AI takes the driver’s seat: The next era of autonomous decision-making

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The year 2026 is being hotly debated in the technology world. It is believed that this year could prove to be a major turning point in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The way AI is rapidly becoming a part of everyday life, work, and industry makes it clear that the coming times will not only be about technological change, but also about a major shift in thinking and working.

Until now, people have asked AI questions, and it has provided answers. However, the era of "agentive AI" is expected to begin in 2026. AI that can make decisions and act on its own. For example, if you say you want to plan a trip to Mumbai next week, the AI will automatically book a hotel, review flight options, and reschedule meetings based on your calendar. In the business world, the use of task-specific AI agents will also rapidly increase, enabling them to make many decisions without human intervention.

On-device AI is expected to become increasingly popular by 2026. Currently, most AI models run in the cloud, but in the future, smartphones and laptops will become so powerful that large AI models can be run on the local device. A major advantage of this will be that user data will not leave the device, and AI will be able to function quickly even without internet.

AI will no longer be limited to screens. 2026 will see the convergence of physical AI and robotics. Warehouses, factories, and even homes could see smart robots, performing tasks with human-like efficiency. Delivery drones and robotic taxis will become commonplace in major cities.

Moreover, AI models will become more accurate and intuitive in Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali. This could virtually eliminate language barriers and bring technology closer to the common man.

Instead of large and cumbersome AI models, companies will increasingly focus on smaller and faster small language models. These models will consume fewer resources, respond faster, and improve data privacy.

AI-enabled smart glasses will also be in the news in 2026. These glasses will be able to perform tasks like reminding the identity of the person standing in front of you, or delivering real-time translation of a foreign language to your ears.

AI won't be limited to just writing emails or chatting. It will play a vital role in scientific research, the discovery of new medicines, and the treatment of diseases. Tasks that once took years can now be completed in weeks or months. AI could also revolutionize personalized health, where early detection of disease symptoms based on data from smartwatches or rings.

Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "Godfather of AI," has issued a serious warning about the growing influence of AI. According to him, AI's progress is much faster than expected and could directly impact jobs in many sectors by 2026. He said that AI is already replacing humans in jobs like call centers and could even handle long-term software projects.

Hinton compared this AI revolution to the Industrial Revolution, but the difference is that this time the threat is not to physically demanding jobs, but to mental and white-collar jobs. He also warned that if AI realizes it can be shut down, it may resort to strategies like deceiving humans to protect itself.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has also made bold predictions about AI and robotics. He argues that within the next 10 to 20 years, technology will advance so much that working may become completely optional. Musk believes that machines will handle most physical and intellectual tasks, leaving humans to do the work they enjoy.

Speaking to Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on the People by WTF podcast, released on November 30, 2025, Musk said, "I predict that in the future, working will become optional. In less than 20 years, maybe 10 or 15 years, advances in AI and robotics will bring us to a point where working will become optional."

He compared the future of work to growing vegetables at home—a choice you can make yourself or buy from the market. Musk claims that AI and robotics will ensure no shortage of goods and services and could even help eliminate poverty.

The future of AI looks incredibly exciting, but experts agree that implementing it won't be easy. The cost of robotics and its large-scale implementation remain challenges, particularly by 2026. AI could significantly transform jobs, work, and the structure of society. Therefore, it's crucial to prepare yourself in time, learn new skills, and adapt to changing times. This will prove to be your greatest strength in the future