  Quantum Information and the new informational paradigm are entering the
domain of quantum field theory and gravity, suggesting the quantum automata
framework. The quantum automaton is the minimal-assumption extension to the
Planck and ultrarelativistic scales of quantum field theory. It can describe
localized states and measurements, which are unmanageable by quantum field
theory. The automaton theory is a very promising framework for quantum gravity,
since it is quantum ab-initio, with relativistic covariance as emergent and not
assumed a priori, it is free from all the problems arising from the continuum,
it doesn't suffer violations of causality, and has no divergences. It is the
natural scenario to accommodate the quantum holographic principle. Lorentz
covariance and all other symmetries are violated in the ultrarelativistic
Planckian regime, but are perfectly recovered at the Fermi-scale.
  In the present report, after briefly reviewing the fundamental principles at
the basis of the quantum cellular automata extension of quantum field theory, I
will present a preview of recent results on the Fermi scale limit [1] and on
the Dirac automaton in two space-dimensions [2]. The automaton in three
dimensions is under way.
