Impending Sense of Loom - The Past and Future of Automation

Impending Sense of Loom – The Past and Future of Automation

Ester Greenwood

11:30 - 12:15 CEST, Tuesday 16th June

Did you know that binary computing started on a loom? Or what knitting has to do with the moon landing? This talk unravels the history of textiles and early computing, and gives us insight into the effects of major technological breakthroughs. Throughout the whole of the industrial revolution there have been protests. What will happen to us if they automate our jobs? A familiar feeling, perhaps. What will happen to testing if AI takes over the work field?

This talk is spun together from three parts, we start with how automation in the textile industry led to the invention of computers. Then the relevance of handcrafts in mid-twentieth century computing are expanded on. There we will learn of the different types of binary memory, and the way robust ROM and RAM memory was handwoven and tested to take humans to the moon. Lastly we expand on the Luddite riots, who literally raged against the machine.

What can past technological breakthroughs tell us about the future of (test)automation? This talk aims to give perspective to what innovation has done for humanity, and will leave the audience with interesting factoids and tidbits, as well as food for thought.

What you will learn

Insight and knowledge about the history of computing, automation and textile technology
A perspective on the societal impact of automation through historical and current events
Food for thought, what will happen when AI takes over automation of testing activities

Session Details

Introductory
45mins
Includes 15 mins Q&A
Ethical implications of AI

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Check out this video from Ester Greenwood to hear more about her talk on Impending Sense of Loom – The Past and Future of Automation.

We look forward to welcoming you to EuroSTAR 2026.

Session Speakers

Ester Greenwood

Sopra Steria, Netherlands

What’s in a name? Some might joke that ‘Ester the Tester’ was born to be a Test Engineer. She loves to solve the puzzle of how to test, what to test and when to test. Besides testing, she regularly goes into deep-dives on subjects that spark her interest.

Get her to talk about one of her interests, and you’ll get a free lecture. Ester sees a conference talk as the perfect opportunity to learn, research and ramble to her heart’s content. At 31 years of age, with 8 years of experience in IT, she is ready to take the stage.

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