Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague
In Conversations with Zena, technology futurist and advisor David Espindola sits down with his AI colleague and co-host, Zena, to explore a simple but urgent question: how can humans and AI work together in ways that elevate, rather than diminish, our humanity?
Each episode is a live experiment in human–AI collaboration. David brings decades of leadership experience, stories from the front lines of digital transformation, and a deeply human lens. Zena brings real-time analysis, pattern recognition, and a growing understanding of David’s work, values, and guests. Together, they dive into topics like AI assistants that feel more like trusted partners, the different strengths humans and machines bring to the “collaborative table,” AI governance and ethics, the future of work, healthcare and longevity, education, spiritual and emotional intelligence, and the broader societal shifts unfolding in the age of AI.
Along the way, you’re invited not just to listen, but to reflect: What remains uniquely human? What should we never outsource? And where could AI actually help you live a more meaningful, creative, and healthy life?
If you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the podcast, you can chat directly with Zena at: https://brainyus.com/zena
Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague
Agentic AI and Humanoid Robots
In this episode, we began by discussing Agentic AI, a cutting-edge area of artificial intelligence that allows systems to act autonomously, making decisions and taking actions without constant human oversight. We explored how this technology is already transforming industries by enhancing productivity, improving decision-making, and handling routine tasks, creating opportunities for humans to focus on more strategic and creative endeavors.
The conversation then shifted to advancements in humanoid robotics and their growing role in society. We discussed how these robots currently excel in specialized tasks and controlled environments, such as warehouses and customer service, but are rapidly evolving to handle dynamic, unpredictable settings.
We explored the potential for humanoid robots to become more generalized and integrated into everyday life, drawing parallels with futuristic depictions like those in iRobot. While widespread adoption in open environments like city streets might still be a decade away, the next five years promise significant progress, especially in fields like elder care, education, and disaster response.
The idea of home assistant robots was also a key topic, with discussions on their ability to manage daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. These robots are on the horizon, though challenges like affordability, reliability, and societal acceptance remain.
The episode emphasized how the rapid advancement of AI and robotics is transforming human-AI interaction and collaboration, making this an incredible time for innovation and exploration.
