Computer giant IBM pitted robotic trading agents, known as "bots", against humans in trading commodities such as pork bellies and gold. The bots made 7% more cash than the humans, according to a report in New Scientist magazine. Researchers say the successful experiment presages increased use of artificial intelligence in financial markets, where computerised trading already plays an important role. But since none of the humans were investment professionals, traders will argue that it is too early to consider replacing them with machines. In IBM's test, six bots and six people traded against each other - half were buyers and half sellers.