What makes us human? What is the nature of work? How is technology altering our experience of the world?

It’s rare that an IGNITE event would make us consider life’s deeper questions. But in September, that’s exactly what we’ll be encouraging - as the community convenes at IGNITE to put automation and AI under the microscope.

We’ll be dissecting technologies under the artificial intelligence umbrella to understand their impact on organisations right now. And where better to start than IBM Watson? Boldly going where no computer has gone before, IBM Watson is currently analysing each slice of the ball at Wimbledon. Jeremy Waite will explore this new age of man and machine that’s dawning on us all.

What does a more automated world look and feel like? Monzo, one of the most innovative banks operating in the UK today, will look at automation and the customer experience. A critical issue not just for financial services, but retail, healthcare, and the public sector too. The bots are most certainly here, and they’re reshaping our how we communicate with brands.

We’ll bring you several case studies from other well-known brands, such as Jaguar Landrover, eBay, and Puma, to explore how automation is driving innovation. Trainline CTO, Mark Holt, will return to IGNITE with an exclusive look at how machine-learning in particular is evolving the travel app’s proposition, providing travellers with a refreshingly intuitive experience of rail travel in the UK.

Prefer real-life robotics to chatbots? With pioneering uses of robotics powering change at companies such as Ocado, we’re delighted that renowned expert Professor Noel Sharkey, of the University of Sheffield and TV’s Robot Wars, will lead a masterclass on investment in this rapidly advancing technology.

Just 22% identified information security as a key business risk

In this intricately connected world, what of security? Just 22% identified information security as a key business risk in our Digital Trends Report, and yet recent global cyber attacks have tested businesses to the maximum. Dr Tim Stevens, Lecturer in Global Security, King’s College London will give a masterclass on protecting against security breaches in the face of hyperconnectivity.

And finally...the science bit. We have two exclusive speakers to expand your mind and broaden your horizons - all in just one hour. Sumit Paul-Choudhury, Editor-in-Chief, New Scientist takes a look at the societal trends emerging from this increasingly intelligent and interconnected world. Whilst technology tourist, TV presenter Spencer Kelly, has scanned the globe for the latest innovations in tech, and he’ll select his favourites and those that will have the most short-term impact.

Automation is making waves and propelling change. It’s time to get connected and meet digital pioneers from over 20 sectors, at IGNITE September 2017.