From Automation to Autonomy: How AI Is changing the way we run Technology

From Automation to Autonomy: How AI Is changing the way we run Technology acontece a 11 de novembro de 2026, PTW Palace, em Lisboa.

For decades, automation has helped organizations operate technology faster and more efficiently by turning repetitive processes into predefined workflows. But what happens when the problem is not predictable enough for us to define every step in advance? The rapid evolution of AI is creating a new shift in IT: from systems that simply execute instructions towards systems capable of understanding intent, reasoning across information, making decisions and taking action. In this Cisco showcase, we will explore the journey from traditional automation to AI-driven autonomous operations and what this transition means for businesses of all sizes. Through industry trends, practical examples and Cisco technologies, we will look at how AI is transforming the way networks, security and digital infrastructure are operated, allowing increasingly lean IT teams to troubleshoot problems, correlate information across systems and move from reactive operations towards intelligent, proactive infrastructure. We will also explore an important question: as technology becomes increasingly autonomous, where should we draw the line between decisions made by machines and those that remain with humans? Participants will explore: The evolution from manual operations to automation, AIOps and agentic operations. Where traditional automation works well , and where it reaches its limits. How AI agents differ from conventional scripts, workflows and chatbots. How autonomous operations can help startups and growing companies manage increasingly complex technology with lean teams. How networking, security, observability and AI are converging. How Cisco is approaching the transition towards AI-driven and increasingly autonomous infrastructure. Why trust, security, policies and human oversight remain fundamental as systems gain greater autonomy. PTW Palace - Room 2 (Ground Floor)