One Big Thing from SXSW Sydney Day 2: Quantum Computing

Every day during SXSW Sydney, we're asking Dentsu attendees to share their One Big Thing. A theme, a session, a quote. The thing they're left thinking about. Here's Day 2.

Gabriel Tamborini, chief experience and product officer

Human Perception.

I listened to a diverse set of talks today. From robotics to conversational commerce and how to become a futurist. What stood out to me the most was the importance of human perception. 

Even as the AI revolution accelerates and influences every industry, our ability as humans to identify and act on the nuances - the details that make an interaction or a creative execution unique - remains integral to the success of the experiences we create.

Brian David Johnson, futurist, author, and professor at Arizona State University's Global Futures Laboratory, and the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, shared some great insights on the need to be optimistic about the use of AI and shape the future we want to see.

How can we harness the power of human perception with AI to shape a better future for ourselves, and generations to come?

This was reinforced for me in another talk on perceptive robots, where the panel spoke to the importance of robots needing to have the ability to perceive their surroundings when dealing with complex automation processes in warehousing, as well as picking, packing, and sorting in agriculture.

It led me to this last great quote from futurist Johnson: “The AI is not taking your job. A human that knows how to use AI will.”

James Bush,head of creative technology

Quantum Computing.

Whilst everyone is talking about artificial intelligence, the disruptive technology we should discuss is quantum computing. Far from being science fiction, quantum has the potential to change how world-class researchers, scientists and engineers address society's most significant challenges.

Professor Michelle Simmons, CEO and founder of Silicon Quantum Computing, gave deep insight into what's feasible for quantum computers and what's not. What can they do that outperforms classical computers? And what will it take to build an accessible quantum computer?

Quantum computing, with its promise of unprecedented processing power, is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a looming reality that challenges traditional paradigms. 

The session delved into how quantum systems could revolutionise fields from cryptography to pharmaceuticals while raising pressing ethical questions.

As we stand on the brink of this quantum leap, the conversation highlighted a crucial truth: the potential of quantum computing is vast, but so are the responsibilities that come with it. The journey ahead will require collaboration, transparency, and a deep consideration of how these powerful tools will shape our future.