• Investment Blog
• February 6, 2025

The Rise of AI Agents in 2025?

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The tech landscape is buzzing with exciting developments in the realm of artificial intelligence, particularly with the emergence of AI agentsMajor players like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Salesforce are spearheading discussions around this transformative technology, heralding a shift in how businesses and consumers perceive AI capabilitiesAs we move towards 2025, there’s an expectation that AI agents—advanced digital assistants that can act autonomously on behalf of users—will take center stage, performing tasks ranging from managing emails to streamlining workflows.

Imagine a future where tedious tasks like expense report filing can be handled effortlessly by AI agentsThese digital assistants are designed to alleviate the burden of monotonous responsibilities, allowing employees to focus on more strategic initiativesCompanies are beginning to integrate AI agents into their operations, and reports from organizations adopting these technologies suggest positive outcomes

Charles Lamanna, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for Business Applications, highlighted a significant uptick in IT self-service success—36% more effective than before, alongside a robust 9.4% increase in revenue for individual sellersThese metrics not only showcase the impact of AI agents but also signify a promising trajectory for their widespread application across various sectors.

Embracing new technology is often a gradual process, and AI agents are no exceptionThe potential for these agents to capture the interest of users hinges on their ability to deliver quick, accurate, and meaningful responsesBob O'Donnell, President and Chief Analyst at TECHnalysis Research, asserts that while the transition may take time, the allure of instant assistance can fundamentally change user habits, paving the way for a broader acceptance of AI solutions.

Understanding the nuances between AI chatbots, co-pilot features, and AI agents can be a bit overwhelming

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Each represents distinct but interconnected functionalities within the broader AI ecosystemAccording to Ray Smith, Vice President of AI Agents at Microsoft, one can envision AI co-pilots as the primary interface for users to interact with digital assistantsThese co-pilots serve as a central hub to fulfill various AI needs, linking to specialized agents tailored to specific tasks.

For example, consider a scenario where a user wishes to book a flightInstead of sifting through numerous options manually, they could simply instruct the AI chatbot to find suitable flightsThe AI would then leverage various agents to assess the user’s flight preferences, check their calendar, and even consult financial applications to ensure compliance with budget constraints, ultimately providing tailored flight suggestions.

Earlier this month, Google debuted its experimental prototype known as Project Mariner, which performs web-based tasks seamlessly through the Chrome browser

In a captivating demonstration, Mariner was tasked with compiling contact information for several companies listed in a Google Sheets documentThe user instructed Mariner to remember the list, access each company's website, and retrieve their contact emailsThe AI agent expertly navigated the web, fetched the required data, and presented it to the userAlthough Google noted that this project is still in its infancy, it indicated that improvements in accuracy and speed are on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Apple is also foraying into the AI agent domain, purportedly working on features that allow users to accomplish tasks through its smart assistant, SiriUpcoming updates could enable users to ask Siri about optimal times to head to the airport to pick up a spouse, utilizing the assistant's prowess to analyze emails, review flight schedules, and check traffic conditions before suggesting departure times.

According to Daniel Newman, CEO of Futurum Group, AI agents also possess the capability of identifying potential business opportunities and assisting employees in scheduling meetings with prospective clients, showcasing their transformative potential in enhancing productivity.

Nevertheless, the journey towards fully functional, multi-step AI agents becoming mainstream is not expected to occur overnight as the new year approaches

Initial market penetration is likely in the coming months, though there may still be considerable work required to iron out all the complexities and challengesCurrently, early adopters may find themselves leaning towards fundamental applications, as businesses prioritize practicality over ambitious implementations.

O'Donnell mentions the emergence of what he refers to as "boring agents," which will focus on performing productive tasks like automating IT processes and other mundane responsibilitiesThese essential functions are anticipated to gain significant traction in the coming year, emphasizing the importance of enhancing workplace efficiency through unsung yet impactful tech solutions.

The future of AI agents holds immense promise, with various technology companies competing to develop more sophisticated and efficient solutions that integrate seamlessly into everyday business operations