Usage of so-called 'smart' machines is set to soar in the next five years as the number of sensors capable of automatically collecting and utilising data increases, Gartner predicted. The research company forecast that at least 25 billion devices will be connected by 2020, fuelled by rising availability of low-cost computing devices, increased connectivity, sensor networks, and the Internet of Things. Stephen Prentice, VP and Gartner Fellow, said 'smart' machines will become viable alternatives to human workers during the forecast period, which will "lead to significant repercussions for the business and thus for CIOs." Release