Exponential Technologies (FSI-ZNV)

Academic year 2021/2022
Supervisor: prof. Ing. Martin Hartl, Ph.D.  
Supervising institute: ÚK all courses guaranted by this institute
Teaching language: Czech
Aims of the course unit:
Students will be able to understand the future development of technology, have an overview of disruptive and exponential technologies and understand the essence of dramatic changes that these technologies bring to human society.
Learning outcomes and competences:
- Knowledge of theoretical basis of technological singularity.
- Understanding of the limits of "linear thinking".
- An idea of the future demographic, economic and technological development of society.
- Ability of global and interdisciplinary thinking.
- Ability to use the knowledge of emerging sciences and technologies in solving engineering problems.
Prerequisites:
- knowledge of physics, mechanics, materials science and machine design at the level of bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
Course contents:
The course provides a view of the likely future development of technology, both at the global level and in the selected specialized areas related to mechanical engineering. Attention is paid mainly to disruptive and exponential technologies, which fundamentally surpass and displace existing technologies. The course helps students to create a thought framework that leads to the belief that even small groups of people can contribute to solving major societal challenges through these technologies.
Teaching takes place in cooperation with the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University.
Teaching methods and criteria:
Lectures, self-study.
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes:
Conditions for granting the credit:
- active participation in lectures (min. 5 from 10 points),
- submission of an essay dealing with the possible future use of knowledge of disruptive or exponential technologies in mechanical engineering (min. 25 from 50 points),
- presentation of an essay and discussion (min. 20 from 40 points).
Controlled participation in lessons:
Lectures: attendance is mandatory and controlled by the teacher. Maximum of two absences is allowed. In case of long-term absence, compensation for missed classes is in the competence of the course guarantor.
Type of course unit:
    Lecture  13 × 2 hrs. compulsory                  
Course curriculum:
    Lecture - Singularity and exponential technologies.
- Economic, intercultural and anthroposocial factors of the future development of the society.
- Evolution and its perspectives.
- Biology-inspired artificial intelligence.
- Autonomous machines.
- Current state and future of nanotechnologies.
- Current use of solar energy and prospects for the future.
- The future of biomedical technologies.
- Mobile robotics.
- How to write an essay.
Literature - fundamental:
1. KURZWEIL, Ray. The singularity is near: when humans transcend biology. New York: Pinguin Books, 2006. ISBN 978-0-14-303788-0.
2. The technological singularity. New York, NY: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2017. ISBN 978-3-662-54031-2.
Literature - recommended:
1. BOSTROM, Nick a Steven KOTLER. Superinteligence: až budou stroje chytřejší než lidé. V českém jazyce vydání druhé. Praha: Prostor, 2018. Globus (Prostor). ISBN 978-80-7260-389-3.
2. BRYNJOLFSSON, Erik. Druhý věk strojů: práce, pokrok a prosperita v éře špičkových technologií. V Brně: Jan Melvil Publishing, 2015. Pod povrchem. ISBN 978-80-87270-71-4.
3. DIAMANDIS, Peter H. a Steven KOTLER. Hojnost: budoucnost je lepší, než si myslíte. Praha: Dokořán, 2013. ISBN 978-80-7363-526-8.
The study programmes with the given course:
Programme Study form Branch Spec. Final classification   Course-unit credits     Obligation     Level     Year     Semester  
N-KSI-P full-time study --- no specialisation -- GCr 3 Compulsory 2 1 S
M2A-P full-time study M-PDS Industrial Design -- GCr 3 Compulsory 2 1 S
N-PDS-P full-time study --- no specialisation -- GCr 3 Compulsory 2 1 S