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20 AI Massive Transformation Shifts
6 Jan 2025, 5:34 am GMT
Over the past years, especially the last 12 months, there have been significant developments in AI, including building massive supercomputers to support ongoing AI training, teaching large language models to use computers, and expanding AI into areas like internet search and real-time political polling insights. What are the top 20 massive transformation shifts in Artificial Intelligence that are going to shape 2025?
A Bank of America survey of global research analysts and strategists, released in September, revealed that 2024 was focused on measuring the return on investment (ROI) from AI, while 2025 is set to be the year businesses widely adopt AI technology.
As I explore the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s becoming increasingly clear that we are on the edge of a major shift. AI is not just changing how we use technology—it’s set to transform how we live, work, and interact with it. This change will affect everything from our everyday routines to the complex ways products are designed and services are delivered.
During my research, I have been looking into the big changes AI is bringing to our world. By this time next year, I believe that many of us will regularly use AI-powered agents—digital assistants- working around the clock to help us. Surprisingly, some of these agents might feel like close companions, smoothly fitting into both our work and personal lives.
My notes and summaries of the major shifts I predict and we all need to dive in and be prepared and special work and use it:
1. AI Agents (Agentic AI) taking over routine yet complex tasks
AI agents are already proving their capability in handling operational tasks that require both precision and complexity.
According to the co-founder of Automation Anywhere, Ankur Kothari: “With AI agents, organisations can expect efficiency gains of 40-80%.”
AI agents bring together automation, conversational tools, and process management skills to drive the next stage of generative AI evolution and digital transformation. They act as role-specific partners for developers, business users, and others, taking the lead in automating tasks and working as informed collaborators to complete jobs efficiently. Combining generative AI technologies with role-based workflows offers a significant chance to achieve transformative business advantages with AI—going far beyond simply improving productivity.
“AI agents are fundamental to practical, measurable applications of generative AI in the enterprise,” says Simon Margolis, Associate CTO of AI/ML at SADA. “Their unique ability to act—that is, write data and make API calls—represents a huge advantage in how businesses can not just gain information from their AI tools but use those tools to perform actions that are otherwise poor uses of human time.”
Secondly, the widespread adoption of AI tools that drive measurable improvements in core business metrics, - sales optimisation and customer support automation. For example, in logistics, AI tools such as Route4Me make delivery routes more efficient by adjusting them in real time. This helps to save money and improve overall performance.
2. AI in business software and sales automation
AI is quickly transforming the world of sales, helping businesses to find new leads, connect with customers, and close deals more effectively. By 2025, it is expected that 20% of first interactions with business software will be handled by AI.
This change is being driven by tools like Conversica, an AI Sales Development Representative (SDR) that works independently to engage with potential customers, assess their needs, and pass them on to human sales teams when ready.
A Boston Consulting Group report reveals that only 26% of companies have developed the capabilities to move beyond AI proofs of concept and generate tangible value. Despite widespread AI implementation, 74% of companies still struggle to realize significant returns. Just 4% have cutting-edge AI capabilities, while 22% are seeing substantial gains from their AI strategies.
“AI leaders are raising the bar with more ambitious goals,” said Nicolas de Bellefonds, a BCG senior partner, managing director, and coauthor of the report. “They target meaningful outcomes on cost and topline and prioritise core function transformation over diffuse productivity gains.”
Their success will pave the way for the next generation of sales automation in the form of AI account executives, which will begin to debut by the end of 2025 and roll out in 2026.
3. Transforming enterprise data utilisation
60% of business owners predict that AI implementation will drive sales growth, while 64% believe it will improve customer relations and increase productivity.
Unstructured data, like customer feedback, emails, and social media interactions, has always been full of valuable insights, but businesses have often found it hard to use.
AI platforms like Databricks and Palantir Foundry are now helping organisations process and analyse this data, revealing patterns and opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Retail businesses can use AI to examine customer reviews and spot trends, such as new product preferences or possible service problems. These insights can shape marketing plans, guide product development, and improve customer loyalty.
By unlocking the power of data across the business, companies can move from reacting to problems to predicting and preventing them, making their strategies more effective and forward-thinking.
4. Breaking Down Business Silos
AI agents are helping companies remove barriers between different departments, making it easier for teams to work together and share data.
For example, sales AI tools can connect CRM platforms with marketing analytics systems, creating a single pipeline to track leads and measure how well campaigns are performing.
According to an IBM report. “80% of business leaders see explainability, ethics, bias or trust as a major concern on the road to generative AI adoption.”
In finance, AI-powered platforms like BlackLine speed up tasks such as financial closing and compliance reporting, helping to link accounting teams with operational teams.
This ability to connect different areas of the business improves the company’s flexibility, allowing for quicker decision-making and a more efficient use of resources.
"We are entering a new world where creative machines will be our partners, not just tools." — Fei-Fei Li, Co-Director of Stanford University's Human-Centered AI Institute.
5. Simple AI use-case approach for early ROI
"Artificial intelligence and generative AI may be the most important technology of any lifetime." — Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce.
Businesses that adopt AI witness an average increase of 6% to 10% in revenue. Using AI for simple, focused tasks helps organisations quickly see a return on their investment. Companies often start with basic applications like chatbots for customer support or automatic email responses.
For example, tools like Zendesk AI manage simple customer questions, speeding up response times and lowering operational costs.
Once these early uses show positive results, businesses can expand their AI capabilities, adding more advanced features like predictive analytics or generative AI for creating content.
This step-by-step approach allows organisations to learn and adjust as they go, reducing risks and ensuring they get the most value from their investment.
6. AI voice passing the speech Turing Test
AI voice technology is improving so much that it can sound just like human speech. Tools like Google Duplex show how AI can hold realistic phone conversations, such as booking appointments or making reservations for users.
This has significant effects: both people and businesses might start using AI voice assistants for daily tasks, even building personal connections with these tools.
"We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nuclear weapons." — Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
This development also brings up concerns about misuse, as people with bad intentions could use AI voice to create convincing scams or impersonate others.
7. AI as a Smart Coworker
Working alongside AI is becoming more like collaborating with a highly competent colleague.
Leonardo da Vinci AI is a critical case study of being able to choose your own AI agent and learn with it! Leonardo da Vinci AI agent assistant is a technology solution that bridges history and technology with a realistic HumanAI Generative model.
“Imagine having a chatbot that not only assists you but also enlightens you about Leonardo da Vinci AI’s personal life, ideas, and groundbreaking achievements, including his historical research, art and thinking work. This is the promise of the Wisdomia.ai LLM AI chatbots.” as described by Dilip Pungliya, Board Partner at ztudium group.
56% of businesses have utilized AI to perfect their business operations. At the same time, 1 in 2 businesses used AI in cyber security and fraud management. Meanwhile, one-third of the businesses use AI for product recommendations, and 26% use it for recruitment and talent sourcing.
8. Video AI revolutionising media
Video AI will become mainstream and disrupt everything on video with digital twins and AI editing, with major Hollywood studios integrating AI-generated video, sound and AI agents from legacy dead actors and historical figures transformed into feature films as seen with CGI recreations in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Additionally, AI voice will solidify its place as the default interface for interacting with AI applications, redefining how users engage with technology, music and creativity.
The global AI video generator market size was estimated at USD 554.9 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.9% from 2024 to 2030.
Coca-Cola has revealed its plans to use generative AI to create new marketing content. This highlights the increasing pressure businesses face to adopt popular and trending tools.
9. AI with simulated empathy and a "Face"
AI agents with facial expressions and emotional responses are improving how humans interact with machines. Technologies like Wisdomia.ai will take Human-AI interactions to the next level.
This development could change fields like customer service, education, and healthcare by making these interactions feel more natural and human-like.
"We are entering a new world where creative machines will be our partners, not just tools." — Fei-Fei Li, Co-Director of Stanford University's Human-Centered AI Institute.
10. Transition to Agentic AI
Major transition from generative AI to agentic AI. Agents become mainstream and are the next step in putting AI as part of daily routines like Star Trek to work in the real world.
Consumers will expect almost every major business they interact with to create an agent. We’ll see agents supporting customers in banking, insurance, healthcare and retail.
"AI will be able to do everything a human can – maybe even better." — Andrew Ng, Co-founder of Coursera and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University.
By 2028, one-third of business software applications will include AI agents, up from less than 1% in 2024. This will allow 15% of daily work decisions to be made automatically without human input.
11. AI-Driven Cybercrime
Cybercriminals using hyper-personalised deepfake scams and disinformation campaigns, exploiting public data to mimic video, voices, writing styles, and behaviors that feel all too familiar. Deepfakes won’t just target individuals—businesses will face AI-driven attacks that impersonate employees, manipulate supply chains, and exploit weaknesses.
"The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race." — Stephen Hawking, Theoretical Physicist.
In 2024, cybercrime is expected to cost the world's internet users a total of $9.22 trillion, with projections reaching nearly $14 trillion by 2028.
A notable example is the rise in deepfake attacks, which are projected to increase by 50% to 60% in 2024, amounting to approximately 140,000 to 150,000 global incidents. Alarmingly, 75% of these deepfakes impersonate CEOs or other C-suite executives, facilitating fraudulent activities such as unauthorized fund transfers.
To combat these evolving threats, businesses must invest in advanced cybersecurity measures, including AI-driven defense systems capable of detecting and mitigating sophisticated attacks.
12. AI prompting humans
?Important to remember and consider: Instead of prompting AI, we’ll be prompted by AI Agents receiving insights, suggestions, and solutions that reshape decision-making in business and personal life.
For instance, AI-driven cybersecurity tools have reduced false positives by 65% in security alert handling, allowing security teams to focus on genuine threats.
"Artificial intelligence is the new electricity." — Andrew Ng, Co-founder of Coursera and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University.
In the realm of mental health, AI applications are being developed to provide personalized support. A study highlights that AI has contributed effectively to the early detection, diagnosis, and referral management of mental health disorders.
These developments indicate a future where AI systems not only assist but also guide human decision-making across various domains.
13. Cultural shifts in human-AI collaboration
Leaders teams will need to manage not just the technological disruptions, transformation but also the radical cultural shift, fostering issues and new redefinition of trust, adaptability, and what means a shared vision for collaboration between humans with humans, and humans with AI Agents that will be almost or more intelligent than us.
A report by the World Economic Forum indicates that 55.9% of respondents believe that, in the next two years, generative AI will provide an overall cyber advantage to attackers, highlighting the need for organisations to adapt to AI's dual-use nature.
99% of the Fortune 500 companies use AI technologies. "We are entering a new world where creative machines will be our partners, not just tools." — Fei-Fei Li, Co-Director of Stanford University's Human-Centered AI Institute.
14. Mental Health Impacts
AI will create new mental health issues and at the same time revolutionise mental health care by moving beyond the outdated ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment model. By combining machine learning and genetic analyses, AI can predict mental health issues before they escalate and help match patients to the right treatment faster.
But will at the same time create new issues with social life. Dating AI Agents will happen more than ever and disturbing issues of not accepting this new reality will emerge!
"The real question is, when will we draft an artificial intelligence bill of rights? What will that consist of? And who will get to decide that?" — Gray Scott, Futurist and Philosopher.
However, the rise of AI companions also presents challenges. There is a growing concern about individuals forming unhealthy attachments to AI chatbots, potentially impacting real-life relationships and social interactions. Ethical considerations regarding privacy, data security, and the effectiveness of AI in providing genuine emotional support are paramount as these technologies become more prevalent.
15. Organisational Capabilities Expansion
AI will create 15 to 20% additional capabilities for organisations in the next three to five years. As organizations prioritise driving tangible value from their AI investments, we’ll see more of them doubling down on and building a workforce plan based on AI’s strategies, using its directives to impact 360 on roles and skills.
The AI cybersecurity market, for instance, is expected to grow from around $24 billion in 2023 to roughly $134 billion by 2030, indicating a substantial investment in AI-driven solutions. "AI will be a driving force for economic growth and innovation in the coming decades." — Erik Brynjolfsson, Director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy.
Companies like Amazon have already implemented AI to optimise supply chain operations and warehouse management, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. This trend is expected to continue across various industries, with AI enabling organisations to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance overall performance.
16. Advanced scams and identity theft
The rise of hyper-personalised scams poses a significant threat to both individuals and organisations. AI-driven methods are increasingly being employed by cybercriminals to crack passwords, leading to a significant shift in how data breaches occur.
To mitigate these risks, solutions like Onfido are crucial for identity verification, employing AI to authenticate user identities and detect fraudulent activities. Implementing robust security measures and educating individuals about the potential dangers of AI-driven scams are essential steps in combating this growing threat.
40% of retailers have adopted AI to enhance in-person experiences and implement real-time pricing.
17. Edge AI transformation
Advancements in TinyML and edge computing are enabling AI capabilities on small, low-power devices. This allows devices like smart thermostats to process data locally, facilitating real-time decision-making and reducing reliance on cloud infrastructure.
The global market for AI in cybersecurity is expected to grow significantly, indicating a broader adoption of AI technologies across various applications, including edge devices.
This transformation enhances privacy, as data remains on-device, and improves responsiveness, making AI more accessible and efficient in everyday applications.
18. AI-Driven Search
Search engines are evolving to provide direct, actionable answers powered by generative AI, moving away from traditional lists of links. AI-powered platforms like Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Google’s SGE (Search Generative Experience) are and will redefine search. This shift makes search more conversational, saving users time and effort.
The AI cybersecurity market is projected to grow significantly, reflecting the increasing integration of AI across various sectors, including search technologies. 85.1% of companies use AI for article writing.
Consumers will be moving away from lists of links and toward answers and actions. Search engines are rapidly evolving to deliver clear, conversational, and actionable results powered by generative AI.
19. Healthcare radical transformation with AI
AI-powered platforms are enabling healthcare consumers to predict procedure costs and outcomes, enhancing transparency in the healthcare value chain. AI has the potential to revolutionise mental health care, offering new tools and resources that can provide support and improve outcomes.
Tools like IBM Watson Health use data analytics to personalise treatment plans, giving patients more control over their healthcare. Organizations will dive into the actual cost of procedures, digital twins and use AI tools that predict costs relative to individual insurance plans and utilisation.
20. Potential catastrophic AI events
The critical is that we all have to underscore the urgency of understanding the issues and challenges integrating ethical frameworks into AI learning. Such an approach not only addresses issues like algorithmic bias and unintended consequences but also fosters a sense of responsibility in future leaders, bridging the gap between rapid technological innovation and societal well-being.
Expect major disruptions or some major catastrophic event with AI or indirect use of AI. More AI Agents will question or respond to you in ways that you never thought and expect and some will become risks and consequences can be major.
AI-powered weapons, also known as "killer robots," are designed to make decisions without human intervention.
According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), nearly 30 countries are actively developing autonomous weapons systems.
A 2024 study found that 42% of AI systems tested in high-stakes environments (e.g., criminal justice) exhibited significant biases.
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Dinis Guarda
Author
Dinis Guarda is an author, entrepreneur, founder CEO of ztudium, Businessabc, citiesabc.com and Wisdomia.ai. Dinis is an AI leader, researcher and creator who has been building proprietary solutions based on technologies like digital twins, 3D, spatial computing, AR/VR/MR. Dinis is also an author of multiple books, including "4IR AI Blockchain Fintech IoT Reinventing a Nation" and others. Dinis has been collaborating with the likes of UN / UNITAR, UNESCO, European Space Agency, IBM, Siemens, Mastercard, and governments like USAID, and Malaysia Government to mention a few. He has been a guest lecturer at business schools such as Copenhagen Business School. Dinis is ranked as one of the most influential people and thought leaders in Thinkers360 / Rise Global’s The Artificial Intelligence Power 100, Top 10 Thought leaders in AI, smart cities, metaverse, blockchain, fintech.
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