Networking Day 2019: "Brave New World - A User's Guide"
The robot as a gymnastics teacher, a new organ from the 3D printer and the cell phone implanted as a chip. What still sounded somewhat utopian at the FHS Alumni Networking Day 2019 could be reality in the near future.
60 years ago, the ISS, the International Space Station, was still science fiction. Ten years later, it was reality, and the day after tomorrow, it could already be scrap metal. New visions of lunar and Martian stations are already on the horizon. In general, the world is advancing in seven-mile boots in terms of technology, which encouraged the FHS alumni to make the "Brave New World" the theme of the Networking Day 2019 on September 6. There they sat, the 700 guests, listening to Raiffi the robot's welcome. SRF presenter Tobias Müller stood next to it and wondered, "I have an ambivalent feeling about this topic. Does it offer us support or does it take away jobs?"
The new heart from the 3D printer
The question was justified when listening to Internet entrepreneur Jörg Eugster. He talked about the 3D printer that will turn the logistics chain upside down. Spare parts for cars can be conveniently printed via it, eliminating the need for truck transport. There is also already printable food. Entire houses are conceivable, which would make reconstruction during hurricanes much easier. Organs are not yet fully functional, but are already in the development phase. "In ten years, it will be possible to 3D print the heart," says Eugster. Technology foresees further innovations, especially in artificial intelligence. Eugster dictated a message to his cell phone at breakneck speed, which was then typed down by the system in a jiffy. Translations are also child's play; the program DeepL translates a 25-page document in 25 seconds. In the future, a Google Assistant will arrange hairdresser appointments and reserve a table at a restaurant without telling whether there is a human or a bot on the other end of the line. And that's not all: instead of a smartphone, people will wear a chip under their skin in the future. Samsung is already working on a camera lens for the eye.
Gymnastics with the robot
The little robot NAO not only amazed the guests, but also made them laugh. Because when he was supposed to show how he leads the seniors 65+ to gymnastics, he unceremoniously went on strike. NAO got a second chance and mastered it with flying colors. Some guests were almost inclined to join in the gymnastics. The robot's goal is to make life easier for older people. The IKOA-FHS department, headed by Sabina Misoch, is working intensively on robotic solutions for the elderly. Eugster is also convinced of the robots, saying they would offer enormous help, especially in rehabilitation or for people with physical impairments.
Experience virtual reality in real life
Then Tobias Müller had to face virtual reality. Jörg Bachmann from the Institute for Innovation, Design and Engineering at the FHS St.Gallen put the 3D glasses on him. He went up in the elevator, and when the door opened, Müller was standing at a dizzying height above the abyss of a skyscraper. He had to venture out onto the platform. His knees were shaking, as if he were really in this situation. Again and again he grabbed Bachmann so that he wouldn't fall off the stage. Then he gathered his courage and jumped. Labs are already working with it to treat sufferers with their fear of heights. But virtual reality can do much more than create virtual environments, such as developing entire cities and acting out visions. Impressively shown in famous movies like Superman, Blade Runner, Incredibles 2. Hollywood is leading in 3D and VR applications and a St.Gallen resident has made a name for himself there: Dominik Tarolli. Smart City can be used for real city developments - San Francisco, Abu Dabi and also Geneva are already using it. As a homesick St.Gallen resident, he naturally hopes that the city of St.Gallen will call him and also wish for a digital twin.
Medical treatment via smartphone
With all the technology, one thing must not be forgotten: people themselves. "People still long for traditions today, no matter how efficient algorithms may be," says Sigmar Willi, who served as a speaker for the first time. While digital transformation can cause stress, addiction, loneliness and anxiety, he said, people also gain a lot from it, including new options, productivity, time, mobility and contacts. You simply have to ask yourself what you want and what's good for you - and focus on your strengths. eedoctors" - the first virtual doctor's office via smartphone - is also a human experience. You call the app, a specialist answers, you tell him your problem, and he gives you a medical opinion and, if necessary, a reference. On top of that, the app reminds you of any medication you need. With eedoctors, Andrea Vincenzo Braga, MD, wants to counteract the shortage of specialists and save patients with minor ailments such as fever, cough or flu the trip to the doctor's office. He said this would also benefit the overburdened healthcare system, as 80% of emergencies are unnecessary and drain resources from serious cases. Networking Day 2019 featured a visionary look at the "Brave New World." "We learned today: we should have an appetite for the future, be curious, but not forget the human being in the process," Müller concluded. And the guests were able to satisfy this curiosity afterwards at the traditional networking party with the various worlds of experience.
The next Networking Day will take place on September 4, 2020. The topic: How much earth does man need? In the area of tension between economy and ecology.
