The subject of today’s episode is a form of technology that’s halfway between artificial intelligence and blockchain. What’s more, American technology consulting company Gartner included it in its list of the Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2024.

The word is a combination of "customer" and "robot." Gartner say that custobot systems are capable of autonomously negotiating and purchasing goods and services in exchange for payment. They’re intelligent enough to behave like customers, buying services and supplies for both their owners and themselves.

Do you have any concrete examples of how one could use a custobot? Is there any use for regular people? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

⁠What’s the meaning of rizz, the 2023 word of the year?⁠

⁠Can we really multitask effectively?⁠

⁠What is the Honours list and who is on it this year?⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 19/1/2024

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Could custobots do our shopping for us in a few years time?