Having worked in ATC for more than 40 years - and currently working on automation in ATC - I can say that there has not been an automated system yet invented that comes anywhere near an ATCO. No computer can "invent" a non-standard 500ft separation to avoid the crisis when all conventional methods fail.
We may eventually go to one pilot at some stage but you will never get rid of the controller so long as demand for flights is at current or increased levels. On a daily basis, controllers perform miracles in some of the most crowded airspace - and they always will.
ATCO1962 get real! Was 1962 the year you joined or left ATC? You will have noticed that the Torygraph article mentions ATCO intervention several times, so getting rid of them is not on the cards. Was it published on April 1st?