The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an unprecedented pace, bringing capabilities that were once considered science fiction into reality. One significant aspect of this progress is the development of AI agents, also known as virtual co-workers, which are poised to work alongside humans and eventually operate autonomously.
According to Gartner, a leading research and advisory company, by 2028, at least 15% of day-to-day work decisions will be made autonomously by agentic AI. This marks a significant shift from the current scenario and underscores the transformative potential of this technology. Gartner has identified AI agents as a top strategic technology trend for 2025.
Gene Alvarez, a distinguished VP analyst at Gartner, emphasized the rapid evolution of AI agents, stating that organizations can benefit from these agents not only in terms of productivity but also in terms of timing. AI agents can monitor systems, analyze data, take actions, and report outcomes, thereby streamlining operations and enabling faster decision-making.
AI agents – a blend of innovation and apprehension
Initially, AI agents will be deployed for mundane tasks that consume human resources. As the technology advances, these agents will be capable of autonomously managing and monitoring complex systems. Furthermore, AI agents have the potential to serve as mentors, guiding new employees and facilitating their learning curve.
While the prospects of AI agents are exciting, there are concerns about job displacement. However, Alvarez highlighted that AI agents can also enable individuals to acquire new skills and transition to roles that are in demand, thus mitigating the impact of automation on the workforce.
Building trust in AI systematically
As AI becomes more pervasive, there is a growing need for governance frameworks to ensure ethical and transparent use of AI systems. AI governance platforms are emerging to help organizations manage the legal, ethical, and operational aspects of AI. These platforms will enforce policies, prevent bias, and provide transparency into AI models and decision-making processes.
Alvarez stressed the importance of transparency in building trust in AI, stating that user confidence in AI technologies hinges on their understanding and visibility into how these systems operate.
Diversification in computing models
AI applications rely on a variety of computing paradigms, ranging from traditional CPUs and GPUs to emerging technologies such as quantum and optical computing. Alvarez noted that the future of computing will involve hybrid models that combine different computational approaches based on the task requirements.
Efforts are underway to develop energy-efficient computing solutions to meet the increasing demand for computational power while minimizing environmental impact. Alvarez underscored the need for long-term solutions that leverage innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Addressing disinformation security proactively
The proliferation of AI has enabled threat actors to propagate disinformation rapidly through deepfakes, phishing attacks, and other malicious tactics. Disinformation security has emerged as a critical area for organizations to assess authenticity, track harmful content, and prevent impersonation.
Gartner predicts that by 2028, half of all enterprises will adopt specialized products and services for disinformation security. Alvarez emphasized the importance of leveraging a range of technologies to combat disinformation and safeguard digital assets.
Preparing for the post-quantum world
With quantum computing on the horizon, organizations need to prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptography to secure their data. Public key cryptography, which is currently used to secure communications, may become vulnerable to quantum attacks in the near future.
Gartner anticipates that advances in quantum computing by 2029 could render conventional encryption methods obsolete. Alvarez recommended following established standards for post-quantum cryptography to ensure data security in the face of evolving threats.
AI’s role in enhancing cognitive abilities
Gartner envisions a future where bidirectional brain-machine interfaces (BBMIs) enhance human cognitive functions by decoding brain activity. These interfaces could be integrated into wearables or directly connected to the brain, enabling individuals to augment their cognitive abilities and interact with technology in new ways.
By 2030, Gartner predicts a significant increase in the adoption of BBMIs among knowledge workers, facilitating enhanced communication and decision-making. Alvarez highlighted the potential for BBMIs to revolutionize industries such as marketing by providing real-time insights into consumer sentiment.
As AI continues to evolve and permeate various aspects of our lives, organizations and individuals must adapt to the changing landscape and leverage innovative technologies to drive progress and address emerging challenges.
