Investing.com — Agentic AI, identified as the next major wave in artificial intelligence, is poised to redefine the landscape of technology and its applications.
According to analysts at BofA Global Research, this new generation of AI transcends current generative AI tools, such as chatbots and copilots, by introducing autonomous, decision-making agents capable of executing complex tasks without explicit human instructions.
Agentic AI refers to a class of advanced foundation models that act as operating systems for autonomous agents.
These agents possess enhanced reasoning capabilities and the ability to take independent actions to achieve specific goals.
Unlike earlier iterations of AI, which primarily responded to predefined inputs, Agentic AI is proactive.
It can plan, learn from its environment, and interact with other systems to complete tasks ranging from software engineering to logistics, often with minimal human intervention.
The emergence of Agentic AI flags the astonishing speed of AI evolution. Just two years after the debut of ChatGPT and the widespread adoption of generative AI, this third wave signals a shift toward systems that are not merely tools but autonomous collaborators.
BofA suggests that this transition outpaces earlier technology waves, such as the adoption of personal computers and the internet.
The implications of Agentic AI are vast. Fully autonomous fleets of digital agents and robots could revolutionize industries heavily dependent on human labor, ushering in a “corporate efficiency revolution.”
Sectors such as manufacturing, customer service, logistics, and healthcare stand to benefit significantly.
For example, robots integrated into warehouses by companies like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and DHL have already demonstrated the potential of such technology, achieving greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Moreover, the ability of Agentic AI systems to autonomously handle complex, open-ended tasks could accelerate the deployment of AI in roles traditionally requiring high levels of human skill and judgment.
This includes not only routine operational tasks but also more specialized functions in fields like biopharma, education, and cybersecurity.
While Agentic AI offers transformative benefits, its rapid adoption also raises concerns. The displacement of jobs, especially in fields that rely on both physical and cognitive labor, is a potential downside.
For instance, BofA analysts note that within eight months of ChatGPT’s launch, freelancing roles related to writing and coding witnessed a significant decline.
The expansion of Agentic AI capabilities to physical domains—such as construction, landscaping, and nursing—may further exacerbate this trend.
Conversely, the rise of Agentic AI could spur innovation and create new economic opportunities. Thousands of AI-focused startups are expected to emerge, leveraging advanced technologies to introduce scalable solutions across industries.
This wave of “AI dot-com” enterprises may redefine business models and generate novel job categories over the next decade.
Despite the advent of Agentic AI, the AI revolution has not reached its peak yet. Instead, AI is entering a supercycle of innovation, where advancements in the field are driving the development of more sophisticated applications.
Global economic growth will undergo unprecedented changes as this wave unfolds, resulting in a reshaped workforce, new business models, and enhanced productivity.