Inventing the Future: Stories from a Techno-Optimist

by Corinna Lathan

“I hope that Cori’s belief in each one of us as a maker and inventor—and her examples of how technology and business can be fundamentally humanist—will be motivating and inspiring to many people, particularly those who are still choosing their path.” - Yo-Yo Ma, an excerpt from the book’s Foreword

Inventors are makers, artists, musicians, and creators, and every one of us has that creative ability within. Like a play or concert, an invention is a fundamentally collaborative effort and a journey of shared experiences. Dr. Cori Lathan is a technology entrepreneur who has developed robots for kids with disabilities, virtual reality technology for the space station, and wearable sensors for training surgeons and soldiers.

Are you a maker, creator, inventor, or artist? Are you curious about technology and want to make the world a better place? Explore the possibilities of tomorrow through the twenty-year journey of Dr. Lathan and embark on your own adventure to invent the future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2022

Reviews

[Robbie Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inventing the Future: Stories from a Techno-Optimist" by Dr. Corinna Lathan is a captivating exploration of technology's potential to enrich human lives. Dr. Lathan's journey, from her diverse career encompassing sectors like healthcare, space exploration, and AI, to her innovative projects like robots for children with autism, is narrated with an infectious enthusiasm and a deep commitment to ethical, empathetic technology development. The book is not just an account of technological advancements; it's a testament to the power of persistence, empathy, and ethical considerations in shaping the future of tech. Her stories, infused with humor and authenticity, offer a refreshing perspective in a field often overshadowed by doomsday predictions, making this read not only informative but also inspiringly human. Dr. Lathan's work and this book are a beacon of hope for the future of technology, emphasizing its role in enhancing and empowering human capabilities.

[WJ Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this engaging professional memoir, Dr. Lathan offers rare, first-person perspectives into the nature of entrepreneurship and innovation. Too often the stories of innovation are told by those outside of the arena, with an emphasis on extraordinary successes or cataclysmic failures. “Inventing the Future” takes the reader on a journey that contextualizes lessons all entrepreneurs need to appreciate, such as the importance of the intersection of customer need, technology maturity and market readiness as well as the role ‘timing’ plays in invention and adoption. I was struck by just how often Dr. Lathan and her collaborators were ahead of technology curves. From social robotics to digital measures of cognition, Dr. Lathan is a true Original whose remarkable career arc will no doubt inspire others to contribute to inventing the future.

[Kelly W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got so much out of this

A friend recommended thus book, and I'm so grateful I read it. I'm not a STEM person, so I wasn't sure a tech book would be for me - I was wrong! It's full of heart and humanity, and ethical use of technology to further our flourishing. As a pharma refugee, I'm particularly encouraged by the bioenergetic work on the vagus nerve to reduce inflammation. This book is easily understood by the non-tech person, and I highly recommend it. If you want reasons to feel optimistic about technology and humanity, read Inventing the Future!

[Vanessa Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspirational and hopeful! I really appreciate Corinna's natural optimism. I was drawn to this book because I work in tech and am the Co-Founder of Parents In Tech Alliance. As a thought leader for female empowerment, coaching high-achieving women, I found this book refreshingly honest about the biases we face in choosing science as a field of exploration.
I’m left wondering all the ways human-centered tech might improve our education and other public systems and, inspired by the techno-optimism of this book, believing that it is possible.

[Jory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hell yeah! Incredible book. Only 4 stars, be sure of the writing which I didn't love that much.

It was absolutely fascinating. I loved reading about these incredible inventions and what happened because of them. I learned a lot about how brains work, and robots!

Highly suggest. Pretty quick read, it's not too long.

[Chris Cucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Corinna speak and really loved what she had to say. I read this hoping to go deeper on her subject matter - objective achieved. If you're looking for something informative and inspiring in the world of technology as a force for good, check it out.