#techfreedom

Doug has created Carrot, a European voice assistant for the Rabbit r1, which allows users to interact with their device using voice commands. Carrot uses the European AI provider Mistral and is designed to be intuitive and private, with features such as reminders, to-do lists, and weather updates. The project aims to provide a TechFreedom-compliant alternative to traditional voice assistants, with a focus on data minimisation and user control.

Doug's note, "FIELD STATION as a viable system," discusses the application of the Viable System Model (VSM) to build a sustainable business for FIELD STATION, an action lab investigating the future of work, technology, and society. The note outlines the five systems of VSM (Systems 1-5) and how they apply to the field they work in, which lacks System 2 and System 5 coordination and identity, respectively. Doug suggests that TechFreedom, a program they offer, can help supply some of what's missing, acting as a System 2 and System 4 instrument for other organisations. The note also covers coordination, decision-making, and identity within FIELD STATION itself, as well as the potential role of AI in meeting the "requisite variety" in their work.