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2025 was just a trailer. The real AI show will begin in 2026
The Economic Times· 2025-12-21 17:48
Core Insights - The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with significant advancements expected in 2026, including the integration of humanoid robots in warehouses and factories, and the expansion of autonomous vehicle services by Waymo to 20 more cities [1][12] - Search engines are transitioning to answer engines, impacting web traffic and necessitating a new business model for content creators as AI synthesizes information rather than providing traditional search results [2][12] - The AI boom is characterized by both real substance and significant hype, with concerns about potential market bubbles due to convoluted crossholdings and AI-washing by startups [6][12] Industry Developments - The introduction of AI board members in corporate governance will provide data-driven risk analysis, making AI literacy a key performance indicator for boards and regulators [8][12] - The rise of 'verified human' content will create a premium market for human-generated material as brands differentiate themselves in an AI-saturated environment [8][12] - The AI Impact Summit in Delhi will mark significant developments in democratizing AI access, with a focus on vernacular content and voice-driven interfaces, positioning India as a leading market for voice-driven AI [10][13] Societal Changes - The acceleration of AI adoption will lead to structural changes in companies and education, affecting job perceptions among young people and potentially causing societal dissatisfaction [5][7][12] - A public health crisis regarding cognitive atrophy in children due to reliance on AI tutors is anticipated, leading to a counterculture movement that values non-AI-mediated interactions [9][12] - The competition among states in India to become AI destinations will drive the establishment of AI roadmaps and incentive schemes to attract investments [11][13]