In Hollywood, robots are often depicted in the humanoid form. Thus, when we think of robots we naturally imagine humanoid robots. For robots to move around in a human environment and to do work using tools made for humans, it is natural to have robots that have the shape and size of a human. We have been developing humanoid robots at RoMeLa (Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory) for more than a decade for firefighting and disaster relief applications. However, such robots are still too slow, too unstable, too complex, too expensive, and too unsafe which prevents them from being used in real-life situations. Do robots really need to look like a human? We revisit this question and present some of the new exciting morphologies as solutions, discuss the creative process, and imagine our future with robots.

Speaker:  Dr. Dennis Hong, Professor & Founding Director, RoMeLa
(Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory) of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department,  University of California, Los Angeles

Despite spending $4.5 trillion a year on healthcare, the U.S. has some of the worst outcomes among all high-income countries (low life expectancy, high maternal and infant mortality, and high disease burden), as well as persistent inequity with a 6-year gap between black and white life expectancy. In this session, we will talk about new care models, new payment systems, and new technologies that are changing the way that healthcare is delivered. We will discuss the promise of AI and examine how these technologies have the potential to improve or worsen the issues that exist in our healthcare system.

Speaker: Dr. Nworah Ayogu, General Manager, Amazon Clinic

Everyone is talking about how AI will change our world: the economics, the technology, the learning models, but no one is talking about how it will change the way we feel. Matty Ayers, the behavioral scientist, designer, artist, and entrepreneur who leads the global feelings studio TinyWins, joins to discuss how AI-centered businesses will need to lean into humanity more than ever to design memorable, emotionally resonant user experiences that will build consumer trust and loyalty.

Speaker: Matty Ayers, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, TinyWins

There are countless questions about how AI will affect the future of work. At Indeed, they see a beneficial pathway for embracing AI. Employers and job seekers will experience extraordinary advancements from more efficient practices that help streamline the hiring process and save time. AI is creating greater opportunity, but humans still remain the center of everything at Indeed. Learn more about how Indeed is investing in AI to power the future of work in this dynamic Fireside Chat moderated by Misty Gaither, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, and featuring Trey Causey, Head of Responsible AI & Senior Director of Data Science. 

Speaker: Misty Gaither, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB+), Indeed

Speaker: Trey Causey, Head of Responsible AI & Senior Director of Data Science, Indeed

Healthcare faces numerous challenges, and understanding real healthcare problems and public health needs is crucial for implementing effective solutions. This session will explore a multifaceted approach to addressing these challenges, emphasizing compassion and an in-depth understanding of both the healthcare provider and patient journeys, two fundamental elements that now must be considered when using emerging technologies. 

Compassion and codesign serve as cornerstones for our discussions on leveraging Decentralized Clinical Trial (DCT) technologies to improve Diversity in Clinical Trials and how clinical trials should be viewed as a healthcare option. We will explore how incorporating technologies not only enhances patient experiences but also contributes to the development of more inclusive and patient-friendly healthcare solutions. The integration of Digital Twins, a cutting-edge concept in healthcare, will also be explored, shedding light on its potential to revolutionize personalized patient care. 

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that explores the intersection of compassion, codesign, and technology in healthcare, paving the way for a patient-centric approach that addresses real healthcare problems and public health needs. 

Speaker: Kunal D. Patel, Ph.D., Medical Director, iheed
Speaker: Kelly McKee, Vice President, Decentralized Clinical Trials and Patient Registries, Medidata

Join us for an engaging panel titled ‘Inclusion in Music Tech: The Impact of AI on Music Creation and Production,’ moderated by Ryan Butler and featuring industry experts Qiana Conley and Autumn Rowe. This session delves into the transformative role of AI in music production. Through an interactive demonstration, they will explore AI’s influence on the creative processes while highlighting the experiences of women in the industry. As the panelists discuss the evolving landscape of music technology, attendees will gain insights from Qiana’s executive leadership and Autumn’s GRAMMY Award-winning expertise.

Speaker: Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Recording Academy
Speaker: Qiana Conley, Senior Executive Director of The Los Angeles Chapter Recording Academy/GRAMMYS
Speaker: Autumn Rowe, Songwriter & Producer

This engaging Fireside Chat is moderated by Aileen Alexander and features Myrna Soto, a transformational security and business leader. Touching upon her 28 years of experience in information technology and security strategy, Soto brings a wealth of knowledge on global security technology and technology risk management. 

In this session, Alexander and Soto will discuss how companies are navigating cybersecurity challenges. During their conversation, Soto will share strategic internal and external practices that companies can use to protect people, critical data, and IP, along with mitigating risk. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A with attendees to further examine topics that were presented during the Fireside Chat.

Speaker: Myrna Soto , Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Apogee Executive Advisors LLC 
Speaker: Aileen K. Alexander, Chief Executive Officer, DSG Global

This presentation directly confronts our anxieties about AI workplace disruption and explores the symbiotic relationship between reskilling, ethical AI use, and equity. As someone at the forefront of marrying business innovation with people-centric values, Donald Knight will share Greenhouse’s journey toward harnessing AI to further our goal of making the world better at hiring. The talk underscores the idea that AI should not be a harbinger of job displacement but a catalyst for workforce transformation, where reskilling emerges as a pivotal strategy in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. It’s a narrative about transforming apprehension into action, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for enhancing human capabilities and promoting diversity.

Speaker: Donald Knight, Chief People Officer, Greenhouse Software

In this session, Vaughn Davis will discuss how to implement 4th industrial revolution tech into your business to see improved efficiencies and profitability. He will examine challenges, opportunities, and how to achieve success. The session will conclude with a robust Q & A that will allow attendees to further explore topics and expand the discussion.

Speaker: Vaughn Davis, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Hyper Nimbus

Artificial Intelligence is not just a tool for streamlining operations—it’s a beacon for human creativity and solution-finding across education and industry. This fireside chat session, with Dr. Ebbie Parsons and Winston Roberts, will delve into how AI can serve not just as a tool for operational efficiency or a means to combat cheating but as a catalyst for unleashing human potential. Together, we’ll discuss strategies for harnessing AI to foster innovative thinking, enhance lesson engagement, solve pressing global issues, and drive business growth. Join us to discover how asking the right questions about AI can lead to groundbreaking solutions and opportunities in both education and the corporate world, ultimately redefining what we believe is possible with technology.

Speaker: Winston Roberts, AI Education Consultant & Teacher, KIPP New Jersey
Speaker: Ebbie Parsons, Ed.D., Founder, Yardstick Management DSG Global

It’s essential for businesses to regularly reassess and adapt their plans to align with the ever-changing technological landscape. Our workshop invites industry leaders to participate as we delve into the dynamic market. Together, we will identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term AI market trends and how they are impacting your organizations.

Speaker: Reena Patel, Ph.D, Global Managing Partner, Yardstick Management DSG Global

Slma Shelbayah is the official host of Yardstick Management Institute’s tech-focused leadership retreat – Navigating AI & New Tech For A Diverse & Responsible Tomorrow. At the Welcome Session, she will kick off the event with opening remarks. Each day, she will introduce speakers, make special announcements, and provide information about activities and events. With her insightful comments, Slma will keep the attendees energized and engaged throughout the retreat.

Speaker: Slma Shelbayah, M.A., DSG Global, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

Dr. Monica Miller-Smith will guide attendees through an immersive, interactive reflection activity that allows all attendees to participate as an active speaker and listener. The interactive session is an ideal forum for attendees to reflect and debrief amongst their peers after attending several days of speaker led sessions. The Four Corners activity expands learning and stimulates reflection through movement and discussion. This is a summative learning experience that provides an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, inquire about best practices, and broaden perspectives.

Speaker: Monica Miller-Smith, Ed.D., Yardstick Management DSG Global, Vice President, Research and Impact