Cisco Predicts Rise of Autonomous AI Agents in Workplace

The integration of AI into enterprise systems has created new challenges for technology leaders in 2024, from infrastructure requirements to security threats. As companies struggle with implementation, attention is turning to how AI will reshape workplaces in 2025 and beyond.

According to Liz Centoni, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cisco, enterprise technology faces changes from autonomous AI and quantum computing security threats in 2025.

The company’s analysis highlights shifts in how AI systems will operate without human intervention, alongside emerging cybersecurity risks as quantum computers begin to threaten existing encryption methods.

Autonomous AI agents reshape enterprise operations at Cisco

A key development will be the emergence of agentic AI – autonomous AI systems that can learn continuously from user data and make decisions independently, rather than following static rules. These systems will coordinate with each other to handle complex business processes like supply chain management.

“In 2025, AI won’t just be a tool; it will be a collaborator,” Liz predicts. “Unlike today’s approaches that require user prompts or predefined rules, agentic AI will operate proactively.”

The systems will predict user needs before queries are made and resolve network issues autonomously. Multiple AI agents will work together to manage supply chains by forecasting demand, optimising inventories and coordinating deliveries.

“For businesses, this shift means a leap in efficiency and personalisation,” she says. “It also underscores the importance of governance and guardrails. In response to the rise of Agentic AI, we will see organisations implementing mandatory ethical guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency in algorithmic decisions and protecting intellectual property.”

Humanoid robots enter workforce as infrastructure challenges emerge

The first deployments of humanoid robots working alongside humans will likely occur in 2025, requiring enterprises to upgrade their network infrastructure. Companies will need low-latency connectivity to support real-time data processing for these systems.

“Companies will need to ensure their connectivity has the right levels of latency and throughput, because the humanoids’ performance will be driven by their ability to process and analyse data in real time,” says Liz.

Security poses another infrastructure challenge. Networks must protect both the data processed by humanoid systems and prevent tampering with their control software.

Implementation of AI continues to face obstacles, with Cisco’s AI Readiness Index showing global preparedness has declined one point over the past year. Only 13% of organisations report readiness to fully utilise AI technologies.

Computing power remains a constraint, with 21% of organisations having sufficient graphics processing units for current and future AI workloads.

“Many boards will find themselves readjusting expectations, timelines and priorities that were established mere months ago as companies reckon with the ‘messy middle’ of AI implementation,” Liz notes.

Security threats evolve with quantum computing

Cybersecurity will also face fresh challenges from quantum computing advances that could break current encryption methods. This comes as AI enables new attack types like prompt injection, where malicious code masquerades as legitimate AI system inputs.

Only 30% of companies globally report capabilities to address AI-specific security threats, according to Cisco’s research.

The increasing connectivity of digital systems adds complexity to the security landscape. “As things become increasingly connected, the sophistication of attacks grows too,” says Liz. “The network’s ability to provide visibility into the environment will make it the first and last line of defence.”

Network configuration errors, which cause 40% of outages and cost businesses 9% of annual revenue, may reduce as AI automation increases. AI-driven tools will learn from each configuration to prevent errors and maintain continuous operations.

“As attackers shift their tactics to compromise users and endpoints, aiming for lateral movement to maximise the impact of their attacks, the network will become a crucial pillar of security. The network’s ability to provide visibility into the environment will make it the first and last line of defence. We will see organisations integrating AI to augment human capabilities to fortify the network as a pivotal line of defence and policy enforcement.”

Sustainability concerns rise with AI adoption

The environmental impact of AI deployment presents sustainability challenges. Data centres dedicated to AI are projected to consume as much energy as the Netherlands by 2025.

AI could help address these issues through energy networking, combining software-defined networking with direct current micro grids to monitor emissions and optimise power usage.

“Businesses that win will be those who prioritise energy-efficient products and circularity in business models,” says Liz. “AI will be both the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ in this space, bringing us vast capabilities and a continuous learning method for delivering them more sustainably.

“2025 marks a pivotal moment in our technological journey where AI, cybersecurity, data governance and sustainability converge to redefine the business environment. Embracing these trends with strategic foresight and pragmatism will empower companies to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth and excellence. The technology trends at play in 2025 will redefine the interplay between technology and humanity. So let’s embrace the future with optimism and work to shape a world where technology and humanity thrive in harmony – for good.”

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