Agentic AI, Cyborgs Featured on Gartner’s Tech-To-Watch List for 2025

Gartner has released its list of the top 10 strategic technology trends to watch for 2025, heavily influenced by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. These trends include a mix of AI advancements, new computing paradigms, and human-machine synergy. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends:

1. Agentic AI Systems

• Agentic AI refers to autonomous systems that can plan and execute actions based on user-defined goals. Gartner predicts that by 2028, 15% of day-to-day work decisions will be made autonomously through these systems, a significant jump from zero in 2024.
• Agentic AI has the potential to transform industries, especially sectors like cybersecurity, where there is a massive worker shortage. AI agents can provide continuous training, work 24/7, and be scaled efficiently, offering a cheaper and more flexible workforce. However, the technology still faces design and adoption challenges, and its scalability will depend on how these systems are built and accepted by businesses.

2. AI Governance Platforms

• As AI becomes more integrated into business processes, AI governance platforms will be essential to manage and enforce ethical practices. By 2028, organizations with comprehensive AI governance systems are expected to experience 40% fewer ethical incidents.
• These platforms will focus on transparency, accountability, and ensuring AI systems adhere to ethical standards like fairness and non-bias. Effective governance will help businesses avoid risks such as discriminatory outcomes, privacy violations, and regulatory issues.

3. Addressing Disinformation

• Disinformation security is becoming critical, particularly for AI systems that make decisions based on potentially false or manipulated information. Gartner predicts that by 2028, half of enterprises will adopt solutions to tackle disinformation.
• Disinformation can harm businesses by damaging reputations, disrupting operations, or influencing public opinion. It also opens up vulnerabilities to social engineering attacks. Tackling this issue is essential for the safe deployment of AI in decision-making processes.

4. Postquantum Cryptography

• With the rise of quantum computing, conventional cryptographic methods like RSA and ECC will be rendered insecure. Gartner predicts that by 2029, quantum computing will threaten most current asymmetric cryptography.
• Companies need to start transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic solutions now to ensure data remains secure as quantum computing advances. The timeline for adopting quantum-safe cryptography is already pressing.

5. Neurological Enhancement

• Neurological enhancement technology is expected to enhance human cognitive abilities, potentially affecting areas like upskilling, marketing, and performance. Gartner predicts that by 2030, 30% of knowledge workers will depend on technologies like brain-machine interfaces.
• However, some analysts, like Rob Enderle, express skepticism about the feasibility of achieving this by 2030, given the current limitations in brain-machine interface technology. Nonetheless, the integration of AI into this field could accelerate progress toward more advanced systems.

6. Ambient Invisible Intelligence

• The use of ultra-low-cost, small smart tags and sensors is expected to increase, leading to deeper integration of intelligence into everyday life. This could make systems more context-aware and capable of providing insights or services without direct human interaction.

7. Energy-efficient Computing

• New computing technologies like optical, neuromorphic, and specialized accelerators will emerge by the late 2020s, consuming far less energy compared to traditional computing models. These advancements could enable highly efficient AI and optimization tasks, helping to address the growing environmental impact of technology.

8. Hybrid Computing

• Hybrid computing will become more prevalent, combining traditional and new computing models to create more efficient and transformative environments. By leveraging both cloud and edge computing, businesses can optimize performance and innovation.

9. Spatial Computing

• Spatial computing, which involves enhancing the physical world through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), will grow into a US$1.7 trillion market by 2033. This technology is expected to revolutionize industries by providing immersive experiences and more interactive ways of engaging with data and the environment.

10. Polyfunctional Robots

• By 2030, polyfunctional robots capable of performing multiple tasks will become widespread. Gartner predicts that 80% of humans will interact with a smart robot daily, which will have implications for industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.

Conclusion

Gartner’s strategic technology trends for 2025 show that the future of IT will be driven by AI innovations and the integration of new technologies into everyday life. As AI continues to evolve, businesses will need to focus on responsible and ethical AI practices, while preparing for challenges such as disinformation and the threat of quantum computing.