Hod Lipson’s Graphics Processing Unit: AI, Robots Eating Robots And The Unsung Material That Helps Power Our Computers Things You Can't Live Without podcast

Artwork

Science Tech Society Rio Tinto / Listen

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

Added four weeks ago

Content provided by Rio Tinto / Listen. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Rio Tinto / Listen or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

<

<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/tickets-to-travel">Tickets to Travel</a></span>

<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/tickets-to-travel">Tickets to Travel</a></span> podcast artwork

<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/tickets-to-travel">Tickets to Travel</a></span> podcast artwork

1
Tickets to Travel

3 days ago3d ago

Monthly+

What exactly is a travel experience? A travel experience is more than just a destination. From the pulsating beats of a major music festival, to the adrenaline -fueled excitement of professional sports, to the legendary tours of music icons, these events are more than just spectacles. They are game changers affecting airfares, hotel room rates, restaurants, and growing local economies. Welcome to Tickets to Travel, the podcast that unlocks the stories, businesses, careers, and personalities within the realm of unforgettable travel experiences. I'm Mario B, and I have over 20 years of experience in online travel and entertainment ticketing distribution. Join me as we delve into the vibrant tapestry of these industries, uncovering hidden gems and insider secrets along the way. Tickets to travel spotlights the trailblazing businesses shaping the future of travel experiences. These startups and innovative companies are driving forces that redefine how we explore the world. Whether you're a seasoned jet center, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the transformative power of travel, join me on Tickets to travel as I embark on this exhilarating journey through the world of travel experiences. Follow us where you get your podcasts.

Things You Can't Live Without « »
Hod Lipson’s Graphics Processing Unit: AI, robots eating robots and the unsung material that helps power our computers

1 year ago 24:45

Share

MP3•Episode home

Content provided by Rio Tinto / Listen. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Rio Tinto / Listen or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Hod Lipson - Columbia University professor and award-winning robotics researcher - shares with Dr. Anna the one item he can’t live without - his Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

The conversation reveals how much GPUs underpin our electronic world, and how one somewhat unsung element - boron - is at the heart of making them work. Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive, Minerals, Sinead Kaufman, unpicks what boron is, how it’s extracted, and what needs to be done to keep us having the electronic devices so many of us rely on. We also look at how AI might have a role to play in the future of mining, why boron is “the WD-40 of the world” and what’s being done to help sustainability by “robots eating robots”!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

… continue reading

21 episodes

#Science #Tech #Society #Rio Tinto / Listen

Artwork

Hod Lipson’s Graphics Processing Unit: AI, robots eating robots and the unsung material that helps power our computers

Things You Can't Live Without

published 1 year ago

Share

MP3•Episode home

Content provided by Rio Tinto / Listen. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Rio Tinto / Listen or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Hod Lipson - Columbia University professor and award-winning robotics researcher - shares with Dr. Anna the one item he can’t live without - his Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

The conversation reveals how much GPUs underpin our electronic world, and how one somewhat unsung element - boron - is at the heart of making them work. Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive, Minerals, Sinead Kaufman, unpicks what boron is, how it’s extracted, and what needs to be done to keep us having the electronic devices so many of us rely on. We also look at how AI might have a role to play in the future of mining, why boron is “the WD-40 of the world” and what’s being done to help sustainability by “robots eating robots”!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

… continue reading

21 episodes

#Science #Tech #Society #Rio Tinto / Listen

All episodes

×

Artwork

1
BONUS: Ed Conway on the future of sustainability 41:54

16 days ago41:54

41:54

In this special extended episode, journalist, author and economics expert Ed Conway joins Dr Anna to explore the future of sustainability. Alongside Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, and Froydis Cameron-Johansson, Rio Tinto's Global Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Security, they discuss the challenges and solutions of responsible sourcing and manufacturing, taking a deep dive into materials such as copper, iron and lithium – all of which can be found in Ed’s indispensable item, his earbuds. They also look to the future for better sustainable practices and debate how to find the critical balance required to meet growing demands while preserving the environment. To read more about Ed’s book ‘Material World’ go to: http://edconway.substack.com/p/material-world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Sabrina Ghayour on her favourite knives, learning from others and butternut squash best practice 24:49

23 days ago24:49

24:49

Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour’s knife is an indispensable partner in her kitchen. Sabrina tells Dr Anna about her journey toward finding her favourite type of knives and how to look for the right knife for you. She is joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, who delves into the material science behind how our knives are made. They discuss collaboration in the world of food and industry, and how it can benefit everyone involved. Listen to hear how to tackle a butternut squash, Sabrina’s thoughts on ceramic knives and the future of vital materials like steel. Read these articles to learn more about ELYSIS and how it relates to Apple: Apple’s $4.7B in Green Bonds support innovative green technology - Apple ELYSIS strengthens its ties with Apple | ELYSIS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Cornelia Funke on plastic pens, storytelling and sustainability 22:37

4 weeks ago22:37

22:37

Global bestselling author Cornelia Funke (Dragon Rider, Inkheart) says she has hungry hands and that she cannot live without her pen to conjure up her magical worlds. Cornelia tells Dr Anna about the importance of the physical process of writing and illustrating, before committing her work to a computer. She also shares her deep passion for the protection of nature and our knowledge of it. They are joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive Australia, Kellie Parker, to talk about the importance of rehabilitating nature at mine sites and the ways they are being successfully rejuvenated around the world. Listen to hear about going back to quill and ink, butterfly rehabilitation, and the importance of respecting land which we use for vital materials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Beatrice Galilee on nature-inspired sustainable design and future architecture 23:22

5 weeks ago23:22

23:22

Beatrice Galilee, founder of architecture and design platform The World Around is dedicated to inspiring and supporting the next generation of architects. She introduces Dr Anna to 'Botanica', a nature-inspired vase, which exists to prompt conversations around the future of sustainable design and architectural practices. They are joined by Brett Capper, General Manager APAC, Studies and Project Shaping at Rio Tinto, to learn why indigenous knowledge and implementing nature-inspired solutions are crucial in the improvement of mining processes. Listen to hear about plants that can clean polluted lakes, what our world might look like without plastic, and the importance of connecting knowledge across generations and disciplines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Mark Mangini on Hollywood sounds, innovation and suspending disbelief 24:11

6 weeks ago24:11

24:11

Oscar-winning sound designer Mark Mangini uses highly specialised microphones to capture the sounds we know and love in some of Hollywood’s most successful films. In an episode focusing on reuse and recycling, Mark tells Dr Anna about the unlikely, everyday sources behind some very famous film sounds. They’re joined by Didier Arseguel, Vice President of Technology at Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium, to discover why keeping an open mind is crucial in driving innovation. Listen to find out how to record realistic rain sounds without getting (too) wet, how screaming elephants played a part in the story of Star Wars and why you can never have too many microphones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Ruby Wax on laptop addiction, mindfulness and community 25:49

7 weeks ago25:49

25:49

Comedian, author and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax OBE is addicted to her laptop - and here she explains to Dr Anna about the positive and negative impacts it has on her mental health. They are joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, who explains the material science behind creating computers and introducing sustainable innovations in how they are being made. Listen to hear why turning off notifications helps both industrial processes as well as our brains, and the importance of community in today's digital age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Edward Burtynsky on using one camera tripod across 50 countries and 30 years 27:05

8 weeks ago27:05

27:05

Revered photographic artist Edward Burtynsky shares how his carbon-fibre camera tripod has become indispensable in his documentation of human impacts on the planet. He tells Dr Anna about his artistic approach to industrial landscapes, especially those affected by fuel production. They are joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Decarbonisation Officer, Jonathon McCarthy, who shares progress on the mining industry’s move toward durable, efficient materials and energy sources. Listen to hear stories behind Edward’s photographs, learn about the developments in EV batteries, and how the crossover of art and science helps us communicate critical climate issues. Show Notes: To see Edward's photographs mentioned in this episode, visit his website here: https://www.edwardburtynsky.com/projects/photographs/shipbreaking Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Jon Lampley on blowing his trumpet, outdoor venues and the ethics of AI in music 24:26

9 weeks ago24:26

24:26

Renowned trumpeter Jon Lampley performs on national TV in the Stephen Colbert house band, to stadiums of people, and alone in his small home studio - but which does he prefer? Jon tells Dr Anna about the significance of his custom-built trumpet, his unique sound and his most memorable performances. They are also joined by Shawn Lyndon, Chief Digital Officer at Rio Tinto, to explore the balance between analogue authenticity and digital convenience. Shawn shares how digitization enhances their operations, from environmental preservation to making sites safer. Listen to find out about the positive impacts of AI on creativity as well as the ethical considerations surrounding its use, and how digital advancements might democratise creativity in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Dr Adam Rutherford on bodies, blue-sky projects and blue-blooded crabs 24:48

10 weeks ago24:48

24:48

Geneticist Dr Adam Rutherford relies on refrigeration to preserve the unique DNA samples that underpin his lab work. Furthermore, as he explains to Dr Anna, fridges are good for keeping his beer cold! In an episode all about research and development, Adam and Anna are joined by Marie-Pierre Paquin, Head of Science and Partnerships at Rio Tinto, to explore how a mix of curiosity, diligence and data leads to scientific breakthroughs. Listen to find out how many periodic table elements are in the human body, why some parts of the world are richer in DNA samples than others, and why certain crustaceans have blue blood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Get ready for Series 2 1:55

11 weeks ago1:55

1:55

Series 2 of Things You Can’t Live Without is coming soon. Here’s Dr Anna Ploszajski with a preview of what you can expect. Make sure you follow the show to hear new episodes as they launch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artwork

1
Hod Lipson’s Graphics Processing Unit: AI, robots eating robots and the unsung material that helps power our computers 24:45

1 year ago24:45

24:45

Hod Lipson - Columbia University professor and award-winning robotics researcher - shares with Dr. Anna the one item he can’t live without - his Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The conversation reveals how much GPUs underpin our electronic world, and how one somewhat unsung element - boron - is at the heart of making them work. Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive, Minerals, Sinead Kaufman, unpicks what boron is, how it’s extracted, and what needs to be done to keep us having the electronic devices so many of us rely on. We also look at how AI might have a role to play in the future of mining, why boron is “the WD-40 of the world” and what’s being done to help sustainability by “robots eating robots”! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Dr. Leah Alconcel’s Lasers: Missions to Jupiter, space junk and the future of communications 25:48

1 year ago25:48

25:48

Spacecraft engineer Dr. Leah Alconcel joins Dr. Anna to tell her about the one item she can’t live without - her lasers From sending spacecraft to Saturn to the possibility of being able to watch TikTok in outer space, Dr. Leah shares the critical role that lasers have in her life. We are joined again by Rio’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, who reveals how lasers are in fact a fundamental part of everyone’s daily lives and the role of the very small but powerful metals called Rare Earths which ironically (and thankfully) are not that rare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza’s Field Microscope: Boiling rivers, ancient Chinese water microscopes and working with communities to ensure ecosystems into the future 27:31

1 year ago27:31

27:31

Chemical biologist and explorer Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza shares with Dr. Anna the one item she can’t live without - her field microscope. Dr. Rosa takes us on an expedition to the Amazon as we understand how integral her microscope is to her day-to-day work searching for the tiniest creatures, from heat-loving microbes that exist in boiling rivers to the stingless bee native to Peru. Another exploration expert - Rio Tinto’s Managing Director of Studies, Alison Morley - joins us to share tales of following the clues found in the patterns in rocks and what these patterns tell us about our earth, before Dr. Anna asks both Dr. Rosa and Alison how we can ensure that these ecosystems being explored are protected for our future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Buddha Lo’s Salt: Thanksgiving turkeys, open-water swimming and a material fundamental to our survival 25:59

1 year ago25:59

25:59

Cooking sensation and two-time Top Chef winner Buddha Lo joins Dr. Anna to share the one item he can’t live without - salt. Buddha takes us to his kitchen in New York where he explains its critical role in food not just today, but throughout history. Rio Tinto’s Chief Advisor Process Development, Amy Lamb, joins the discussion to explain salt’s journey from the sea to the table and why you can’t eat the salt you use to grit the road, before Dr. Anna asks what lengths they’d go to to ensure that we didn’t have to live without this vital material. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Artwork

1
Alie Ward’s Insulated Flask: Nicknames, vacuums and the reality of low carbon steel 22:21

1 year ago22:21

22:21

Daytime Emmy Award-winning science communicator, podcaster, TV presenter, writer and food buff Alie Ward joins Dr. Anna to share her unquenchable love for the item she can’t live without - her insulated flask. As a self-confessed ice fiend, Alie shares the daily amazement her flask provides, which she tells Dr. Anna is akin to magic. To help unravel some of the mystery, chemist and broadcaster Andrea Sella helps lift the lid on the science of vacuums and we are joined again by Rio Tinto’s Chief Advisor of Discovery, Marie-Pierre Paquin, who delivers Alie the amazing news that a future of low carbon steel is coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

T

Things You Can't Live Without

Things You Can't Live Without podcast artwork

1
Cerys Matthews’ Climbing Equipment: Everest, foie gras and our collective responsibility for the planet 28:30

1 year ago28:30

28:30

Singer, songwriter, author and broadcaster Cerys Matthews joins Dr. Anna this week to share the items she can’t live without - her climbing equipment. Mark Davies, Chief Technical Officer at Rio Tinto, and climbing curator Nigel Buckley also join Cerys and Dr. Anna to discuss the days of climbing with wooden axes, conquering summits and current breakthroughs in achieving low-carbon aluminium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

T

Things You Can't Live Without

Things You Can't Live Without podcast artwork

1
Shelley Roden’s Trash: Spaceships, Mrs Incredible and the power of the circular economy 25:46

1 year ago25:46

25:46

Award-winning Foley artist Shelley Roden joins Dr. Anna on the podcast to explain why she can’t live without trash. As a Foley artist, Shelley spends her days using trash to make the sound effects for live action and animated films. She’s worked on over two hundred titles such as Black Panther and Disney’s Encanto and she challenges Dr. Anna and Rio Tinto’s Metallurgical Engineer Saskia Duyvesteyn to a live sound quiz. Together, they look at the value of ‘waste’ and what the circular economy could mean for preserving the resources of this planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

T

Things You Can't Live Without

Things You Can't Live Without podcast artwork

1
OJ Borg’s E-Bike: World Record attempts, Lycra mishaps and how to keep the planet charged 26:30

1 year ago26:30

26:30

BBC broadcaster and cycling obsessive OJ Borg joins Dr. Anna to share the item he can’t live without - his e-bike. Alongside bike historian Tony Hadland and Rio Tinto’s General Manager of Technical Development, Jared Osborne, they unearth the explosion in the popularity of the e-bike, investigate how you turn rocks into batteries and discuss the impact to the planet of keeping the world charged. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

T

Things You Can't Live Without

Things You Can't Live Without podcast artwork

1
Rudy Garcia-Tolson’s Prosthetic Legs: Gold medals, pirates and the price of movement 25:56

1 year ago25:56

25:56

Paralympic gold medallist and ambassador for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Rudy Garcia-Tolson joins Dr. Anna to share the one item he can’t live without - his prosthetic legs. Rio Tinto’s Chief Advisor of Discovery, Marie-Pierre Paquin also joins the conversation. As they track the evolution in prosthetic limbs, Rudy shares memories of search parties being sent out to find parts of his legs during recess, and they investigate the complexity of processing one of the central materials in prosthetics - Titanium - which is one of the most abundant metals on earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

T

Things You Can't Live Without

Things You Can't Live Without podcast artwork

1
Susie Dent’s Dictionary: Demons, flatulence and the complicated future of our electronic devices 34:05

1 year ago34:05

34:05

World-renowned lexicographer and viral tweeter Susie Dent joins Dr. Anna to wax lyrical about her favourite thing - her dictionary. Joined by Chief Scientist Nigel Steward, they mine into the components of Susie’s electronic dictionary, explore the etymology of ‘electricity’ and investigate the real-life challenges of electrifying the world in order to create a greener future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

T

Things You Can't Live Without

Things You Can't Live Without podcast artwork

1
Welcome to Things You Can't Live Without 1:30

1 year ago1:30

1:30

Follow the show to be the first to hear episode one on the 28th February. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

Listen to 500+ topics

Quick Reference Guide

Top Podcasts

The Bill Simmons Podcast

Comedy of the Week

How Did This Get Made?

Doug Loves Movies

TED Talks Daily

NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas

The World This Hour

Daily Boost Motivation and Coaching

This American Life

Sword and Scale

Help/FAQ | Upgrade | Advertise

Arts|Business|Comedy|Economics|Entertainment|News|Politics|Religion

Science|Soccer|Sports|Storytelling|Technology|True Crime

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright

Listen to this show while you explore