Tosin Joseph is a seasoned emerging global thought leader, author, speaker, educator, and a Tech-futurist exploring tech insights on the now, near and next in the unfolding technological wave and the various shifts different technologies are creating across different industries. He is the Executive Curator of The World Ahead with Emerging Technology, a whitepaper series on emerging technology industry transformation. Joseph speaks with I-GEN NEWS’ Team Lead, GBENGA BADA, on his works on AI, Robotics and other emerging technologies. How’s AI shaping the future of medicine? From drug discovery to diagnostics and personalised medicine, the breakthroughs with AI have been unfolding and ground-breaking. With AI, Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold has been able to unfold the difficult mystery around the protein-folding problem that researchers have been battling with for over 50 years. This discovery is important as everything around understanding cell structures and functions depends on it and it is key in designing precision drugs faster. With AI, predictive medicine will do a lot for humanity. For example, AlphaMissense, an AI model also from DeepMind, has the ability to predict whether genetic mutations (missense variants) are harmful, helping scientists identify disease-causing mutations ahead of time efficiently. Aside from Google DeepMind, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Recursion, and Salesforce are in the race leveraging AI to accelerate drug discovery with their individual protein project. NVIDIA’s BioNeMo platform, for instance, uses generative AI to simulate biological molecules, drastically speeding up new drug development. How close are we to using nanobots in medicine? Molecular robotics, or nanomedicine, is progressing rapidly. Scientists are developing DNA nanobots designed to target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. We have seen a 70% success rate in a research trial with mice infected with breast cancer by a team of researchers in Karolinstet Institutet, Sweden. Another notable innovation is the “molecular syringe”, developed at the Max Planck Institute, which can inject drugs directly into cells, offering a precise and efficient way to treat diseases at a molecular level. There’s also progress in smart nanoparticles that can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially treating brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s more effectively. These nanobots could revolutionize how we deliver drugs and even repair damaged tissues at the cellular level. What are the latest breakthroughs going by CRISPR’s game-changing achievements in gene editing? CRISPR has made remarkable progress, particularly in treating genetic disorders. The biggest milestone was the approval of Casgevy, a CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. We now have the first FDA-approved treatment that can permanently modify human genes, offering a potential cure for millions suffering from these debilitating conditions. Prime Editing is another exciting advancement, a next-generation CRISPR technique that is more precise and less prone to errors. Scientists are using this to target genetic mutations linked to diseases like cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. As at January 31, 2025, NHS England announced their readiness to offer groundbreaking sickle cell gene therapy. So CRISPR is a game-changer as far as most genetic terminal diseases are concerned and emerging technologies like AI will amplify its possibilities. How is quantum computing changing drug discovery and disease modelling? Quantum computing is going to speed up the realisation of so many medical breakthroughs. It is already revolutionizing drug discovery by simulating complex molecular interactions that classical computers can’t handle efficiently. Global brands like Google, IBM, and Microsoft are investing big in quantum simulations to model drug interactions at an unprecedented level. We have seen how Quantum computing can help design new cancer drugs by modelling how proteins interact with different compounds, drastically reducing the time it takes to develop effective treatments. It’s also being engaged to simulate cell mutations, helping researchers understand how diseases evolve and how to prevent them. As of June 2024, IBM, Cleveland Clinic, and the UK’s Hartree Centre have already joined forces to engage the use of quantum computing to identify biomarkers for personalized epilepsy treatment. Quantum computing comes with a lot of bigger possibilities. There’s another one called brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, how does it fit into all of this? With the goal to restore lost neurological functions through enabling direct communication between the human brain and external devices, Neuralink is developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that could revolutionize treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injuries. The goal is to restore lost neurological functions by enabling direct communication between the brain and external devices. The first human trials of Neuralink’s chip have begun, with the aim of helping paralyzed patients regain movement. In the long run, BCIs could help treat neurological disorders at their root by reprogramming damaged neural pathways. Companies like Synchron and Kernel are also working on non-invasive BCIs that could help patients regain cognitive functions after strokes or brain injuries. What is happening in the area of 3D printing in medicine? With the advancement we are seeing today, we are closer to eliminating the need for organ donors as 3D- printing technology is making progress with organ printing. An institution like the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the United States is already working on 3D-printed kidneys and hearts. We have also seen successful efforts on 3D-printed functional human skin which can be used by skin burn victims. Don’t forget there is Bioprinting too, which is enabling medical scientists in cancer research to print tumour models to test drugs more accurately. Read Also: Mighty George breaks Guinness World record for longest radio talk show in Nigeria What does the future look like for emerging technologies in healthcare? With a forward look, I think the future is incredibly promising! We’re entering the era of human-machine collaboration, an era where AI, nanotechnology, gene editing, quantum computing and scientists will converge to create hyper-personalized medicine. Imagine a future where AI designs personalized drugs tailored to your genetic makeup, CRISPR permanently stop genetic diseases before they manifest, Nanobots repair damaged tissues and deliver drugs with pinpoint accuracy, BCIs help paralyzed individuals regain movement and blind people regain vision. I can go all the way to give more examples. We’re closer than ever to curing the incurable, and the pace of innovation is accelerating. The next decade will redefine healthcare as we know it. As a participant in RoboCup 2024 in Eindhoven, Netherland, how would you describe the event’s role in shaping the future of robotics? The RoboCup 2024 edition held in Eindhoven, Netherland was indeed a memorable event. It was an incredible global platform that showcased cutting-edge robotics innovations from different innovative companies around the world like Boston Robotics, United Robotic Group, Booster Robotics, Westwood Robotics, EX Robotics, Unitree, Vanderlande etc. It brought together experts, researchers, and students from around the world to push the boundaries of what robotic technology can do in different domains. The event also showcased sessions of robotic learning centres for children to explore their creativity. The event is not just about competition but about collaborative innovation, demonstrating how robotics can revolutionise industries, improve our daily life, and tackle global challenges like disaster response, aging populations, and industrial automation. The Robo-Home category at RoboCup 2024 focuses on assistive robots for domestic environments. How do you intend to impact youths with your knowledge and achievement so far on robotics, AI and other emerging technologies? Having interacted with other youths and their AI-powered robotic innovations across the world last at the ROBOCUP 2024 edition in Netherlands, I believe Nigerian youths will fly high and compete at the global stage if given the little push needed. To truly empower Nigerian youths in robotics, AI, and other emerging technologies, we must begin with accessible and inclusive education. This means creating affordable or free training programs tailored to local realities, including content delivered in Pidgin English and, where possible, local languages to bridge the language gap (An average African child will grasp better and faster in their local dialect…the Japanese and Chinese teenagers I interviewed at RoboCup 2024 in Netherland struggled in communicating in English but they exhibited smart robotic products. Introducing robotics and coding to children at the primary school level will build a strong foundation early. Establishing innovation hubs across the country such as the CC Hub in Yaba, Lagos—not just in major cities—will provide young people with access to tools, mentorship, and internet connectivity. These hubs can serve as centers for creativity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving using AI, IoT, and robotics for real Nigerian challenges like agriculture, traffic control, and waste management. It is no doubt Nigerian youths are fast catching up with other parts of the world, albeit slowly, in evolving and emerging technologies. How can we catch up faster or what do you suggest in helping Nigerian youths be on top of their game? We must foster stronger collaboration between academic institutions and the tech industry to modernise outdated curriculums and create pathways from school to the workforce. Organizing hackathons and tech challenges focused on solving local problems will inspire innovation and give young people real-world experience. Government support is also vital—through better digital infrastructure, grants, and startup-friendly policies. Visibility matters too: showcasing relatable local role models in the robotic space like Joshua Olaiya; a self-taught robotic engineer who is the brain behind iAurora, YSpace, and JOS and engaging successful Nigerians in the diaspora such as Silas Adekunle; a Nigerian inventor and technology entrepreneur known for creating the world’s first intelligent gaming robot to mentor and invest in homegrown talent will spark ambition and provide guidance. With the right access, encouragement, and ecosystem, Nigerian youths can not only catch up but lead in the global tech revolution. How do you think this impacts the aging population? Robo-Home category is a game changer for the elderly with various assistive robots being showcased at the event. With a growing aging population worldwide, assistive robots can help seniors maintain independence by performing household tasks such as opening cupboards and picking items, providing reminders for medication, and even offering companionship. These robots can also monitor vital signs and detect falls, ensuring timely medical intervention. Ultimately, they enhance quality of life and reduce the burden on caregivers and healthcare systems. Its amazing seeing and engaging with some of the robotic innovations I cited in my article in 2023 on Medium “Robotic Intelligence in a global aging population” How has the Robo-Rescue category evolved, and what role does it play in emergency response? The Robo-Rescue competition has advanced significantly, with some advancement in robots becoming more autonomous and efficient in search-and-rescue operations. These robots can navigate through disaster zones, locate survivors, and assess structural damage in environments that are too dangerous for humans. For aging populations, particularly those in high-risk areas, these robots ensure faster response times and improve survival rates in emergencies like earthquakes, floods, or fires. From what I witnessed at the event, Robotic engineers are really coming up with more innovations in this area. Robo-Soccer is one of the most exciting categories. Beyond entertainment, what real-world applications does this field contribute to? Robo-Soccer is more than just a spectacle—it serves as a testbed for advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time decision-making. The same algorithms that allow robots to anticipate movements and coordinate strategies on the field can be applied in healthcare, self-driving vehicles, and robotic assistants. For the aging population, AI-driven robots can learn individual preferences, predict needs, and provide proactive assistance in daily life. So the possibilities are endless. The Robo-Industrial category showcases robotics in manufacturing and automation. How does this affect both industries and the global workforce? In truth, the industrial sector in this era of human-machine collaboration is already feeling the shift caused by automation and more are on their way. Robo-Industrial innovations streamline manufacturing by improving efficiency, reducing errors, and increasing workplace safety. This shift benefits aging workers by introducing collaborative robots (cobots) that assist with physically demanding tasks, allowing older employees to extend their careers in less strenuous roles. Additionally, automation in logistics, aviation, healthcare, and service industries can help address labour shortages caused by declining birth rates and aging populations. Overall, how do these robotics advancements collectively shape the future, particularly in addressing aging demographics? Robotics is reshaping how we live, work, and respond to global challenges. In healthcare, AI-driven robots provide elderly care solutions; in emergency response, rescue robots save lives; in industries, automation ensures sustainable workforce participation. These advancements help societies adapt to demographic shifts, making life safer, more comfortable, and more inclusive for aging populations worldwide. Annual events like RoboCup are instrumental in accelerating these innovations and ensuring robotics remains a force for positive change. Robotics is increasingly being integrated into security and law enforcement. How do you see robots transforming policing and crime monitoring? Robotics is revolutionising the security space by enhancing effective surveillance, crime prevention, and emergency response. Autonomous drones and AI-powered surveillance systems can monitor public spaces in real time, detect suspicious activities, and alert law enforcement to potential threats. Robotic patrol units can be deployed in high-risk areas to deter crime and assist officers in dangerous situations. I was able to have a brief chat with the rep from the Netherland Police booth stand at the event and was briefed on how the Netherlands Police have been integrating robotics into their operations to enhance safety and efficiency. A notable example is the adoption of “Spot,” a four-legged robot developed by Boston Dynamics in April 2021; Spot has been employed to inspect potentially hazardous environments, such as drug laboratories, reducing risks to human officers. Going beyond this in 2024, the Dutch police began testing autonomous, AI-powered robot dogs for drug lab raids. These robots are designed to navigate complex environments and assess situations before officers enter, further enhancing operational safety. Beyond robotic dogs, the Netherlands Police are currently exploring various technological advancements. For instance, the Centre of Knowledge for Digitalisation and Technology focuses on developing and integrating technologies like sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence into policing. This initiative aims to equip officers with modern tools to perform their duties more effectively and safely. I believe this is an interesting area security players must invest into as technology is changing the game as far as security is concern What excites you the most? I’m most excited about the synergy between AI, biotech, and robotics. The ability to predict, prevent, and personalize treatments will completely transform medicine. The boundaries of what’s possible are expanding daily, and it’s thrilling to witness this revolution unfold in real time! Absolutely! The future of healthcare is bright, and technology is making it happen. This is a clarion call for more investment in the health tech space.