and the Faculty Director of the Block Center for Technology and Society, Carnegie Mellon University. To download CMU’s “A Responsible Voter’s Guide to Generative AI in Political Campaigning,” please go to this link:  https://cmu.app.box.com/s/uyuzcrwx8qpuh8ep3bzdej5ydk99fg38

What if AI could be used to help repair and rebuild America’s bridges? America’s aging infrastructure is crumbling, and that includes more than 600,000 bridges with nearly 45,000 considered structurally deficient. Millions of people drive across those bridges each day.  On this episode, we explore how Artificial Intelligence – including robotics and drones – can help keep our nation’s bridges standing.  And how AI can perhaps revolutionize the way bridges are designed and built so they are more cost-efficient, smarter, more durable and eco-friendly. Additionally, our guests explore the broader applications of AI in transportation infrastructure and Smart Cities, including an experimental project that uses AI sensors on buses to map out potholes as they drive.  Finally, the conversation emphasizes the need for responsible use of AI as a tool to assist human decision-making, not replace it. Join host Jeanine Herbst and her guests Dr. Norma Jean Mattei, past president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE); Jim Garrett, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Carnegie Mellon University and former head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Troy Demmer, Gecko Robotics; and Karen Lightman, Executive Director of Metro21: Smart Cities Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.

What if The Beatles used AI to help produce their last song? This episode explores the use of artificial intelligence in music and entertainment.  With a little help from their friend – Peter Jackson’s AI machine – the Beatles rescued John Lennon's voice from a 1970s demo, allowing them to remix and release their last new song - “Now and Then” – nearly 50 years after Lennon first sang it at the piano.  However, AI has been used in pop recording sessions for years. Tools like AudioShake can separate vocal and instrumental stems. AI can also clean up and enhance vocals, as demonstrated with a 1923 Bessie Smith recording. AI is used in various ways in music production, from recommending songs to enhancing live performances. However, the use of AI in music raises ethical and legal issues, such as copyright ownership and the fair use of deceased musicians' work. What’s next for AI in music includes spatial audio and new opportunities for collaboration.  Join host Jeanine Herbst and her guests Drew Thurlow, founder of Opening Ceremony Media; Jessica Powell, CEO, AudioShake.ai; Dan Green, Professor and the Director of the Entertainment Industry Management Program at Carnegie Mellon University; and Brett Crawford, Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and Director of the Arts and Entertainment Management programs.

What if Artificial Intelligence can transform our world for the betterment of humankind?  Introducing WHERE WHAT IF BECOMES WHAT’S NEXT, a new podcast from Carnegie Mellon University.  In Season One, we explore one of the most revolutionary developments in human history — Artificial Intelligence.  Every other Thursday we’ll introduce you to the world’s top experts who work at the forefront of where AI is today, and who never stop asking how AI can truly benefit humankind. Subscribe to WHERE WHAT IF BECOMES WHAT’S NEXT so that you’ll never miss an episode.  For more information, please visit our podcast site at: https://ai.cmu.edu/podcast