AMP Robotics uses automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to sort materials within waste streams. We asked CEO Matanya Horowitz how this works, how data can be utilised and the ways automated sorting could impact the packaging industry. AMP Robotics developed an AI platform (AMP Neuron) to distinguish recyclable materials from waste. How did you come up with the idea? Ever since I was a child I've been interested in robotics and the origins of intelligence.

Oyinmiebi Elena Ebikefe is a robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) engineer from Nigeria. She holds a first-class honours degree in electrical and electronics engineering, which led her to explore industrial automation, where she subsequently became hooked on robotics and AI. She went on to secure an MSc in Control, Automation and Artificial Intelligence at Coventry University and is open to robotics opportunities whilst she continues to develop her career through self-directed study. "Robotics uncovered a whole new side of me -- I keep surprising myself with the level of discipline and focus to study, dedication, investment and results I have gained with each robotics project." My name is Oyinmiebi Elena Ebikefe, and I'm a robotics and artificial intelligence engineer from Nigeria.

This article was contributed by Sergio Suarez Jr., founder and CEO of TackleAI. Workflow automation, also called data automation, is the new buzzword in the tech industry, but what is it, really? To put it simply, workflow automation means getting information into a system, launching tasks to process the data, and routing it to the correct people. This process is done using rule-based logic, and ideally with little to no human intervention necessary. For some people, a world of automation and artificial intelligence can be overwhelming or even lead to job security concerns.

After a good night's rest, you wake up to a familiar voice in the early hours of the morning. The moment your legs hit the floor, the screen walls light up and the familiar voice repeats, "Good morning sir, you are needed at the office in the next hour, for your presentation." The voice belongs to Alex, your IoT-enabled digital assistant. "You've got to be kidding me, Alex! Please, replay my presentation slides word for word. I do not want to miss any detail."

Members of IDG's Influencer Network weigh in on the transformative power of these two technologies. As a recent article on CIO.com observed, the pandemic "has seen accelerated interest in process automation as organizations have scrambled to overhaul business processes and double down on digital transformations in response to disruptions brought about by COVID-19. And for IT leaders stepping into or already steeped in such modernization efforts, artificial intelligence -- mainly in the form of machine learning -- holds the promise to revolutionize automation, pushing them closer to their end-to-end process automation dreams." Automation and artificial intelligence (AI): The combination of these two transformative technologies has IT leaders setting their sights on some pretty lofty goals. Robotic process automation leader UiPath has characterized RPA and AI as "two of the most transformative technologies the world has ever known. But bringing AI and RPA together unleashes even more of their potential."

Are robots coming for your job? New York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose says companies and governments are increasingly using automation and artificial intelligence to cut costs, transform workplaces and eliminate jobs -- and more changes are coming. "We need to prepare for the possibility that a lot of people are going to fall through the cracks of this technological transformation," Roose says. "It's happened during every technological transformation we've ever had, and it's going to happen this time. And in fact, it already is happening."

Sign in to report inappropriate content. EPISODE 10 - We talk automation. Is automation, robots, and Artificial intelligence going to displace us?

The massive pace at which companies are adopting automation and artificial intelligence may lead to elimination of middle management roles over the next decade. Smart machines will soon become co-workers -- changing the modus operandi of how employees work. According to Gartner, "People managers will focus on people-related activities that require intuition, empathy and interpersonal skills." A recent McKinsey report also said that nearly half of the activities undertaken by the workers could be automated -- including managing expertise. A lot of offices have already replaced secretaries with virtual assistants.

Cybercriminals are always evolving their efforts and coming up with more advanced ways to target their victims. And while there are many tools available to stop them, there is a lot of space for improvement. Especially if you take automation into account. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are playing a significant role in cybersecurity. Automation tools can prevent, detect, and deal with tons of cyber threats way more efficiently and faster than humans. And it will continue to expand down the road.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are playing a significant role in cybersecurity.