Entrevista a Marcos Lupión, Premio Investigadores Jóvenes SCIE-Fundación BBVA 2025

Contributions to AI and High-Performance Computing in IoT

Overview of Contributions

• The speaker discusses their contributions to artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on systems developed for elderly individuals to live safely at home.

Use of IoT Devices

• Various IoT devices, such as toothbrushes, televisions, presence sensors, Wi-Fi routers, and mobile phones are utilized to monitor activities of elderly individuals in their homes.

Monitoring and Detection Systems

• AI systems are designed to alert family members, doctors, and caregivers about the activities of elderly individuals, including detecting falls or unusual behaviors that may indicate health issues.

Societal Impact of Research

• The research aims to enhance the autonomy and safety of vulnerable populations through technology integration in residential and hospital settings.

Interdisciplinary Approach

• The work combines physical IoT devices with AI algorithms and high-performance computing techniques to manage large data volumes efficiently for practical implementation.

Future Applications: Epileptic Crisis Detection

Development Timeline for Devices

• The speaker outlines plans for a wearable device capable of predicting epileptic seizures. Integration of hardware and software is nearing completion with experimental phases expected soon.

Expected Functionality

• A fully functional device is anticipated within a year or a year-and-a-half that will improve diagnostics in epilepsy units while allowing monitoring at home.

Concerns Regarding AI Risks

Potential Misuse of Technology

• There are significant risks associated with AI misuse; powerful technologies can lead to negative outcomes if not used responsibly.

Importance of Ethical Standards

• Emphasis is placed on developing explainable AI models that allow users to understand decision-making processes behind AI actions.

Call for Responsible Research Practices

• Researchers advocate for responsible practices in developing AI technologies to prevent harmful applications like fake news generation or privacy violations.

Challenges and Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence

Perceived Risks and Future Challenges

• The speaker acknowledges the potential dangers of artificial intelligence but believes it can be harnessed for good. They emphasize the importance of managing these risks effectively.

• Key challenges include integrating complex AI models into low-capacity devices, such as IoT devices (e.g., smartwatches, hearing aids). This integration is crucial for broader applications.

Energy Efficiency in AI Models

• A significant challenge is executing AI models with low energy consumption on devices with limited computational power, particularly in IoT contexts. Successful adaptation could revolutionize fields like medicine.

• Current diabetes sensors lack the capability to run advanced AI models, but advancements are expected soon that will enable this functionality. This could lead to significant improvements in healthcare technology.

Personal Journey into Technology

• The speaker's interest in computing was sparked by their father's influence as a technology teacher and an early experience with Arduino projects, which led to hands-on exploration of electronics.

• A pivotal moment was a lecture from Dr. Pilar Martínez Ortigosa about IoT at the University of Almería, which inspired them to pursue research in this field focused on aiding elderly individuals through technology.

Motivations and Challenges in Research

• The diversity of technologies available for research—ranging from IoT devices to language models—is highlighted as a major motivator for the speaker's work, making it engaging and enjoyable.

• One of the main challenges faced is translating laboratory-developed systems into real-world applications within residential settings, emphasizing the gap between research validation and practical deployment.

Keys to Success in Computer Science Research

• Embracing change and new technologies is deemed essential for success in computer science research; staying updated with emerging tools and societal needs is critical for relevance.

• The speaker stresses that impactful research must have direct or indirect applications within society; neglecting this aspect can render academic efforts less meaningful or effective.

Current State of Computer Science Research in Spain

• The current landscape for computer science research in Spain is described as improving due to increased interest in AI; however, there remains room for growth compared to other countries like Ireland where opportunities are more abundant.

• While there are new research centers opening up and job prospects increasing, Spain still lags behind other nations regarding collaboration between universities and industry partnerships related to applied computer science research.

Importance of Computing in 21st Century Society

• Computing is viewed as a driving force behind industrial transformation today; advancements like supercomputing are reshaping sectors such as education through innovative tools that enhance learning experiences significantly.

CHGBT and the Role of Computing in Society

The Importance of Computing in Modern Society

• The speaker emphasizes that computing is a fundamental pillar driving societal change and evolution, highlighting its essential role in research and health technologies.

Recognition of Research Contributions

• The award received by the speaker is viewed as recognition for their extensive research career, expressing gratitude for collaboration with outstanding researchers in fields like artificial intelligence, IoT, and high-performance computing.

Achievements at the University of Almería

• The speaker expresses happiness about the acknowledgment of their work at Es Marjon Laboratory, noting significant achievements including over 15 undergraduate projects, three master's theses, and ongoing doctoral dissertations.