Gartner: 2025 will see the rise of AI agents (and other top trends)
The pace of AI continues to accelerate, with capabilities never before thought possible now becoming a reality. This is particularly true of AI agents, or virtual co-workers, which will work alongside us and, eventually, autonomously.
In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2028, at least 15% of day-to-day work decisions will be made autonomously through agentic AI (up from 0% in 2024). Further emphasizing the technology’s potential, the firm has named it a top strategic technology trend in 2025.
“It’s happening really, really fast,” Gene Alvarez, distinguished VP analyst with Gartner, told VentureBeat. “Nobody ever goes to bed at night with everything done. Organizations spend a lot of time monitoring things. The ability to create agents to not only do that monitoring but take action will help not just from a productivity perspective but a timing perspective.”
The Cool and Scary Future of AI: Trends and Predictions
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work, and its impact is only expected to grow in the coming years. From mundane tasks to complex scenarios, AI agents are becoming increasingly sophisticated, raising both excitement and concerns about their potential effects on society. In this article, we'll delve into the latest trends and predictions in AI, from its applications in the workforce to its potential impact on our brains.
Agentic AI: The Next Level of Automation
Agentic AI has the ability to plan, sense, and take action, making it a game-changer in various industries. For instance, AI agents can help upscale the workforce by guiding new employees and teaching them new skills. This could lead to a more efficient and productive workforce, but it also raises concerns about job loss and the potential for AI to displace human workers. As AI becomes more prevalent, it's essential to address these concerns and develop strategies to mitigate the negative impacts on employment.
Building Trust in AI
As AI becomes more pervasive, building trust in its capabilities is crucial. AI governance platforms will enable organizations to manage their AI systems' legal, ethical, and operational performance, ensuring transparency and responsible use. These platforms will also check for bias and provide information on how models were built, as well as the reasoning behind their prompts. This transparency is essential for building trust in AI and ensuring that it is used in a way that benefits society as a whole.
Hybrid Computing Models: The Future of Computing
The future of computing will involve hybrid models that combine different compute, storage, and network mechanisms. Orchestration software will move compute from one to another depending on the task and the method most suited for the job. This will require new technologies that use significantly less energy, as there is increased pressure to reduce consumption and carbon footprints. The development of more energy-efficient computing models will be critical in reducing the environmental impact of AI.
Disinformation Security: The New Frontier
AI is allowing threat actors to spread disinformation faster and more easily than ever before. Disinformation security is critical, and emerging technologies will assess authenticity, track the spread of harmful information, and prevent impersonation. By 2028, Gartner predicts that half of aLL enterprises will begin adopting products, services, or features specifically designed for disinformation security. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it's essential to develop effective strategies for detecting and preventing disinformation.
Preparing for the Post-Quantum World
quantum computing is rapidly advancing, and it will soon be able to break public key cryptography, or asymmetrical encryption. red teams are already harvesting encrypted data and holding onto it until quantum is realized. Organizations must be prepping for post-quantum cryptography nOW to ensure that their data is resistant to decryption. The development of post-quantum cryptography will be critical in protecting sensitive information and preventing data breaches.
AI Enhancing Our Brains
Gartner anticipates a rise in the use of bidirectional brain-machine interfaces (BBMIs) that read and decode brain activity and enhance human cognitive abilities. These could be directly integrated into our brains or made possible via wearables such as glasses or headbands. By 2030, 30% of knowledge workers will be using technologies such as BBMIs to stay relevant in the AI-powered workplace. The potential benefits of AI-enhanced brains include improved cognitive abilities, enhanced creativity, and increased productivity. However, it's essential to address the ethical implications of AI-enhanced brains and ensure that they are used in a way that benefits society as a whole.
Conclusion
The future of AI is both exciting and unsettling. As AI agents become more sophisticated, they will have the potential to transform various industries and aspects of our lives. However, it is essential to address the concerns and challenges that come with AI, such as job loss, disinformation, and cybersecurity threats. By building trust in AI, preparing for the post-quantum world, and enhancing our brains, we can harness the power of AI to create a better future for all. It's essential to prioritize responsible AI development and ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits society as a whole.