The advent of 6G networks heralds a new era of telecommunications characterized by unparalleled connectivity, ultra-low latency, and immersive applications such as holographic communication and Industry 5.0. However, these advancements also introduce significant complexities in network management and service orchestration. This Special Issue of IEEE Networking Letters explores cutting-edge research on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven automation techniques designed to address these challenges. The selected works span a diverse array of AI paradigms—ranging from generative AI (GenAI) and reinforcement learning to multi-agent systems and federated learning—showcasing their applications across various 6G technological domains. By highlighting these innovations, this issue aims to provide valuable insights into the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of 6G networks.