Tech Life

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Gauging China's AI strength Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

How far has China come in developing AI technology? And what challenges does it face? An expert helps us understand the thinking in Beijing.

Also this week: what can fifty thousand autonomous machines tell us about the future of robotics? And cutting edge tech helps cricket reach new audiences.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn

(Image: An illustration of the Chinese flag over electronic circuitry. Credit: Getty Images)

Growing up in the age of AI Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

AI is developing rapidly. What should parents and children make of it all? And how can young people navigate school and future careers when AI is becoming increasingly important? We speak to an expert who has written a new book about these issues.

Also this week: we find out how one piece of health tech is helping scientists uncover disease-fighting data in menstrual blood. And satellite imaging is used by conservationists in Indonesia to protect the habitat of a rare species of orangutan.

Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn

(Photo: A female school pupil sits at a laptop in a computer lab. She is wearing headphones. Credit: Getty Images)

The copyright extortionists Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Lots of people make a living from social media posts. But some have been targeted by an international extortion scheme. It involves a flood of false copyright infringement claims. It only stops if the extorter is paid. Imran Rahman-Jones has the story.

Also this week: could AI help to spot wrong-way driving on Ireland's major roads? And we bring you the latest titles and tech on show at Gamescom in Germany.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn

(Image: Silhouettes of mobile phone users are seen next to a screen projection of Instagram's logo. Credit: Reuters)

What if AI doesn’t speak your language? Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

English is the most widely-used language online. Internet material helps to train AI tools. So where does that leave people whose native language barely features on the web? We find out about a project helping AI to work in more of the world’s languages.

Also this week: regulating tech might sound about as appealing as a trip to the dentist. But, like your check-up, it is important. With Europe and the United States taking different approaches, we’ll ask who gets to set the rules, and what that means for the rest of us. And there’s a growing range of technology aimed at older people. We’ll look at some of the products out there, and ask how useful they really are.

Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn

(Photo: A young woman holds a smartphone to her mouth while sitting at a table. She is using a smartphone AI voice assistant. Credit: Getty Images)

Unlocking tech breakthroughs Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

ARIA is the UK's research and development funding agency that's built to unlock new scientific and technological developments. We speak to ARIA's new boss about their work.

Also this week: the tech that's helping disabled racing drivers to achieve their dreams. And the pros and cons of making AI-generated complaints.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn

(Image: An illustration of a light bulb, representing creative thoughts and ideas. Two human hands attempt to grasp the image. Credit: Getty Images)

Can AI tackle aviation’s climate problem? Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Cloudy lines in the sky, caused by aircraft engines, are called contrails. They're harmful to the environment. Now a project is underway, using AI, to reduce the amount generated. It's called Operation Blue Skies, and we speak to Google about their involvement.

Also this week: we look at three very different approaches taken by manufacturers to help children and adults have a healthy relationship with mobile phones. And AI detectors - how do they work?

Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn

(Photo: A large four engine passenger jet flies at high altitude. The sky is blue, and the jet engines are emitting white cloudy trails, known as contrails. Credit: Getty Images)

School deepfake ransoms Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

For many schools, it’s normal to post pictures of their own pupils online, either celebrating events or for marketing. But these photos could also be taken by criminals and used to make distressing deepfake AI images. We speak to the founder of a company which says it has a solution. Also on the programme, the incredible ways graphene can augment our senses – including to smell for diseases. And the student with dyslexia who invented his own tech to help him through his course.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones

(Image: A child places a metal pin impression toy over their face, so they cannot be identified. Credit: Getty Images)

The future of flying? Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

The transition from petrol to electric cars is well underway. But why are most aircraft in the skies still burning jet fuel? We look at new developments in electric aviation.

Also this week: keeping children safe online - a leading international child charity talks to Tech Life.

Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn

(Photo: An all-electric CX300 aircraft from BETA Technologies takes part in a demonstration flight in Scotland. It is a small white aircraft, flying at low altitude. The propeller can be seen at the rear of the fuselage. Credit: Loganair/BETA Technologies)

Understanding AI Agents Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

AI agents carry out tasks autonomously on behalf of users. But what are they capable of, and what do we need to know about them? With AI agents in the news, we speak to an expert.

Also this week: can AI make the process of recruiting employees better? And we find out about the campaign to teach AI how to represent people with limb loss.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn

(Image: In the foreground, a hand holds a smartphone. The screen displays an AI Agent, with various task options available. The background is blurry and coloured blue. Credit: Getty Images)

Smell the future Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

The nose of a dog is incredibly sensitive. And odour contains information. With the help of AI, electronic 'noses' are being used to sniff out complex odours, including diseases. Chris Vallance visits a company developing the technology.

Also this week: Shiona McCallum is in Paris to see the tech that can help us understand sleep. And Liv McMahon accompanies Chris on a walk in a park. There, they try one of many bird identification apps that are proving a hit, especially with younger users.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn

(Image: A photo of a cute mixed breed dog with black fur. It is sitting down, looking up at the camera. Its nose is prominent in the foreground. Credit: Getty Images)

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