AI Agents: What They Are and Their Impact Ahead
Let us talk about AI agents—what are they, and why are they becoming a big deal now? We will dive into how they are made and explore 12 predictions for how they will affect businesses and everyday life in 2024. Get ready for some big changes!
The Rise of Practical AI Assistants
In 2023, we saw an explosion of advanced AI models like LLMs. They are great at creating text, images, and code. However, what if these models could do more than generate content? Enter AI agents – programs pairing LLMs with data and tools to accomplish tasks. These agents go beyond content creation; they make decisions and take action.
AI agents interpret instructions, devise plans, and execute steps to reach goals. Using various tools and data, they continuously adjust their strategy based on progress.
Imagine an email agent crafting emails and conversing with recipients to achieve objectives. Or a scheduling agent liaising with multiple parties, gathering availability, and organizing events accordingly. These AI agents blend smart decision-making with real-world actions, unlocking potent and valuable outcomes.
Preparing for the Arrival of Advanced AI: Building Blocks and Considerations
OpenAI’s ChatGPT and similar chat tools mark the beginning of AI advancements, helping with real-time information. The groundwork for future AI is laid: powerful language models and tools are available now. We have abundant data and a treasure trove of existing software linked to the real world. But piecing these together is a new challenge. Businesses are gradually realizing the significance and potential of AI agents, fueling the need for their integration.
Crafting these AI agents involves careful technical planning. Decisions on tool access, data formats, and intelligent data handling are pivotal. Even after tool and data choices, technical aspects like prompts, language models, output management, and performance evaluation require detailed consideration.
On the business front, there’s a learning curve. Product teams are new to AI agents; managers seek experts in domains, product development, software, and AI. Companies might start with trials before implementing AI in full-scale applications.
The groundwork is laid, but the journey continues. Companies are gearing up, conversations are evolving, and plans are taking shape. As an AI/ML consultant, I witness this shift firsthand. The future holds more refined tools, heightened business know-how, user confidence, and a continuous cycle of improvements.
The Future of AI Agents in 2024: Predictions Unveiled
As I started planning this article, Google still needed to introduce Gemini, its multi-talented model. Gemini’s capabilities with various media types—text, images, audio—open new possibilities. The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, and combining Gemini with specialized data and tools promises groundbreaking advances for AI agents soon.
Looking ahead to 2024, I foresee significant strides in AI. Companies embracing AI agent technology will drive innovation. Here are my predictions for AI agents in the upcoming year.
1. AI agents do simple work: AI agents are stepping into everyday tasks, making jobs easier. They’re not just fancy gadgets anymore—they’re handling routine work like document updates, scheduling, and audits. Companies are testing the waters with these basic tasks, showing that AI isn’t just hype. It’s becoming a real game-changer for businesses.
2. AI agent specialization: In 2024, we’ll likely witness a shift toward more specialized AI models and tools created for specific purposes. Companies will focus on developing tailored datasets and tools for AI agents. Expect a move towards modularity, especially in intricate tools and exclusive data. Some of these might be provided as services through APIs or in the form of datasets.
3. Multi-agent development: Imagine AI helpers teaming up instead of working alone. When AI buddies specialize, they join forces to tackle bigger tasks. Picture some handling big goals while others focus on specific jobs, all working together smoothly.
4. AI agents as consumers: Getting more page views from agents means that AI-powered systems or bots might start viewing websites more often. In the future, websites and tools might be tweaked so that AI agents can discover and use them easily. Currently, we design most things on the web for people to use, but this might shift as AI agents start consuming content and using tools more.
5. More trust and power to choose and do: AI assistants will evolve to make more significant choices, gaining trust in business settings. They might handle budgets, buy stocks, or create timely personalized ads. Picture bargaining with an AI ad assistant, able to decide on deals.
AI Ad Assistant: “Hi Dan, get 20% off our new gadget if you buy now.”
Me: “I’m in if you can ship within three days and throw in some product stickers.”
AI Ad Assistant: “Sure! You’ll receive three gadget stickers. Shipping costs $x, and we’ll ship to your address. Confirm for payment.”
6. AIAaaS (AI Agents as a Service): Amazon Web Services has had a service called Mechanical Turk for a while now. It lets businesses hire groups of people for repetitive tasks. Now, imagine renting AI Agents that can do similar tasks on demand and a large scale. These AI Agents might even learn or get better at specific jobs. Ready for an AI Agent to check your competition entry? Or help with taxes using your W2s and 1099s? How about an AI advisor to discuss ideas with and manage your money according to your goals?
7. Some jobs will face pressure: AI agents are changing how some jobs function. If your work involves lots of time on a computer, is repetitive, or is similar to others, it might feel more pressure from AI. Jobs needing unique skills or done away from computers are likely to be unaffected. AI is likely to assist rather than fully replace many roles in 2024.
8. New job roles will emerge: As businesses start using AI agents, they’ll need people who can handle and work with them. What might the upcoming key roles be? Agent Engineer, Agent Manager, Trainer, Evaluator, Auditor, or AgentOps? We’re still determining the titles, but AI agents will need humans to use, look after, and enhance them. They’ll also need monitoring and oversight.
9. Hype and doom: In 2024, expect more exaggerated claims about AI. People will talk and write excitedly, claiming AI solves everything or spells doom for humanity. But not all of it will be true. It’ll still be challenging to find the real, meaningful stuff amidst the hype, just like in 2023.
10. Calls for governance:Â In the coming year, the importance of governing AI will grow clearer. Yet, governments will struggle to regulate it effectively due to a lack of understanding. This could lead to blind decisions and influence from interest groups. True control over AI is challenging as its foundations are freely accessible. Many officials lack tech knowledge, while tech leaders may not grasp AI entirely. So, effective AI governance may remain distant in 2024.
11. Lots of competition: In 2023, big cloud providers and AI companies fought hard for attention in the GenAI field. This trend is expected to intensify in 2024, with more AI companies launching improved products. Major tech companies will introduce helpful AI agents. Competition will arise among companies benefiting from AI and those using it to add value for customers downstream.
12. AI Agent powered devices: In the near future, smarter devices are on the horizon, thanks to AI technology. Picture your smart gadgets getting even smarter – more interactive and helpful. Imagine asking your vacuum, “Can you tidy up the toys before vacuuming?” AI-powered devices will make this possible, making our daily tasks easier. While these advancements might mean higher prices, the convenience they bring is worth exploring.
Did I mention 12 predictions? As I wrapped up the final edits and pondered further, a few more thoughts popped into my head. These new ideas might not emerge in 2024, but it’ll be intriguing to see if they materialize.
1. AI agent assisted malware: Computer viruses are changing a lot, and soon, we might encounter ones that use AI. Identity theft might also involve AI agents, making it harder to detect them. These agents will only pop up on their own but will be made by people, posing a challenge in spotting them.
2. Self-destructing AI agent: Sometimes, there are better choices than using an on-demand API. In certain situations, an AI agent should be downloaded onto a device. After it finishes its job, it can remove itself to save space. Another use could be ensuring customers keep up with a license by paying regularly.
3. Self-improving AI agent: Improving how LLMs work involves giving examples, adjusting settings, and using different techniques. But most of these improvements need people to do them manually. A better AI would know when it’s learned something new and improve itself without requiring people to do it.
4. AI agent scientists: Unlike an AI agent focused on business objectives, an AI agent scientist might have a learning task and access to various tools and data. This agent would create and test ideas, seeking access to new devices. This could significantly boost experimentation and research if connected to a physical lab, like in materials science or biotech.
Do you have any thoughts on where AI agents are heading? Share your ideas in the comments—I’m all ears!
Conclusion
In 2023, LLM apps stole the spotlight, but in 2024, AI Agents are set to take center stage. We’re getting there while many agents (and LLMs) are more like toys for now—fun but not super practical. Companies working on these “toys” are preparing to release serious AI agents. These agents will be top-notch, handling real-life tasks like pros. Love them or not, AI agents are becoming part of our world.
Thinking about the future with AI agents can be thrilling and scary. Things are moving fast, and keeping up is tough. But these agents bring incredible potential. They’ll help us do more, create more, and enjoy more without as much effort. However, they’ll shake up how businesses operate, and we’ll all need to get comfy with this new tech.
