In the grand scheme of things, 45 years isn’t a long time. Back in 1980, for example, it took me three weeks to run a computer program written in the programming language Cobol . The program worked using punched cards, where each card represented a line of code. If something went wrong, the card had to be punched over and over again until the program finally worked.

Over time, technology has changed very quickly. Today, my phone has processing capabilities that far exceed those computers that used to process Cobol programs. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, the same phone can even translate languages ​​directly in a phone call, among other advanced features.

With new innovations constantly emerging, what can we expect from the world of technology in 2025? Here are seven developments to watch.

1. AI agents are coming

This year, it would not be surprising to see another major development in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). One area that is likely to see rapid growth is the use of AI agents .

These agents are intelligent programs that are given a specific task by humans and they work to find the best way to achieve it. AI agents can write computer code, potentially changing the way tech companies work and allowing people without advanced coding skills to develop programs, apps, or games.

You might also see humanless car factories, operated entirely by AI-based agent robots. In other areas, the technology could assess and approve mortgage applications or even replace mobile apps with agent interfaces capable of performing a variety of user tasks.

The combination of AI agents with robotics could be even more revolutionary. We are now reaching a point where robots can not only mimic human tasks, but also reason and respond directly.

One of the leading candidates to support this AI agent technology is Optimus, a humanoid robot developed by Tesla. Tesla founder Elon Musk stated that the electric car company will start using Optimus for internal tasks starting in 2025. In fact, the robot is ready to be sold to other companies in 2026.

This technology is well suited for industrial tasks such as project management. Consulting firm Gartner predicts that by 2030, around 80% of project management tasks will be performed by AI.

2. Personalization with the help of AI

Traditional education typically follows a linear path of study with a set duration, from entry point to graduation spanning several years. However, with the help of AI, we can imagine a fully personalized education program.

Study programs can be tailored to each student based on their experience, skills, and abilities. This AI-based personalization of education is already being explored in the United States.

The program can not only be customized with content and curriculum, but also consider students’ specific needs and even their emotional state. For example, AI can adjust learning activities based on students’ sleep quality, as measured by smartwatches.

Beyond education, AI-based personalization will be applied in many other sectors. Management consultant Accenture suggests that private companies could train their own large language models —the technology behind AI chatbots like ChatGPT.

These models can be trained with data specific to a particular business area to improve the operational efficiency of the company. However, these companies have to use billions of data.

Alternatively, small language models ( SLMs) are also being developed to perform specific tasks more efficiently.

These models do not require training with as much data as larger models and require less computing power. This means they can be more easily deployed on “ edge ” devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, without relying on cloud computing resources.

3. Towards a practical quantum computer

Advances in quantum computing are paving the way for machines that can solve complex tasks beyond the capabilities of classical computers. Researchers’ focus has shifted from trying to break records for the number of basic processing units, called qubits, to correcting errors —now commonplace in quantum computers.

This step is a step towards practical quantum computers and has real advantages over classical machines.

4. The physical and virtual worlds are increasingly merging

Technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) will be increasingly used this year.

Virtual reality (VR) allows users to enter a world created entirely by a computer. Augmented reality (AR) introduces digital elements that complement the real world while maintaining visibility of the surrounding environment.

Meanwhile, mixed reality (MR) is a combination of the two, producing a “blend” between the physical and virtual worlds.

Currently, there are several head-mounted devices (HMDs) that can support this technology. Some of them are Apple’s Vision Pro and the Meta Quest headset .

In 2025, we will likely see new products and refinements to innovative products from major companies like Meta, Apple, and others.

5. Benefits of blockchain

Blockchain technology for storing data across a network of computers has the potential to impact supply chains and sectors ranging from healthcare to finance.

Blockchain increases transparency and traceability, allowing products to be tracked from source to consumer. It also offers greater levels of security and efficiency through automated processes.

In the healthcare sector, patient data can be managed more securely with blockchain technology . Data exchange can be smoother and medical supplies can be more easily tracked. In the financial world, this technology creates faster, stronger and cheaper transactions, while also encouraging financial inclusion.

Groups that were previously unreachable by banking services now have a greater opportunity to access loans or similar services.

6. The 6G communication era begins

This year, we will enjoy faster connectivity with the emergence of 6G wireless communication networks . The standardization process of 6G technology is expected to begin in 2025 .

Compatible global standards are a critical factor for the successful implementation of this technology.

7. Increasingly sophisticated automated vehicle technology

Autonomous vehicle technology is also expected to make significant progress in the near future. These vehicles have six levels of autonomy—from level 0 (fully manual) to level 5 (fully autonomous). Currently, autonomous taxis operating in US cities like San Francisco are at level 4 (high automation).

These vehicles are capable of handling most driving tasks without human intervention, although they still have some limitations. By 2025, we may see progress towards level 5, which is fully autonomous and can operate without any human intervention at all.

Mercedes, for example, plans to ramp up their Drive Pilot automated driving system by 2025. Tesla is also developing their Robotaxi , which Elon Musk says will be available before 2027.

The above technology will be able to complete tasks that previously could only be done by humans. Technology will be able to complete the work and report the results.

Technological innovation will bring about efficiencies and major changes in the world of work. We will also see technology that improves our leisure time and quality of life.

Author Bio: Lewis Endlar is Program Director MSc Project Management and Lecturer in Business, Keele Business School at Keele University