SXSW 2018: Protect AI, robots, cars (and us) from bias

As Mark Hamill humorously shared the behind-the-scenes of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" with a packed SXSW audience, two floors below on the exhibit floor Universal Robots recreated General Grievous' famed light saber battles. The battling machines were steps away from a twelve foot dancing Kuka robot and an automated coffee dispensary. Somehow the famed interactive festival known for its late night drinking, dancing and concerts had a very mechanical feel this year. Everywhere debates ensued between utopian tech visionaries and dystopia-fearing humanists. Even my panel on "Investing In The Autonomy Economy" took a very social turn when discussing the opportunities of utilizing robots for the growing aging population.