The Austin Forum on Technology & Society

in partnership with Austin Public Library presents

The Internet of Things: How Connected Devices Everywhere will Change Everything

with
Rhonda Dirvin
Arm
Jason Shepherd
Dell Technologies

5:15pm — Check-in and refreshments

6:00 pm – Doors open for seating
6:15 pm – Presentation
7:30 pm – Networking

The Internet of Things (IoT) enables connected computers and other devices to share data and work together to automate new kinds of applications and improvements to our lives, infrastructure, and more. The power of edge computing and the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) will change everything, from our homes and buildings to mobility and manufacturing to healthcare and safety. When our environments are instrumented with sensors and processors, these environments can monitor themselves, adapt dynamically to our wants and needs, and become safer, more sustainable, and more resilient. IoT in medicine can connect health data across personal devices and doctors. It can create the ability to enhance traffic flow with autonomous cars and connected signals and link smart devices in cities that monitor safety, energy usage, and more.

The coming ubiquity of little, power-efficient devices--sensors, cameras, actuators, and more--will transform the spaces around us to be better for us, and it will get increasingly more capable and more transparent. Connecting billions of devices will generate and move massive amounts of data (hello, 5G!), but it will become increasingly common, and then transparent. There are challenges to be sure--both technical and social/policy--but the future is intelligent devices everywhere, and that will be a transformation for society.

In this event, Rhonda Dirvin of ARM and Jason Shepherd of Dell Technologies will discuss technologies that demonstrate IoT's power to shape our lives, jobs, and society.

Please be sure to check out the Austin Forum website to find slides and more resources after the event.

*Admission to the Austin Forum is always free. Free street parking is available on Tuesdays!*

The Austin Forum accepts donations of used smartphones, computer and tablets at all our events to be repurposed for those in need. All devices will have a factory reset and be set up as new by the team at Austin Pathways’ nationally-recognized “Unlocking the Connection” initiative, which will connect every public housing resident with a digital device, digital literacy training, and a free or very low-cost internet connection. Your donated phone can change lives and help close Austin's digital divide, thanks to Austin Pathways.