TECH

BY MICHAEL AHR

With everything from artificial intelligence to virtual reality, SXSW has become the place to explore the newest of what the tech industry has to offer. Whether dealing with the future of technology in daily life, the latest in space exploration, or new ways of entertaining the masses, these technology panels will offer fans, speculators, and curious forward-thinkers unique opportunities to learn more about where the various fields are headed. There’s something for everyone, with guest speakers and panels on just about every topic imaginable. Here are some we think Den of Geek readers will particularly enjoy.

Robots For Building In The Wild

Saturday, March 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT

Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon K Robots aren’t just about unburdening the workforce from menial tasks; they also tackle dangerous construction jobs that could be nearly impossible for a human worker. Innovations in design have allowed these powerful machines to create structures previously never before imagined, and those that develop, operate, and maintain these skillful robots are artists themselves, taking their creations out “into the wild.”

Panelists will highlight the challenges and benefits of the growing field.

10 Breakthrough Technologies Of 2023

Saturday, March 11 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. CT

Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon C

MIT creates a list every year of new technologies that they believe will be the most impactful to the way we live and work in modern society. As you might expect, online interactive AI text and image generators are at the forefront of the discussion, but there are also a few items on the list that are likely unfamiliar to most attendees. The CEO and publisher of MIT’s Technology Review will present this year’s list, featuring innovations that will appeal equally to tech experts and novices alike.

How Teens Really Feel About Social Media

Monday, March 13 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. CT

Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon K

It may seem like participation on social media is what makes teenagers happy, but with the way online technology has become wrapped up in young adults’ sense of self, there’s also potential for feelings of anxiety and depression. Although the big social media companies may try to hide this fact, the panelists in this session, including a Facebook whistleblower and a teen activist, will shine the light on how the industry can take steps toward making the online space a safer and healthier place to be.

LGBTQ+ DEI: QUEER REPRESENTATION IN STEAM

Monday, March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon K

Jobs in science and engineering have been among the last to embrace representation of marginalized groups, and although things are improving, there are still barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals to enter the STEAM fields. Panelists will share their experiences and suggest ways that those in STEAM careers can empower themselves and others.

The Future Of Sex

Tuesday, March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon H

Not for the inhibited, this featured session will explore “sextech.” Bryony Cole is a global sextech leader working with global venture studio Josephmark. The talk will explore how to build and scale early-stage concepts that combine sex, technology, and personal well-being.

DEEPFAKES: THE PRIMARY THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

Wednesday, March 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT

Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon K

Deepfakes have been a fun distraction for fans of Tom Cruise and other entertainment personalities, but once things went political with simulations of world leaders, the technology took a dark turn. Rijul Gupta, co-founder and CEO of DeepMedia, will lead a panel of military and NGO experts sharing ideas about how to combat this new threat and how scrutiny could be a matter for global intelligence services.

CREATING HAPPINESS: THE ART & SCIENCE OF DISNEY PARKS STORYTELLING

Friday, March 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT

Austin Convention Center | Ballroom D

The immersive experiences at Disney’s theme parks go well beyond random character encounters and photo ops. In this SXSW featured session, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share how these sometimes complex storylines are constructed specifically to create the most enjoyable narrative for the park’s guests. After all, it’s the simple moments that will create the most lasting memories!

Combatting Climate Change With Ai

Wednesday, March 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT

Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon J Tech pundits are quickly discovering how world-changing the new generation of artificial intelligence and machine learning can be. Why not put that power to good use for the planet? This panel will explore how intelligent systems can provide strategies to limit climate change impacts, make better predictions transform the way we study our Earth’s climate, and lead us toward a bright future.