I've been working on ATC systems for over 30 years. During all of that time everyone has agreed that full automation is the way forward but no-one has found a way to make it safe. I offer my own solution on my website
www.sensus-dp.demon.co.uk for PPRuNe readers. There's even a working demonstrator! The arguments for this New Model for ATC are irrefutable and support is building rapidly. Do check it out and comment.