The Rise of Agentic AI: Transforming Tasks and Decision-Making

The third wave of artificial intelligence, referred to as agentic AI, is poised to reshape industries by taking on autonomous decision-making and task execution. Unlike generative AI, which generates content in response to prompts, agentic AI can actively perform tasks, such as coordinating schedules, negotiating contracts, or resolving disputes. In the insurance industry, it could autonomously handle claims follow-ups, cost estimate requests, and client updates, streamlining processes and saving time.

This evolution builds on AI’s transformative history. From its conceptual birth in 1956, through expert systems and natural language processors like Siri and Alexa, to the generative AI explosion of 2022, each phase has expanded AI’s capabilities. Agentic AI represents the next leap—machines acting as assistants and collaborators rather than just tools. Experts predict new roles, such as AI ethics officers and workflow orchestrators, to guide this transformation.

However, adoption will be cautious. AI’s tendency for "hallucinations" and complexities in real-world applications mean implementation may take years to mature fully. Industries will need to define ethical and practical guardrails to harness agentic AI effectively. Despite challenges, this third wave promises to fundamentally alter workflows and human-AI collaboration.