It’s been over 70 years since Alan Turing defined what many still consider to be the ultimate test for a computer system — Can a machine exhibit intelligent behavior that is indistinguishable from that of a human? Originally coined the imitation game, the Turing test involves having someone evaluate text conversations between a human and a machine designed to respond like a human. The machine passes the test if the evaluator cannot reliably tell the difference between the human versus machine-generated text. Although the Turing test generally serves as a starting point for discussing AI advances, some question its validity as a test of intelligence. After all, the results do not require the machine to be correct, only for its answers to resemble those of a human.

Whether it’s due to artificial “intelligence” or imitation, we live in an age where machines are capable of generating convincingly realistic content. Generative AI does more than answer questions, it writes articles and poetry, synthesizes human faces and voices, creates music and artwork, and even develops and tests software. But what are the implications of these machine-based imitation games? Are they a glimpse into a future where AI reaches general or super intelligence? Or is it simply a matter of revisiting or redefining the Turing test? Join Tariq King as he leverages a live audience of software testing professionals to probe everything from generative adversarial networks (GANs) to generative pre-trained transformers (GPT). Let’s critically examine the Turing test and more because it’s judgment day — and this time, we are the judges!

• Test Automation is Not a Silver Bullet
  Automation is not a quick fix it requires upfront investment and ongoing maintenance.
• You Can’t Automate Everything
  Automation works best for stable, repeatable functionality not all tests are suited for automation.
• Manual Testing vs Automation
  Manual and automated testing complement each other and should be used together for best results.
• Integrating Test Automation Engineers into Development Teams
  Test automation engineers should be embedded within dev teams to improve collaboration and feedback loops.
• Improved Code Quality through Developer Collaboration
  Code reviews by developers help automation engineers adopt higher coding standards and produce more maintainable scripts.
• Shared Responsibility for Quality
  Integration fosters a culture of shared ownership, with both devs and testers accountable for quality.
• Agile and DevOps Alignment
  Embedding test automation engineers into dev teams aligns with Agile/DevOps practices, promoting continuous testing and faster releases.

There are a lot of misconceptions about automation and what it is and I hope this talk will shed some light on some of these as well as how close collaboration between test automation engineers and developers will elevate quality.

In an era where cybersecurity threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, integrating robust security practices into the development lifecycle has become paramount. DevSecOps is an extension of DevOps that emphasises on application security testing at every phase in the software development process which addresses this critical need. However, the complexity and volume of security tasks can overwhelm even the most experienced teams.

In this talk, I will explore how generative AI is reshaping the DevSecOps landscape by automating complex application security testing, predicting vulnerabilities, and optimising security workflows.

I will delve into real-world applications where generative AI-driven solutions have significantly reduced manual effort, enhanced security posture, and streamlined compliance processes.
By the end of this session, participants will gain a full understanding of how generative AI can strengthen continuous application security testing, enhance security posture, and achieve greater operational efficiency

As DevTestOps transforms software delivery into a streamlined, automated powerhouse, traditional testing roles are being reshaped—or are they? Automation, continuous integration, and faster release cycles promise more reliability, but they raise an unsettling question: “Do we still need testers, or are they fading into obscurity?”

Drawing from my experience as a technical lead, BizDevOps lead, and senior software developer, supporting and delivering countless applications across complex environments, this talk delves into a critical insight: testers are not disappearing; they’re moving into the shadows, evolving into roles more pivotal and nuanced than ever before. In DevTestOps, testers are shifting from hands-on execution to roles as unseen quality strategists, experience advocates, and ethical guides. Far from being redundant, they are evolving into the backbone of DevTestOps, invisible yet essential in ensuring that systems are resilient, secure, and aligned with user needs.

This talk explores the hidden ways testers add value within a DevTestOps pipeline, including a subtle but important role AI can play. Although AI offers powerful insights and efficiencies, its effectiveness in testing is ultimately limited by its inability to fully grasp the complexities of human experience, ethical considerations, and creative risk assessment. Rather than replacing testers, AI enhances their role, allowing them to focus more deeply on high-value areas that require uniquely human intuition and foresight.

This presentation dives into four major areas where testers are becoming invaluable in DevTestOps:

• Why Automation Isn’t Enough: Automation can validate code, but it can’t capture the human impact or anticipate uncharted use cases. Testers offer a uniquely human perspective, addressing the “why” and “what ifs” that machines can’t answer.
• The Tester as an Experience Advocate: Today’s testers are not merely hunting for bugs; they are ensuring that software feels intuitive, ethical, and meaningful to users. We’ll explore how testers play an irreplaceable role in shaping the user experience in ways that extend beyond functionality.
• Evolving Tester Skills in DevTestOps: Testers today are mastering skills like system resilience, observability, and ethical analysis, bringing insights that shape both product quality and the entire DevTestOps pipeline. This section covers the essential skills testers need to stay relevant and invaluable in an automated, AI-enhanced ecosystem.
• Testers as Risk Navigators: As quality becomes a shared responsibility, testers are increasingly guiding risk assessment and ethical decision-making within DevTestOps teams. We’ll explore how testers uniquely help teams balance the push for speed with the need for thoughtful, user-centered outcomes.

Through real-world examples and surprising insights, this talk argues that testers are the hidden backbone of DevTestOps—a role not just relevant but crucial. Testers aren’t disappearing; they’re adapting, bringing essential human insight and ethics to balance automation.

• Reimagining the role of testers in DevTestOps, with a focus on how their human insight is essential to quality, resilience, and ethical standards.
• The toolkit for today’s hidden backbone: Skills and mindsets that allow testers to act as quality advocates in an automated world.
• Practical strategies for integrating testers as essential quality architects, ensuring that DevTestOps teams maintain both speed and depth in their software delivery.

From someone who has led teams and delivered resilient, user-centered applications, this talk explores why testers aren’t going obsolete—they’re evolving into indispensable figures, quietly shaping quality in ways that automation and AI alone cannot achieve.

Artificial Intelligence role in Automation Testing and Robot Process Automation with CI and CD Pipeline .

RPA ,CIand CD with AI Role in Automation.

Integrating Development, Testing, and Operations for Quality Assurance, to better deliver quality software

Collaboration between different IT specialists to ship software faster, and an attempt to blur the lines, for efficiency in an IT Shop

Raphael Roems is a seasoned Quality Assurance Lead at Redstor, bringing a wealth of expertise in information technology, management, and quality assurance. Known for his meticulous approach and strong communication skills, Raphael is a highly motivated and goal-driven professional dedicated to fostering continuous improvement. His proven track record of delivering exceptional results highlights his ability to meet and exceed expectations consistently. A creative problem solver, Raphael excels at thinking outside the box and adapting swiftly to change, making him an invaluable asset to his team and organization.

With over 20 years in management consulting and IT, Masego Mabalane excels in leading digital transformation for multinationals and governments. She specializes in Agile, DevOps, cloud computing, 5G, and AI, delivering successful OSS/BSS projects across Telecom, Media, and Banking industries in AAPAC and EMEA regions. Renowned for aligning modernization strategies with organizational goals, she drives operational excellence and seamless transitions. Her expertise spans business transformation, ICT adoption, financial management, and revenue assurance. Masego’s proficiency in optimizing processes, budgets, and supplier contracts has consistently ensured impactful outcomes.

An experienced Test Manager with over 15 years testing experience throughout the whole testing life cycle. I am a driven, forward thinking, and adaptable individual committed to getting the job done and professionally committed to my role.
I have an excellent attention to detail and able to look at the bigger picture when solving problems and everything I do is for our people – without people we are simply nothing, care compassion and understanding builds culture and sense of community.

Accomplished IT Professional with over 14 years of experience in IT specializing in Test Manager and Quality Assurance.

As a TM I have successfully coordinated and managed specialized and cross functional testing services on complex EFT Payments, POS, HR and now Telematics projects in the retail, tech and payments industries.

These implementations were accomplished in agile, waterfall and hybrid delivery models methodologies of varying maturity levels.

Primary strengths include attention to detail, strong analysis abilities, coordination, and the delivery of quality software.