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Autonomous AI-powered agents capable of working collaboratively to solve complex tasks are poised to become a reality by 2025, according to technology services giant Capgemini. The company envisions a future where these agents operate in a distributed and collaborative manner, significantly altering the landscape of work and industry.
Pascal Brier, Capgemini’s chief innovation officer, highlighted the rapid advancements in this field during an interview, noting that many companies are already exploring the potential of these technologies. The firm defines AI agents as systems designed to operate independently, capable of planning, reflecting, and executing complex workflows with minimal human intervention. This evolution marks a shift from traditional AI systems, which primarily follow programmed instructions.
According to a recent Capgemini report titled “Harnessing the Value of Generative AI,” a majority of companies are planning to integrate AI agents into their operations within the next one to three years. The report, based on a survey of over 1,100 companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion, reveals that 82% of respondents are preparing for this integration, while only 7% have no such plans.
These AI agents are categorized into two main types: individual agents that perform specific tasks and multi-agent systems where “agents talk to agents.” For instance, a marketing-focused AI agent creating an ad campaign could autonomously collaborate with a legal department agent to ensure compliance with regulations.
Capgemini notes that these advanced AI agents can not only understand and interpret instructions but also adapt and act independently. This capability positions them as potential substitutes or co-pilots for human workers in certain tasks. The company anticipates that 71% of organizations will use AI agents to facilitate automation, and 64% expect these systems to relieve employees of repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value functions such as enhancing customer experiences.
Despite the promise of AI agents, the technology is still in its early stages, with many companies experimenting and seeking ways to monetize it. Even leading firms like OpenAI face challenges, such as the phenomenon of “hallucinations,” where AI systems generate inaccurate statements due to their predictive nature.
The adoption of generative AI is rapidly increasing, particularly among large enterprises. Capgemini’s report indicates a fourfold increase in the number of organizations integrating generative AI, from 6% in 2023 to 24% in 2024. However, adoption rates vary significantly by company size and industry. While 49% of firms with annual revenues of $20 billion or more are implementing generative AI, only 10% of companies with revenues between $1 billion and $5 billion are doing the same.
Industries such as aerospace and defense are leading the charge, with 88% of organizations investing in generative AI, compared to 66% in retail. As these technologies continue to develop and become more accessible, their impact on various sectors and business models will likely grow, potentially reshaping the future of work.