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.

Artificial intelligence has profound implications for society, and for the data centers that will power it. The rapid growth of AI is contributing to the building of new services, as well as enhancing products already on the market. And the growing popularity of machine learning as a business is also boosting demand for powerful high performance computing hardware. The emergence of AI is a key theme here at Data Center Frontier. The rise of AI applications will drive demand for data center space, and have design implications for how high-density racks are powered and cooled.

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.