Dean Kamen (Deka Research) (Jul 2022)

Dean Kamen (Deka Research Founder) – On the power of celebrating your own obsoletion (Jul 2022)

Chapters

00:00:01 Technological Innovation's Role in Addressing Global Challenges

00:06:25 Medical Innovations Revolutionizing Treatment of Chronic Conditions

00:10:42 Technology and the Future of Work

FIRST: Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers:
Founded by Dean Kamen, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was created to address the decline in students pursuing STEM fields. Kamen recognized the cultural shift toward celebrating sports and entertainment over science and technology. FIRST was designed to appeal to a broader population of students, particularly those who may not have a “professional nerdy dad or mom.”

The FIRST Model: Emulating Sports for STEM Enthusiasm:
FIRST operates on the sports model, using aspirational goals, after-school programs, and rewards to engage students. It doesn’t focus on quizzes and tests but instead uses letters, trophies, and school spirit to create excitement and competition.

The Success of FIRST:
FIRST has grown significantly, involving 80,000 schools, 200,000 volunteer mentors, and awarding $80 million in scholarships. The organization’s events attract large crowds, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing the hearts and minds of students.

Addressing Automation and Job Loss Concerns:
Kamen and the speaker acknowledge that new technologies often displace jobs in the short term. However, they emphasize that these technologies ultimately create more opportunities and better jobs. They draw a parallel to the Industrial Revolution, where steam engines replaced manual labor but led to new industries and job growth.

The Benefits of Automation:
Automation eliminates hazardous and undesirable jobs, allowing humans to focus on more fulfilling and creative tasks. It creates new industries and opportunities, leading to overall job growth. Examples of new jobs created by automation include those in the design, construction, and operation of robots.

The Future of Work:
The speaker believes we are on the cusp of another industrial revolution driven by machine learning and artificial intelligence. This revolution will bring about even greater changes and opportunities, transforming the job market and creating new career paths.

00:19:52 Innovating Technology: Lessons from Failures and Future Opportunities

Abstract

Impact and Innovation: Navigating the Future Through the Lens of Dean Kamen and Emerging Technologies

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and unprecedented challenges, the impact of innovation in various fields, especially healthcare and urban development, stands out as a beacon of hope and transformation. This article, drawing from the insights of innovator Dean Kamen and other key figures, delves into the multifaceted influence of technological progress, particularly during and post-pandemic, and its implications for society and the future.

Accelerating Healthcare Innovation in the Pandemic Era

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed significant advancements in healthcare technology. Dean Kamen’s company, DECA, exemplifies this surge in innovation, with projects such as self-administered dialysis and needle-free vaccine administration gaining momentum. Kamen emphasizes the urgent need for proactive innovation, rather than mere reactionary measures, a sentiment mirrored in the rapid development of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. This proactive stance is crucial for addressing future global health crises.

Regenerative Medicine: A New Frontier

Kamen’s collaboration with the Army in regenerative medicine marks a significant stride in healthcare. Focusing on regrowing damaged tissues and organs, this field has moved from skepticism to optimism, promising revolutionary changes in healthcare. The Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), a non-profit coalition of world-class medical schools and companies, further underscores this progress with groundbreaking developments like Doris Taylor’s miniature pediatric heart and Martine Rothblatt’s functional printed human lung scaffold.

Doris Taylor, formerly of the Texas Heart Institute, presented a miniature pediatric-scale beating heart manufactured using induced pluripotent stem cells. Martine Rothblatt, founder, and chairman of United Therapeutics, presented a completely functioning scaffold of a human lung printed at the smallest scale any printer has ever operated. She has been able to keep a few humans alive with these printed organs under special permission. By the end of this decade, it may be possible for patients to receive replacement human organs, curing chronic conditions instead of just treating them. This would revolutionize healthcare and potentially eliminate the need for treatments like dialysis and insulin pumps.

The Cultural Impact of Innovation

Dean Kamen’s initiatives extend beyond healthcare. His foundation, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), addresses the declining interest in STEM fields among students by modeling it after sports to make it more appealing. This approach has seen immense success, with FIRST growing to include a vast network of schools, mentors, and industry sponsors. Such cultural shifts are vital for fostering future innovators and adapting to technological advancements.

FIRST as a Microcosm of Innovation:

FIRST gives children hands-on experience in engineering and problem-solving. It prepares them for a future with limitless opportunities and challenges.

The Double-Edged Sword of Technological Advancement

While technological innovation brings significant benefits, it also presents challenges, such as potential job loss due to automation. Kamen and other speakers acknowledge these concerns but highlight the historical nature of this progression. They argue that automation, while displacing some jobs, also eliminates hazardous work and creates new opportunities in emerging fields.

Learning from Failures:

Failures are valuable opportunities to learn and improve. Distinguish between flawed goals and inadequate technology/integration. Try different approaches and keep trying until you succeed. Protect people during failures and let them learn from them.

Electrification and Urban Mobility

The move towards electric vehicles and the emergence of compact personal mobility devices like electric scooters are transforming urban landscapes. These advancements aim to reduce pollution and improve air quality in cities, signifying a shift towards more sustainable and efficient urban living.

Preparing for a Changing World

The future calls for adaptability and continuous learning. Encouraging hands-on experiences and embracing uncertainty are critical for equipping the younger generation to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Innovators and society alike must be prepared to embrace obsolescence and celebrate advancements as they pave the way for continuous improvement and a better quality of life.

Embracing Innovation for a Better Future

In conclusion, the developments and perspectives shared by Dean Kamen and others underline the transformative power of innovation. Whether in regenerative medicine, urban mobility, or STEM education, embracing and driving technological advancements is crucial for addressing the challenges of our time and improving the quality of life for future generations. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the lessons from these innovations and the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a forward-looking mindset cannot be overstated.

Notes by: MythicNeutron

Dean Kamen (Deka Research Founder) – On the power of celebrating your own obsoletion (Jul 2022)

Chapters

Abstract

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