Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and according to Capgemini, by 2025 we can expect to see the rise of multi-agent AI systems. These systems will consist of a network of agents working together to solve tasks in a collaborative manner. This new era of AI technology is set to revolutionize the way businesses operate and will have a profound impact on various industries.
Capgemini defines AI agents as autonomous entities capable of functioning independently, planning, reflecting, pursuing higher-level goals, and executing complex workflows with minimal human oversight. These agents are designed to work behind the scenes, completing tasks on behalf of users. The U.S. is leading the way in adopting this technology, with Europe lagging behind. Research conducted by Capgemini indicates that a significant portion of companies are planning to integrate AI agents into their operations within the next one to three years.
There are two main types of AI agents: individual agents that perform specific tasks autonomously, and multi-agent technology, where agents collaborate with each other. For example, a marketing-focused AI agent could work with a legal AI agent within the same organization to ensure that an ad campaign complies with legal requirements. These agents are not just following instructions; instead, they can understand, interpret, adapt, and act independently, potentially replacing human workers for certain tasks.
The first major wave of AI technology in 2022 focused on understanding prompts and large language models. Now, AI and generative AI are converging, with a greater emphasis on building knowledge engines and using generative AI to interact with these engines. AI agents are becoming essential tools that can act as substitutes or co-pilots, helping users to find information and accomplish tasks efficiently.
Capgemini’s research found that the majority of organizations expect AI agents to facilitate automation and relieve human workers of repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more value-added functions such as customer experience. The adoption of generative AI has increased significantly in recent years, with more organizations incorporating this technology into their operations. While larger companies are leading the way in adopting generative AI, smaller firms are slower to follow suit.
The adoption of generative AI varies across industries, with some sectors being more proactive in integrating this technology. For example, in aerospace and defense, 88% of organizations have invested in generative AI, while in retail, this number is lower at 66%. Larger companies with higher revenues are more likely to invest in generative AI experiments, as they have the resources to measure results more effectively and make faster progress compared to smaller firms.
As we look ahead to the future of AI technology, it is clear that multi-agent AI systems will play a pivotal role in transforming the way businesses operate. These systems have the potential to streamline processes, automate tasks, and enhance productivity across various industries. By embracing this new era of AI innovation, companies can stay ahead of the curve and leverage the power of AI agents to drive growth and innovation in the years to come.