Agentic AI: The Final Barrier in the Future of Work

As we stand on the brink of a transformative era, Agentic AI emerges as the pivotal force reshaping the future of work. Unlike traditional rule-based automation systems, Agentic AI embodies autonomous agents capable of planning, reasoning, and collaborating to achieve complex objectives. This evolution signifies a shift from static task execution to dynamic, purpose-driven problem-solving, heralding the dawn of ‘AI Atlantis’—a future where billions of intelligent agents integrate seamlessly into the human workforce.

I hate to say this, but most are still trying to reap the ‘benefits’ from their massive cash outlays in the current #GenAI arms race. Let’s face it – there are only two (2) clear winners this round (for the next 2 or so years), and it’s Microsoft and Nvidia. The rest are bleeding, trying to catch-up or going ‘Scorched Earth’. For every 10 (ten) strident #BigTech #AI evangelists – there’s 1 (one) #AIEthicist like myself ;'(

There’s nothing much (relatively) to be gained from #GenAI. Really. It’s going to replace search. Absolutely. It’s going to do all our children’s homework. Absolutely. It’s going to get us more creative, writing more. Absolutely. That all changes with Agentic #AI. Mixture of Agents. Chain of Thought reasoning. Basically, the ability to take up more (and more) % of tasks that humans can in their work. If we go by the numbers, it’s possible to replace 60-70% of a certain role – especially junior ones – in sectors such as Law, Trading, and Financial Services. If you’re keen to find out more which sectors and the type of roles hardest hit – check out PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer released in May 2024 (surveying half a billion jobs). Here’s the link: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/234b85b3-1363-48f3-8d15-c86e72d4f6f2?_gl=1*p2xyo6*_ga*MjI5MzAyNDQ4LjE3MzIxMDIwODA.*_ga_W0LDH41ZCB*MTczMjEwMjA3OS4xLjAuMTczMjEwMjA3OS42MC4wLjA.

From Rules-Based Automation to Agentic AI

Traditional automation, exemplified by Robotic Process Automation (RPA), relies on predefined rules to perform repetitive tasks. Similar to expert systems of the past (before the AI Winter set in) – even similar to how DeepBlue beat Kasparov in Chess. While effective for routine processes, RPA lacks the adaptability and cognitive capabilities required for complex decision-making. In contrast, Agentic AI systems possess advanced planning and reasoning abilities, enabling them to interpret high-level objectives, collaborate with other agents and humans, and learn from feedback and evolving environments.

The Emergence of AI Atlantis

This was a term coined up by another futurist, but I thought it apt. Imagine billions of robots (embodied, digital) joining, more like disrupting, the Future Workforce. Elon is talking 10B robots in our households in the next 2-3 years. And get this, while the Westerners get software right – assume China and Japan are already a few steps ahead with embodied and physical AI. It’s hard to imagine brands like Huawei, Sony, and the other Asian manufacturing greats missing out on this trillion-dollar boat.

In the coming years, the integration of Agentic AI is expected to revolutionise industries globally. Analysts from IDC project that AI could contribute up to 3.5% of the global GDP by 2030, underscoring its profound economic impact. This transformation will manifest in workforce expansion, organisational restructuring, and industry disruption, with AI agents undertaking complex tasks alongside human colleagues.

The Human Role: Steering Towards Purpose

As AI agents assume more operational responsibilities, the human role will pivot towards guiding and shaping these capabilities to align with organisational and societal objectives. According to PwC’s 2023 Hopes & Fears survey, many workers anticipate a positive impact from AI, with increased productivity and new job opportunities on the horizon. However, humans must define purpose, ensure ethical alignment, and focus on creativity and strategy to maximise these benefits.

Insights from Industry Analysts

Leading organisations provide valuable perspectives on AI integration. PwC’s Global AI Jobs Barometer reveals significant increases in AI-related job postings, while Stanford HAI’s AI Index Report highlights growing demand for AI skills. Forrester predicts that regulatory fines related to AI will double by 2024, and Gartner emphasises the importance of incorporating AI into talent strategies.

Challenges and Considerations

The integration of Agentic AI presents challenges, including ensuring alignment with human intentions, balancing reliance on AI with human oversight, and addressing workforce transition issues. Proactive strategies are essential to navigate these challenges and maximise AI’s benefits.

Government Policies: Bridging the Transition

Governments worldwide are implementing policies to mitigate job displacement and facilitate workforce transitions. Reskilling initiatives, such as Singapore’s TechSkills Accelerator, aim to equip workers with digital competencies. Social safety nets and public-private partnerships are also being developed to address the socio-economic impacts of AI integration.

Conclusion

Agentic AI represents a transformative force in the future of work, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation. However, the successful realisation of this potential hinges on human leadership to guide AI towards ethical and purposeful outcomes. As we enter the era of AI Atlantis, the challenge lies not in adapting to AI but in leading it towards a future that reflects shared human values and aspirations.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m a tech optimist, and I love #AI. I studied under (now) famous professors like Geoff Hinton back in the early 1990s! Back then Neural Networks was just a blip in the overall Software Engineering and Computer Science course. Look how far we’ve come.