AI and the Future of QA: Insights from the Vienna Conference

Space International is all about developing its teams, and this time, our group of testers attended the "AI Augmented QA: Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons from the Past" conference in Vienna. The event provided a unique opportunity to explore how AI is transforming software quality assurance (QA) and to connect with QA professionals from across the globe.

AI is Transforming QA

AI is rapidly changing the landscape of testing, making it faster, more accurate, and less labor-intensive. The team was inspired by speakers already integrating AI into their workflows, offering valuable insights on how to enhance their own practices.

As Levan Kerdikashvili , Test Automation Architect, put it, “The conference was an invaluable opportunity to connect with global QA professionals, explore the transformative role of AI in testing, and gain innovative insights that will shape the future of our industry.”

What stood out most was the chance to engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Despite varying nationalities and experiences, the core challenges in QA—like reducing errors and improving efficiency—were shared across the board. This reinforced the idea that, no matter where they are in the world, the QA community is united in its pursuit of progress.

Bold Ideas for a Smarter Future

A key takeaway was the encouragement to be bolder in adopting AI. Speakers urged attendees to challenge traditional methods, embrace innovation, and take risks. As Beka Gornakashvili , QA Automation Chapter Lead, noted, “The conference deepened our understanding of AI's potential and challenges, motivating us to embrace innovation while remaining cautious and pragmatic in our approach.”

The message was clear: AI isn't just about speed; it’s about working smarter and achieving higher quality with less effort.

A Global Community of Innovation

The event also underscored the increasing interconnectedness of the global QA community. Innovations are spreading across borders faster than ever, making collaboration and a global perspective essential for staying ahead.

As Anzor Shengelia , Test Automation Engineer, observed, “The conference provided valuable insights into how professionals from different nationalities shared similar concerns and perspectives on QA, revealing a global alignment in our approaches.”

Balancing Innovation with Caution

While AI offers tremendous opportunities, the team was reminded of the importance of a balanced approach. As Tsotne Ugunurashvili , Test Automation Engineer, wisely put it, “This experience boosted my confidence, reinforcing that we are on the right track and have the potential to drive innovation in the field.” However, the message of caution remained strong: "In God we trust, the rest we test." Embracing AI with enthusiasm, but remaining grounded in traditional QA principles, is key to sustainable progress.

Leaving Vienna Energized

The conference left the team feeling energized and motivated. Armed with fresh insights, they are eager to push the boundaries of AI in QA and contribute to shaping the future of the field.