In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton, ARK’s Chief Futurist, engages in a compelling conversation with Rob Wolcott, author of Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs Will Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life. They explore how digital technologies are pushing production and value creation closer to the moment of demand, reshaping industries from manufacturing to healthcare. Rob discusses the concept of proximity and its implications for business strategy, resilience, and customization, offering insights into the future of technology and its impact on our daily lives.

"In the future, all content will be produced in real time for an audience of one." - Rob Wolcott

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introduction to Rob Wolcott and his book, Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs Will Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life.
• The fundamental differences between digital and industrial-age technologies.
• How proximity can predict the future direction of industries.
• The impact of proximity on manufacturing, including the role of additive manufacturing.
• The role of AI in enhancing proximity by providing real-time, customized content.
• The implications of proximity for healthcare, particularly in early diagnosis and personalized treatments.
• Discussion on the economic and strategic benefits of reshoring and localized production.
• The potential societal effects of increased atomization through technology.
• The role of humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles in a proximate world.
• Predictions on how proximity will continue to evolve and influence various sectors.