We've moved beyond the "Talk to AI" phase. 2026 is the year of "AI doing things."
What is an Agent?
Unlike a chatbot that answers questions, an agent has agency. It can plan, execute, and iterate.
- Chatbot: "Here is a recipe for lasagna."
- Agent: "I've ordered the ingredients for lasagna from your local grocer to arrive at 5 PM, and I've synced the cooking steps to your smart display."
Transforming Workflows
In software development, agents like Devin and others have evolved to become true pair programmers. They don't just complete code; they debug, refactor, and even deploy.
In enterprise, agents are handling customer support tickets, managing logistics chains, and automating financial reporting with minimal human oversight.
The Challenges
Trust and safety are paramount. An agent that can execute commands needs guardrails. We're seeing the emergence of "Agent Protocols" to standardise how these AI workers interact with existing software systems safely.
The workforce is adapting, shifting from "doing the task" to "managing the agent that does the task."
