It started last year, when news service Associated Press announced it was going to use robots to write some stories.

The organisation is using story-writing software to automate US corporate earnings stories.

It allows them to write out short stories, typically 150 to 300 words, "in roughly the same time that it took our reporters," says AP managing editor Lou Ferrara.

While a Japanese robotics firm has constructed android news readers - complete with silicone skin and artificial muscles.

But which other industries are looking into automation to replace humans at their desks?

Peter Cosgrove is the director of recruitment firm CPL. He spoke to the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk.