The language industry is having a moment. The ongoing global health crisis has forced organizations to break down borders and support a global remote workforce, requiring more cross-language interactions and coordination than ever before. At the same time, technological innovations in the language translation industry are at an all time high. We've never before had access to such sophisticated technology tools to manage translation processes. I predict it's going to be an exciting year in the industry, with an unprecedented level of innovation.

The future of the language industry is bright. In a world where globalization brings us closer together, advances in technology make it easier than ever to communicate and conduct our work efficiently. The primary purpose of a machine is to facilitate a specific task; so, the question remains, why do so many of us fear the rise of artificial intelligence (AI)? Admittedly, the notion of a machine learning to navigate an area so intimately human as language is disquieting. Where do humans fit in an industry that is so eager to introduce machine learning technologies?

Artificial intelligence is being used all around is, but it looks nothing like The Jetsons. So why are people panicked that robots will take their jobs? The World Economic Forum warned that robots and technological advances will take more than 5 million jobs from humans over the next five years. Machine learning has undoubtedly earned its place in the workforce, but machines don't necessarily have to replace humans – they can in fact enhance the work humans can do. One area where machine learning is flourishing is in the localisation and translation industry.