2025 was the year of agents, what's coming in 2026? - Practical AI Recap

Podcast: Practical AI

Published: 2026-01-09

Duration: 51 min

Summary

The episode reflects on the transformative year of 2025 for AI agents and explores expectations for 2026, emphasizing the rapid evolution and adoption of autonomous AI technologies. The discussion highlights the mixed experiences organizations have had with AI agents, as well as the necessary shifts in workflow and mindset to capitalize on these advancements.

What Happened

Daniel Witenack and Chris Benson kick off the episode by discussing the significant changes in the AI landscape, particularly highlighting 2025 as the year of AI agents. They note the shift from discussing AI models to focusing on autonomous agents, which has created a buzz among organizations trying to understand and implement these technologies. Chris points out the extreme levels of hype surrounding AI agents, mentioning that while some claims suggest a vast majority of organizations are using them, the reality is far more nuanced, with many still grappling with how to effectively leverage these tools.

The conversation then delves into the experiences organizations have had with AI agents over the year, emphasizing that while some have successfully identified use cases leading to impactful results, others are still struggling to find their footing. The hosts reference a tweet from prominent AI researcher Andre Karpathy, who captures the feeling of uncertainty and urgency among professionals facing rapid changes in technology. They discuss the evolution in coding capabilities brought about by advancements like OpenAI's 5.2 model, which has improved senior-level coding performance, demonstrating the broader implications of agentic AI across various fields. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of adapting to these changes and finding practical applications for AI agents as they move into 2026.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What key themes defined AI in 2025?

The key theme that defined AI in 2025 was the transition to AI agents, which represented a significant shift in how organizations approached artificial intelligence. Chris Benson noted that there was a marked change in focus from AI models and assistants to fully autonomous agents. This transition was accompanied by a significant amount of hype, as many organizations began to explore how to integrate these agents into their operations.

How have organizations responded to the emergence of AI agents?

Organizations have had varied responses to the emergence of AI agents. While some have successfully found use cases that demonstrate the value of these technologies, many others are still trying to understand how to effectively implement them. Chris noted that there were claims of widespread adoption, with figures suggesting that up to 70% of organizations were using AI agents, but he dismissed these as exaggerated. The reality is that many are still in the early stages of exploring their potential.

What advancements in coding have been linked to AI agents?

Advancements in AI coding capabilities have been particularly notable, with tools like OpenAI's 5.2 model enabling significant improvements in coding performance. Chris shared his experience, noting that these models have become capable of performing senior-level coding tasks without the high error rates associated with earlier models. This shift has dramatically changed workflows for developers, allowing them to leverage AI agents effectively in their coding practices.

What challenges do businesses face when adopting AI agents?

Businesses face several challenges when adopting AI agents, primarily related to identifying the right use cases and integrating these technologies into existing workflows. Chris highlighted that while some organizations have made impressive strides, others are left 'fumbling in the dark.' This disparity often comes down to the ability to formulate a strong business case and have the right people in place to tackle these challenges.

What does the future hold for AI in 2026?

As the hosts reflect on the future of AI in 2026, they emphasize the necessity for organizations to adapt and continue exploring the capabilities of AI agents. The rapid pace of change within the AI landscape means that those who do not keep up may find themselves left behind. The episode suggests that as organizations learn to harness the power of AI agents effectively, we can expect to see transformative impacts across various industries, continuing the trend set in 2025.