Dr. Rolf Pfister is an AI and robotics expert, philosopher, and entrepreneur. He combines academic depth with practical application and explains how technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and digital transformation are changing the economy and society.
As co-founder and Director of Research at the AI research institute Lab42 in Davos, he focuses on the development of human-level artificial intelligence. His background in the philosophy of science shapes his perspective on intelligence, knowledge acquisition, and technological development.
In his talks, Rolf Pfister reveals what really lies behind current technology trends—clearly, substantively, and without buzzwords. He helps companies and executives better understand the mechanisms of new technologies, realistically assess opportunities, and make strategic decisions for the future.
His topics range from artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing to the future of work and innovation, as well as societal developments and the question of how humans and technology can interact meaningfully. As a speaker, he is particularly compelling for companies that want to not only observe technological change but also actively and responsibly shape it.
Interview with Rolf Pfister:
1. What are the core subjects of your keynote speeches?
My talks cover technological developments like Artificial Intelligence, robotics, quantum computing and digital transformation – and how they fundamentally change businesses and societies. Far from buzzwords and hype, I provide a scientifically grounded and practical perspective. The goal is to deeply understand the underlying mechanisms of these technologies so that we can actively shape our future as companies and societies.
2. Which audience or which branch do you reach with your speech?
I reach a cross-industry audience ranging from C-level executives and managers to researchers and the general public. Thanks to my interdisciplinary background in philosophy and political science, combined with my many years of experience as a founder, consultant, and entrepreneur, I am able to adopt a wide range of perspectives. This allows me to engage both technical experts and strategic decision-makers, providing them with holistic, theoretically grounded insights that can be immediately applied in practice.
3. Are you a PREMIUM SPEAKER? Where do you get your insights from?
As a philosopher, I am deeply engaged in analyzing complex issues and breaking them down into their essential components. This is precisely what is crucial when presenting: explaining challenging topics to an audience in a simple and clear manner so that they can develop a deep understanding. In addition to this theoretical foundation, I have extensive practical experience and regularly give lectures, interviews and seminars to help a wide variety of audiences better understand the topics of AI, robotics and society. This expertise is complemented by my teaching at universities, my work as a consultant, and my extensive experience as a founder and entrepreneur.
4. What will be in the future? Does «time» play an important role in your work?
The future is a great unknown, and there are no reliable predictions about exactly what will happen. Instead, there are many possible developments, and things will emerge that we cannot even imagine today. Who could have predicted 20 years ago exactly how the internet would shape our society, our work, and our communication?
This makes it all the more important to prepare for the future: to closely follow trends, recognize new opportunities early on, and act in a way that ensures our own goals remain achievable even under different scenarios.
We cannot predict the future – but we can gain well-founded outlooks and actively help shape it.
5. Tell us your life motto? What do you want to give your listeners to take with them?
AI, robotics, and societal changes are profoundly transforming our world. Stay open-minded, stay curious, and understand what’s happening!