2027

David Macfarlane explored the speed at which emerging technologies are converging and how rapidly the pace of transformation is accelerating.

The session focused on the idea that organisations are no longer preparing for distant future scenarios. Many of the technologies discussed throughout the day are already entering mainstream operational environments.

The session reinforced that businesses must increasingly think beyond individual technologies and instead prepare for a world where systems, platforms, and automation operate as connected ecosystems.

The third discussion of the morning explored how AI and intelligent automation are likely to reshape workforce structures over the coming years.

Joined on stage by Den Parker from AWS, the session focused on the growing reality that many organisations may need to rethink roles, workflows and operational models entirely as AI capabilities continue to mature.

Rather than positioning AI purely as a replacement for people, the discussion explored how organisations will increasingly need employees capable of:

• Managing intelligent systems
• Orchestrating AI workflows
• Supervising automation
• Focusing on higher-value customer interactions
• Adapting rapidly to new operational models

The session also explored how AI orchestration is already transforming customer experience environments through:

• Conversational AI
• Workflow automation
• Intelligent routing
• Integrated operational systems

A major theme throughout the discussion was that successful organisations will be those capable of evolving people and operational models alongside technology.

Thomas Connelly and Helen Bowman explored the practical challenges organisations face when trying to operationalise AI successfully.

The session focused on the gap between ambition and execution, and how many businesses still struggle to move beyond isolated pilots and disconnected AI initiatives.

Discussion points included:

• Operational governance
• Data quality
• Workflow integration
• Organisational readiness
• Customer impact
• Service transformation

The session also highlighted the importance of applying AI intentionally, ensuring it supports operational outcomes rather than simply adding complexity.

Thomas and Helen explored how Gamma is approaching operational transformation internally, including efforts to simplify customer journeys, improve consistency and embed AI into practical operational environments.

Professor Suzie Imber delivered a wide-ranging keynote exploring space exploration, scientific discovery, human resilience and participant in the BBC Astronaut programme. Drawing on her work in space physics, mountaineering and astronaut selection experiences, Suzie explored the importance of curiosity, exploration and pushing beyond perceived limits.

The session covered the future of space exploration, ethical questions around space technology, asteroid mining, climate observation from space and the growing role of robotics and AI in exploration. Alongside the scientific themes, Suzie also reflected on personal challenge, fear, resilience and the value of stepping outside comfort zones.

The keynote covered:

• Future space infrastructure
• Asteroid mining
• Robotics in space
• AI-assisted exploration
• Orbital sustainability
• Autonomous systems
• Scientific discovery

Alongside the science, Suzie shared personal experiences from:

• Unexplored mountaineering expeditions
• Astronaut selection challenges
• High-pressure environments
• Working in extreme conditions

The session brought a strong human dimension to the event, reinforcing themes around adaptability, resilience and curiosity.

Richard McPhee explored how AI, robotics, quantum computing, and connected systems are beginning to converge into a new technology landscape. The session examined how these technologies are evolving from isolated innovations into connected operational ecosystems capable of transforming industries at scale.

The presentation focused on practical implications for organisations, including customer experience transformation, intelligent automation, security, orchestration, and the growing importance of trusted digital infrastructure.

The session looked ahead to how intelligent systems may reshape:

• Operations
• Customer experience
• Security
• Infrastructure
• Automation
• Manufacturing
• Logistics
• Decision making

Richard explored how organisations are entering a period where:

• AI becomes embedded into workflows
• Data becomes real-time
• Robotics become coordinated systems
• Infrastructure becomes adaptive
• Trust and security become increasingly critical

The session also highlighted the growing importance of orchestration and connectivity as the foundation enabling these technologies to work together effectively.

Olly Hobson from Cloudax demonstrated how conversational AI is transforming customer experience operations. The session showcased AI voice technology capable of handling real-time customer interactions, multilingual conversations, and live integration into operational systems.

The presentation focused on how AI orchestration can improve responsiveness and allow human teams to focus on higher-value interactions rather than repetitive administrative tasks.

The showcase demonstrated AI agents capable of:

• Multilingual support
• Real-time conversations
• Identity verification
• Appointment scheduling
• CRM integration
• Case updates
• Operational workflow execution

The session reinforced that conversational AI is rapidly evolving beyond traditional chatbot experiences into intelligent orchestration layers capable of completing customer journeys end-to-end.

Scott McKinnon explored the growing implications of quantum computing for cyber security and digital trust. The session examined how emerging quantum capabilities could eventually weaken current encryption standards, creating new pressures for organisations to modernise security infrastructure and prepare for cryptographic transition.

The presentation focused on visibility, prioritisation, and long-term planning. Encouraging organisations to begin preparing for future cryptographic change now rather than waiting for disruption to arrive.

The session focused on:

• Quantum computing risks
• Post-quantum cryptography
• Digital trust
• Cryptographic agility
• Infrastructure resilience
• Long-term security planning

A key discussion point was the concept of “harvest now, decrypt later”, where encrypted data intercepted today could potentially be decrypted in the future using quantum computing advances.

Scott outlined why organisations should begin planning now rather than treating quantum security as a distant future issue.

Steve Maclaren introduced the work of The National Robotarium and explored the growing role of robotics across healthcare, energy, construction, logistics, and customer environments. The session highlighted how robotics is moving from experimental technology into practical operational deployment.

Live demonstrations showcased collaborative robotics, human-machine interaction and connected automation, while also exploring the importance of skills development and public understanding as robotics adoption accelerates.

The showcase included demonstrations of:

• Humanoid robots
• Collaborative robotics
• Autonomous systems
• Connected robotics platforms
• Human-robot interaction

The session explored robotics applications across:

• Healthcare
• Logistics
• Retail
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Hospitality
• Agriculture

A major theme throughout the session was that robotics is increasingly becoming collaborative rather than isolated, with connected systems capable of learning, coordinating, and operating together.

Dave Coplin’s final keynote explored the human side of technological transformation. The session focused on how individuals and organisations can thrive in a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation and connected systems.

Rather than positioning technology as a threat, the discussion explored how humans can focus more on creativity, curiosity, collaboration and meaningful contribution as intelligent systems take on more routine operational tasks.

Rather than focusing solely on technology itself, Dave explored:

• Human creativity
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Curiosity
• Learning
• Collaboration
• Digital wellbeing

The keynote reinforced that while technology will continue to accelerate, human capability, judgement and adaptability remain critical.

Alex Ayers closed GX Summit 2026 by bringing together the major themes from across the day.

From AI orchestration and operational readiness, to robotics, quantum security, and human adaptability, the event reinforced that organisations are entering a period of profound technological transformation.

But throughout the day, one message remained consistent: technology alone is not enough.

Success will increasingly depend on how effectively organisations:

• Simplify complexity
• Connect systems
• Build trust
• Evolve operational models
• Support their people through change

Thank you for joining us at GX Summit 2026.