The Industrial University of Santander hosted the 17th International Colloquium, a Franco-Colombian forum for reflection that brought together representatives from academia, the public sector, and various higher education institutions in the region to analyze the challenges posed by automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics for the future of work.
This event, organized by the Alliance Française of Bucaramanga, sparked an interdisciplinary conversation centered on an increasingly relevant question: What role will humans play in a world where machines are capable of performing tasks that were once exclusively human?
“This event is important not only for the UIS but for the entire academic community because machines are replacing humans in various areas of life—especially in the workplace. Initially, we thought that only mechanical and repetitive tasks—which a robot could perform more quickly and accurately—would be replaced, but today we see that machines are replacing us in the generation of knowledge. And this poses a major challenge for universities—in how we teach, how we deliver instruction, and how we will prepare ourselves as a university and future professionals for the workforce,” said Lina María Vera Cala, director of External Relations.
Through lectures and panel discussions, the symposium addressed questions related to the current capabilities of machines, the transformation of the relationship between humans and technology, new challenges for education and employability, and the need to ensure the dignity of work in the face of automation.
In this context, the discussion went beyond the technical possibilities of artificial intelligence and robotics to address the human, political, legal, educational, and labor implications. Fears of the eventual replacement of workers, the limits of technology, and societies’ ability to adapt to these changes were all part of a debate that required multiple perspectives.
“Attending this event brings together researchers and experts who discuss the strategies needed when incorporating artificial intelligence into everyday life. For example, in my work, I believe that automating certain processes with AI support could be beneficial,” said Mayra Jurado, an attendee at the event.
During the event, academic sessions were held to reflect on what machines are capable of today and what humans will need to learn to navigate new workplace scenarios. In this way, the colloquium encouraged a shift from uncertainty about technological progress to a discussion about preparedness, adaptation, and responsibility.
“This symposium explored the applications of AI and robotics in the workplace. This time, all the academic experts from the region addressed the question of how these technologies are replacing jobs. These are interesting reflections from a professional standpoint because there are sometimes fears, doubts, or a lack of understanding regarding the proper use of technology in social development,” explained Ciro Miguel Caballero, director of the Alliance Française in Bucaramanga
The event also included opportunities for dialogue centered on the question: Are we prepared for the new challenges of education and employability? It recognized that technological transformation not only changes the tools we work with but also the skills that will be necessary in the future.
The 17th International Colloquium included participation from the Bucaramanga Mayor’s Office and higher education institutions in the region: Industrial University of Santander, University of Research and Development, Cooperative University of Colombia, Autonomous University of Bucaramanga, Technological University of Santander, Pontifical Bolivarian University, the University of Santander, the University Corporation for Science and Development, the University of Chicamocha, Manuela Beltrán University, and Santo Tomás University.
