I have really enjoyed watching some sessions from the AI For Good Global Summit from Geneva this week.
The event brings together leaders and innovators from around the world to explore how AI can be harnessed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. This is the fifth annual summit organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
One of the most inspiring moments for me was the demo today by medical equipment manufacturer Wandercraft with founder and chairman Nicolas Simon.
The demo showcased the advanced Exoskeleton technology. Charlotte Fairbank who became paraplegic at the age of 15 after an accident, demonstrated how Wandercraftβs Exoskeleton allows her to walk again.
This cutting-edge device uses AI and machine learning to replicate human motion, providing newfound mobility to those with severe disabilities.
And not just walking – during the demo Charlotte picked up items, pivoted around and walked in a different direction. Pretty amazing for someone who can’t move or feel her legs at all. It’s tech innovations like this that give me goose bumps!
Whilst there is rightly lots of discussions currently on GenAI (ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude etc) – there are much broader AI capabilities as this demo and this event shows. Highlighting the incredible potential of ethical AI to empower people and improve lives.
But technology without access means nothing. So, it was pleasing to hear Nicholas talk of Medicare‘s recent decision to cover 70% of the cost for US residents using Exoskeleton – with future models and scale helping to lower costs and create even lighter models of the Exoskeleton to come.
Reflecting on some of the sessions at the AI For Good Summit underscores the importance of leveraging new tech like AI to meet the Sustainable Development Goals – whilst driving innovation towards a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable future.
ππ’ππ ππ¨π’π§π: Charlotte made a career change from a legal career to her true passion – Wheelchair Tennis! Having played at the Tokyo Paralympics she’s aiming for a medal on home ground in Paris at the 2024 Paralympic Games this summer. What an inspiration! π
