Who’s in Charge of Agentic AI?

Gartner identifies agentic AI as a top tech trend for 2025, highlighting its potential to perform complex tasks autonomously. Examples of applications range from banking and logistics to healthcare, demonstrating significant capabilities. Yet, as opportunities bloom, so do concerns regarding ethics, accountability, and the necessity for regulatory frameworks.

In tech circles, Gartner’s annual report on strategic technology trends is like a coveted crystal ball revealing the future. Topping the list for 2025? Agentic artificial intelligence (AI). Defined by Gartner as technology that acts like a “highly competent teammate,” agentic AI can illuminate insights drawn from data that often slip under the radar of human analysts.

Historically, generative AI started with straightforward queries, using natural language processing to engage in basic interactions. But we’re shifting gears; agentic AI now autonomously tackles complex problems requiring layered reasoning and multiple actions. A recent example comes from an Indian bank planning to harness agentic AI to transform customer service. This system could not only respond to queries but also check balances, suggest account payoffs, and even execute transactions based on client feedback. Imagine a fraud detection tool that springs into action on spotting odd logins, instantly alerting customers to potential risks.

Agentic AI’s capacity isn’t just confined to finance. In logistics, it can save businesses from common supply headaches by monitoring inventory levels, automating restocks, and optimizing delivery routes. More impressively, it could also foresee disruptions and manage smart warehousing, enhancing customer communication in real-time. In healthcare, the applications are equally captivating. Think of an AI that smartly schedules appointments based on doctor availability and patient needs, analyzes medical data, and alerts healthcare providers of vital changes before they escalate into crises.

The backbone of this cutting-edge tech lies in collecting and processing data from diverse sources like sensors and databases, creating specialized models through large language frameworks, and then executing actions via APIs—all while remaining within established ethical guidelines. How does it work? Well, you’ve got agents gathering and aggregating data, others executing workflows efficiently, and a system that orchestrates these various agents into a seamless operation.

Previously, discussions around hyper-automation were all the rage, focusing on repetitive, rule-based tasks. However, hyper-automation lacks the flexibility necessary to handle more complex, context-sensitive issues. Enter agentic AI, which adds an adaptive decision-making nuance on top of these existing frameworks, effectively marrying the two. As demand for agentic AI solutions rises, so does the call for skilled professionals in this space. Currently, there are less than 100,000 of them, and projections suggest that will need to double by 2026. Positions like agentic AI developers and performance testers are just the tip of the iceberg.

While autonomous AI offers vast potential for streamlined operations and better results, it also raises questions about control and accountability. Who’s actually responsible? Users, after all, only engage with the technology through prompts. Developers must build in ethical considerations and safeguards, while organizations deploying AI need to take charge, defining clear roles and staying vigilant to intervene when necessary.

It’s a given that legislation often struggles to keep pace with rapid technological shift. Take India, for example, where existing laws may soon evolve into AI-specific regulations, addressing critical issues such as bias and accountability. Only then can policymakers harness the full potential of AI technology, steering it away from misuse in a fast-paced digital world. The conversation won’t just stop here; we might be standing on the brink of a future where AI earns its own legal standing, complete with rights and responsibilities. The stakes are undoubtedly high, as control over such powerful tools must remain firmly in human hands.

The landscape of agentic AI is evolving quickly, signifying a transformational leap in technological capabilities. From enhancing customer service to optimizing logistics and healthcare, its potential appears boundless. However, as we navigate this burgeoning era of AI, the importance of ethical standards and accountability cannot be overstated. With proper regulation, agentic AI promises both progress and growth, but we need to remain vigilant stewards of this powerful technology. The future might even see AI with its own set of rights, further complicating our relationship with it.

Original Source: www.financialexpress.com