Agentic AI: Automation's Double-Edged Sword

The Digital Mirage: AI's Latest Glamour Shot

Agentic AI is the internet's current obsession, touted as the next big thing. But honestly, this "revolution" feels like recycled hype, just a new coat of paint.

The "Future of Work" Remix: Same Beat, Different Lyrics

The vision is always perfect: AI frees us for "creative endeavors." But let's be real, it's messier than that. Does it empower us, or just create new problems?

IT leaders are already hyped, deploying AI agents as "digital team members." Big names like Carrefour, Leroy Merlin, and Ibercaja are all testing them out. It sounds efficient, sure, but what's the real catch beyond the shiny demos?

The Efficiency Mirage

Agentic AI promises to automate complex tasks, supposedly slashing costs and boosting efficiency. It sounds like a dream for any CEO, but dreams often hide the messy parts.

Retailers are all-in, envisioning AI agents personalizing customer experiences, optimizing logistics, and automating store operations. It’s peak "hands-off" management, all about making things smoother, they say.

Carrefour's "Super Agente Uno.ai" aims for sharper strategic decisions, while Leroy Merlin eyes store automation and content. Sounds great for shareholders, but is it helping customers?

Then there's the financial sector, expecting AI to automate critical processes and "improve" customer service. Ibercaja even uses AI to monitor legal interest rates, which is a big deal.

This supposedly frees up human employees for bigger tasks; Salesforce even mentions AI agents for healthcare admin. Patients might get better info, but let's pump the brakes a bit.

Despite grand promises, these are early days with regulatory hurdles and operational challenges everywhere. That "efficiency" might be a long way off, or never fully materialize.

Your Job, But Make It AI-Automated

Here's the real tea: AI's biggest threat is jobs. Proponents always chant "new jobs will emerge!" But let’s be honest. Many existing roles will simply vanish. It’s called job displacement, not "re-skilling."

Tasks like basic coding, routine bookkeeping, low-complexity customer service, and translation are easy targets. Basically, anything repetitive is vulnerable to automation.

Carrefour's CDO and Leroy Merlin's director admit AI "frees teams" from repetitive tasks for "higher-value activities." But for those doing those tasks? That means a pink slip.

This shift demands new skills humans can truly mimic: critical thinking, raw creativity, and social intelligence. It's a massive skills gap forming, and many won't be ready.

Microsoft predicts "agent manager" roles to babysit the AI. It sounds important, but will a few manager gigs replace mass automation? That's a hard no.

Beyond the Hype: The Real Price Tag

Implementing AI isn't some magic button; companies need data protection and algorithmic transparency for trust. Leroy Merlin stresses solid, evolving infrastructure, while Ibercaja highlights security and privacy. This means massive tech investment, potentially pricing out smaller businesses.

Integrating AI into existing systems is a nightmare—complex and time-consuming. Dr. Puchades notes healthcare AI is still super early, needing tons of research and validation. We're far from seamless integration, despite the shiny pitch.

So, Agentic AI: Still Mid?

So, agentic AI promises a lot. Faster processes, personalized experiences, a "freed" workforce. But beneath the shiny surface, it's the same old story. More automation, more questions, more potential problems.

It's not truly a revolution if only a few benefit. We need to look beyond the slick demos. Ask the hard questions. Because "progress" shouldn't just mean "profit."