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While Alec Ross was working as Senior Adviser for Innovation to the US Secretary of State, he travelled to 41 countries, exploring the latest advances coming out of every continent. From start-up hubs in Kenya to R&D labs in South Korea, Ross has seen what the future holds. In The Industries of the Future, Ross explores the changes that may be coming – with special emphasis on robotics, cybersecurity, and the commercialisation of genomics.

PARO the Therapeutic Robot
PARO the seal-like robot is on trial in a hospital and dementia day centre in New Zealand as a comforter for elderly residents. Simon Morton visits a home and talks to some of the residents, carers and a health psychologist from the University of Auckland.

The Ethics of Carebots
The philosopher and executive board member of the Foundation for Responsible Robotics, Shannon Vallor, discusses the ethics of using robots to care for human beings.

Bat-flight Inspired MAVs
Scientists have developed a bat-inspired membrane for use in micro air vehicles (MAVs) that changes shape in order to improve performance. Click talks to Professor Rafael Palacios.

(Photo: Alec Ross © Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)