SAN FRANCISCO – Can artificial intelligence and robots help manage the data centers of the future? Several data center companies are working to take automation to the next level, leveraging machine learning and robotics to push the boundaries of "lights out" data center operation. These technologies were in focus at the Infrastructure Masons meeting Monday at DCD Webscale, where LitBit and Wave2Wave outlined ambitious plans to streamline data center management and address the industry's staffing challenges. LitBit founder and CEO Scott Noteboom shared his vision to use artificial intelligence (AI) to extend the capabilities of data center teams. Noteboom said Litbit's AI technology can turn machines into collaborative AI-driven "co-workers" with human-like senses that can clone the expertise of employees to create a new AI-empowered workforce.

People are realising, now more than ever, the benefit of intelligent, connected, and data-driven business strategies. It doesn't matter what business you are in, it's clear that big data, the Internet of Things, automation and machine learning are changing the way we work – and artificial intelligence is the next stage of that trend. Though its definition is hotly contested – in particular, its distinction from machine learning – the implication of its success is clear. Take processes and tasks where human judgement is required and replace the human element with a machine that is able to exercise'judgement' on the basis of what has happened before – just like we do. To make this happen, however, requires huge amounts of computing power.

In a press release, the telco said these "rapidly maturing" technologies, such as machine learning and adaptive security, will propel investment in data centres. Interestingly, though, data centres themselves may end up using this new tech as heavily as the customers. San Jose, California-based Litbit said in a recent blog post that it has developed the first AI-powered data center operator. Dac, as the AI tool is called, promises to find loose electrical hook-ups and leaking water, among other potential data centre disasters. Infrared vision is among Dac's skills, according to CEO Scott Noteboom.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are among new technologies that are driving a need for increased data center capacity, according to a telco, announcing an expansion recently. China Telecom said in a press release that these "rapidly maturing" technologies, such as machine learning and adaptive security, will propel investment in data centers. And that they are one reason for its data center-business enlargement. Interestingly, though, data centers themselves may end up using this new tech as heavily as the customers. San Jose, California-based Litbit says in a recent blog post that it has developed the first AI-powered data center operator.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is poised to bring millions of devices online, and as many as a quarter million unique IoT applications will be developed by the year 2020. That means opportunities for skilled developers and technologists will abound. However, there are other, subtler ways the IoT will affect the job market. "We're seeing tech companies around the globe getting organized and creating IoT strategies, but where they're struggling is they don't have the processes and talent in-house to make these things happen," says Ryan Johnson, categories director for global freelance marketplace Upwork. By tracking data from Upwork's database, Johnson and his team have identified major technology skills companies need to drive a successful IoT strategy. Skills like circuit design, AutoCAD and microcontroller programming will address businesses' need to adapt circuit design to new form factors and system requirements; design new hardware and add programming and data memory onto microcontrollers, Johnson says.