I am (a little) less worried that AI WILL KILL US ALL!

Summary

At Japan IT Week in Tokyo, the NASCompares host reflects on how often companies market products as “AI” and looks for examples where the technology has practical or socially useful applications. The overall conclusion is cautiously optimistic: AI’s value depends on how it is used, who controls it, and whether its benefits justify its costs.

Technologies and examples discussed

• Real-time motion tracking: Fujitsu demonstrated a green-screen experience that turned a visitor into Godzilla. An AI system mapped the visitor’s movements onto a CGI character in under 30 seconds, using four generic ONVIF cameras rather than specialist motion-capture suits. Fujitsu also suggested applying similar motion analysis to older video—for example, to study movement in ballet or sports footage and identify possible running problems.
• Human-operated robots with AI assistance: A humanoid robot was controlled by a person using a PlayStation 2 controller. The proposed role for AI was not to replace the operator, but to help the robot interpret surfaces and movements so a human could guide it through difficult tasks. The host saw potential for work in hazardous places, such as areas near volcanic gases and ash, where human oversight might be useful without exposing people to unnecessary danger.
• Autonomous vehicles and employment: The host compares riding in a self-driving taxi with riding in a bus driven by a person, while noting broader concerns about jobs, safety, and the social effects of autonomous vehicles.
• Automated shop systems: Some exhibitors presented AI-assisted systems for retrieving and restocking shop items, citing labour shortages. The host questioned whether these systems were necessary, pointing to their apparent slowness and asking why simpler alternatives, such as vending machines, would not suffice.
• Data centres, supercomputers, and hardware availability: The video links growing demand for data-centre and supercomputer infrastructure with higher prices and reduced availability of RAM, SSDs, and hard drives. It also raises concerns about data sovereignty and whether computing resources are being coordinated for broad public benefit or used as regional leverage.
• Quantum computing and encryption: Referring to a separate Synology launch presentation, the host discusses the risk that information stolen today could be stored and potentially decrypted by future quantum computers. The video notes that increasingly capable supercomputers may also become more efficient over time, while arguing that their development should be considered alongside the security and allocation of computing resources.
• Virtual fitting and made-to-measure clothing: A virtual outfit-selection display initially seemed like an old, unnecessary idea. More useful was a connected service that could tailor garments to a person’s measurements, produce them on demand from recycled materials, and potentially reuse those materials later. The host says this approach could reduce clothing waste.

Overall assessment

The host is not uniformly positive: he criticizes AI systems that seem to exist mainly as novelties or as a justification for replacing workers. However, demonstrations involving motion capture, human-directed robots, and made-to-measure clothing show ways AI might support useful work, improve safety, or reduce waste. His qualified optimism depends on local or appropriate processing, positive intent, and responsible use.

Reviews, guides, or tutorials

This is a trade-show report and commentary, not a product review, guide, or tutorial. The host says he may revisit some of the organizations and products in a year.

Main speakers and sources

• Main speaker: NASCompares host, reporting from Japan IT Week.
• Other voices: Brief comments from the host’s companion, Mrs. NASCompares, and a short closing voice.
• Referenced sources and examples: Fujitsu’s motion-tracking demonstration; exhibitors showing humanoid robots and automated shop systems; a speaker at a separate Synology launch presentation discussing quantum computing; and the supercomputers Riken Fugaku and a Chinese system referred to in the subtitles as “Lian Shine.”