Keynote

From Turing Test to Turing Tack: AI’s Transformative Tensions in Software Engineering

Neel Sundaresan, General Manager of Automation and AI at IBM

Generative and agentic AI are fundamentally transforming productivity in software engineering, driving unprecedented efficiencies while raising concerns about job displacement and systemic risks. As AI advances beyond traditional benchmarks like the Turing Test to actively replace and collaborate with human engineers, we are navigating uncharted territory in defining what constitutes “good” engineering. Claims that AI could automate between 30-70% of software tasks and potentially eliminate entire roles prompt urgent discussions around issues such as technical debt, security vulnerabilities, and the erosion of problem-solving skills. A phenomenon I term the “Turing Tack”—a less rigorous, overly optimistic approach is fast emerging and may lead to AI overstretching its capabilities, resulting in unpredictable impacts on the developer ecosystem. Real-world cases and emerging research reveal a spectrum from AI democratizing innovation to turning engineers into passive overseers, highlighting the delicate balance between productivity gains and systemic risks. Drawing on real-world cases and research, we explore how AI can both democratize innovation and risk reducing engineers to passive overseers. We’ll examine the balance between productivity and systemic risk, offering practical strategies to help engineers become architects of sustainable, AI-powered engineering.

Bio: Neel Sundaresan is the General Manager of Automation and AI at IBM, leading AI-driven products for IT automation and developer productivity. Previously, he served as VP of AI and Engineering at Microsoft, where he pioneered the concepts of the “Internet of Code” and “Code as data” to enhance developer efficiency. Neel has also headed eBay’s research and data labs, driving innovations in search, recommender systems, and Trust & Safety. An accomplished inventor with over 315 patents and more than 125 publications, he holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Indiana University and dual master’s degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from IIT Mumbai. Neel is a frequent speaker at international conferences and a dedicated social impact advocate.