The technology industry has a problem with diversity. True to form, it thinks the solution is technological. Founders of the Future is a new venture that hopes to uncover the Mark Zuckerbergs of the future, using algorithms. "An AI doesn't know anything about your background - which school or university you went to," Tom Bowles told me. Mr Bowles, a machine learning expert, developed the software, which models the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs like Niklas Zennstrom, who set up Skype, and Natalie Massenet, who started Net-a-Porter.

Robots are very fascinating entities, and they have always been one of the foremost subjects of science fiction. The very name robot originated in science fiction writing, although one could argue that the notion of autonomous mechanical artifacts has a very long tradition that predates science fiction. The golden age of robots in science fiction was probably a few decades ago. Unfortunately as the developments in robotics have lagged well behind of what the sci-fi writers had made us to expect, the interest in robots has somewhat cooled off. However, the first low-scale commercial robots are finally making their mark, and the robotic parts are well within the reach of most casual hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Unexpected convergent consequences…this is what happens when eight different exponential technologies all explode onto the scene at once. This post (sixth in a series of seven) is a look at robotics. Be sure to read the first five posts if you haven't already: When the World Is Wired: The Magic of the Internet of Everything Where Artificial Intelligence Is Now and What's Just Around the Corner The Near Future of VR and AR: What You Need to Know Drones Have Reached at Tipping Point--Here's What Happens Next How 3D Printing Is Transforming the Way We Make Things An expert might be reasonably good at predicting the growth of a single exponential technology (e.g., 3D Printing), but try to predict the future when AI, robotics, VR, drones, and computation are all doubling, morphing and recombining…You have a very exciting (read: unpredictable) future. This post is the result of an interview with Rodney Brooks on the top five recent robotics breakthroughs (2012-2015) and the top five anticipated robotics breakthroughs (2016-2018). Rodney is the Panasonic Professor of Robotics at MIT.

Artificial intelligence-related research has tremendous potential to become useful in practical, everyday applications and to dramatically increase productivity. The field has been developing rapidly in recent years and is expected to really start taking off in the near future. A few of the cool things happening on the cutting edge in AI are highlighted below. AI Crossword App Could Help Machines Understand Language Researchers have designed a web-based platform that uses artificial neural networks to answer standard crossword clues better than existing commercial products specifically designed for the task. The system, which is freely available online, could help machines understand language more effectively.

Dentons turns to platform-as-a-service technology, analytics and artificial intelligence to build a better framework for legal research and processes. Although the legal profession has advanced considerably through the use of digital technology, many tasks remain deeply rooted in the past. In most cases, firms use an array of ad hoc and disconnected tools to do their job. It's not surprising, then, that the introduction of artificial intelligence and analytics could revolutionize the field. "Firms are searching for ways to build a better framework for legal research and processes so that they can operate faster and keep costs down," says Joe Andrew, the global chairman of Dentons, which operates more than 125 offices in over 50 countries.

OutsideIQ develops innovative artificial intelligence solutions that use big data to address complex risk-based questions and problems. ABC and FCPA policies require corporations to uphold proper compliance processes. OutsideIQ provides a fully auditable and sourced due diligence report, allowing corporations to operate without additional changes to their infrastructure. We are occupying a world where data is more than a commodity, it is becoming a currency, providing real value to companies who can efficiently extract data to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors and make better decisions. Over the years, big data technology has been in a revolution, developing new ways to find value in data.

For outsiders, the idea of artificial intelligence in the court room sounds horrifying. AI, however, has been pushing its way into law for decades. The next time you apply to claim child benefits, you may be met with the unexpected: robots. Most might not even notice it, but the future of law is heavily tied to Artificial Intelligence. In fact, the slow integration of AI into the legal sphere has been happening for decades, and several magazines, news sources and committees have been built around the topic.

Unexpected convergent consequences…this is what happens when eight different exponential technologies all explode onto the scene at once. This post (sixth in a series of seven) is a look at robotics. Be sure to read the first five posts if you haven't already: When the World Is Wired: The Magic of the Internet of Everything Where Artificial Intelligence Is Now and What's Just Around the Corner The Near Future of VR and AR: What You Need to Know Drones Have Reached at Tipping Point--Here's What Happens Next How 3D Printing Is Transforming the Way We Make Things An expert might be reasonably good at predicting the growth of a single exponential technology (e.g., 3D Printing), but try to predict the future when AI, robotics, VR, drones, and computation are all doubling, morphing and recombining…You have a very exciting (read: unpredictable) future. This post is the result of an interview with Rodney Brooks on the top five recent robotics breakthroughs (2012-2015) and the top five anticipated robotics breakthroughs (2016-2018). Rodney is the Panasonic Professor of Robotics at MIT.

A report shown at the 2016 World Economic Forum in January says millions of jobs will be lost to robots in the next few years. When thinking about who is most vulnerable, factory workers, drivers, and pilots come to mind. Surely the jobs requiring a human touch, such as artists, entertainers, and managers, will stick around, right? Maybe some of those jobs will be safe. Managers, not so much; very soon, robots will be replacing humans in top management positions, even up to the CEO level.

The Diet on Thursday enacted a law banning drones from flying over important facilities such as the Prime Minister's Office while giving police the power to destroy drones if necessary. The legislation is expected to take effect before a foreign ministerial meeting of the Group of Seven industrial nations takes place in Hiroshima on April 11-12. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling coalition had been seeking early enactment of the bill to strengthen anti-terrorism measures ahead of the G-7 summit in Mie Prefecture in late May. The Civil Aeronautics Law was revised to regulate drone flights in September after a small drone was found on the roof of the building housing the Prime Minister's Office last April. A man was later convicted over the incident.