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See what’s next for AI, semiconductors and robotics—and how they’re changing the way we work.
Technology touches nearly every facet of our lives—from the way we gather information to the way we move goods—and it advances every day. To see what’s on the horizon, we turned to the annual Technology Trends Outlook report from McKinsey & Company. Each year they assess the technology landscape and identify how it affects the way we work. Here’s a look at the top trends in AI, semiconductors and robotics.
The next step in AI: Agentic AI
Artificial intelligence systems like chatbots are primitive in comparison to agentic AI. In addition to being able to plan independently and execute multistep tasks, agentic AI systems can communicate with one another. This means they can do unpredictable tasks. Plus, they can use the same tools a person would instead of relying on custom code to connect with another system; this allows agentic AI systems to be managed using natural language.
Agentic AI shows great potential for doing deep research and addressing complex business problems but as systems communicate autonomously there are concerns about accountability, transparency and control.
Semiconductors go application-specific
General purpose semi-conductors are now complemented by application-specific semiconductors optimized for specialized tasks. Designing chips for a specific task transforms them into “computational powerhouses” that perform with speed and cost efficiency.
Numerous industries are interested in customized chips, including automotive, AI and telecommunications. One thing that could hinder chip technology advances are supply chain disruptions due to trade restrictions, tariffs and market fragmentation.
Robots become more autonomous and mobile
Robots are already familiar in manufacturing but the latest technology changes how they navigate and move in spaces designed for humans. Coupled with AI, robots can be enabled to respond to novel situations. Increasingly, robots are being designed for airports, large-format stores and restaurants, logistics, hospitality and agriculture.
Untethered robots still face challenges like the ability to operate for only four hours before needing a recharge and slow speed when grasping objects.
As use of robots expands, employers will have to focus attention on reskilling workers, people’s safety and cybersecurity.
For all the 2025 trends identified by McKinsey & Company, read the Technology Trends Outlook report.
Consumers business loans
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