Massimo Banzi – Exploring the future of connected devices
In his engaging Design Probes talk, Massimo Banzi, Founder of Arduino, Interaction Designer, Educator and Technologist, delved into the evolution of technology and its pervasive role in our daily lives. Learn more below!
The founder of Arduino Massimo Banzi explores the future of connected devices in his thought-provoking lecture held in Domus Academy. He offers a deep dive into the unseen complexity behind the technology we use every day, highlighting how even the simplest devices rely on intricate global networks of algorithms, data centers and human ingenuity.
From the rapid evolution of voice assistants to groundbreaking advancements in privacy-centric solutions like local AI and federated learning, Banzi unpacks the balance between technological sophistication and user control. He shares compelling examples, such as self-learning devices like the Nest thermostat and creative innovations like an e-paper device that generates poetry, illustrating the fusion of functionality, artistry, and adaptability.
Banzi highlighted the rapid evolution of voice assistants, tracing their development from early, rigid systems to today’s sophisticated, natural-sounding models. He also touched on growing privacy concerns and the innovative solutions they’ve inspired, such as the Alias project—a device designed to give users control over when their voice assistant listens. This theme of privacy and user agency extended to other emerging technologies, like large language models that can run locally, offering significant potential for enhancing both functionality and privacy.
Expanding on the theme of adaptability, Banzi explored the capabilities of self-learning devices like the Nest thermostat, which uses AI to create a mathematical model of a home’s environment. This allows it to optimise energy usage, even identifying anomalies like an open window. He also pointed to new, creative applications of AI, such as a Kickstarter-funded e-paper device that generates poetry, demonstrating the blend of artistry and technology in today’s innovations.
Banzi’s talk underscored the shift towards decentralised AI. Devices are increasingly capable of running machine learning algorithms locally, reducing reliance on cloud computing and enhancing user privacy. Concepts like federated learning—where multiple devices learn collaboratively and share insights—promise to accelerate this trend, offering a glimpse into a future where interconnected devices not only adapt to individual users but also improve collectively. Banzi’s vision painted a compelling picture of a tech landscape rich with possibilities for personalisation, efficiency, and creativity.