Recent experiments in Optoelectronic reservoir computing show that computation can be performed within everyday physical media. This suggests intriguing possibilities with regards to the future of programmable matter and ubiquitous computing. It also raises the question of whether such computational phenomena may be found within nature, contributing to the seemingly-intelligent responses of plants, for example, or assisting the manifestation of certain complex biochemical processes.

Nell Watson has a longstanding interest in the philosophy of technology, and how extensions of human capacity drive emerging social trends. Watson lectures globally on a broad spectrum of AI-related topics. In 2010, Nell founded Poikos, a machine learning-driven AI for body measurement. She is also Co-Founder of OpenEth.org.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx