Edge computing is experiencing significant growth. As use cases and edge data continue to expand, enterprises are inevitably moving toward more advanced applications and the adoption of edge AI. To support this transition, infrastructure and operations leaders must take a proactive approach in identifying use cases and facilitating this journey through a platform-based strategy.
Gartner predicts that by 2028, 15% of edge computing deployments will use agentic AI, up from near 0% in 2024. Agentic AI is a Gartner Top Technology Trend for 2025, and it will be crucial for automatically planning and taking actions based on real-time data, leading to faster and more accurate decision-making processes. Infrastructure and operations (I&O) leaders must be aware of the importance of robust data management and real-time analytics capabilities to support these AI systems.
Driving Operational Efficiency
Businesses should recognize the potential for enhanced operational efficiency and scalability, as AI-driven edge deployments will allow them to handle the increasing volume of data more effectively. Agentic AI will become increasingly essential for networks, electrical grids, and physical facilities, enabling them to plan and execute actions with or without human intervention. These multiagent systems, will analyze findings from edge devices and make informed decisions to optimize performance and address potential issues.
Here are some significant insights into the evolving landscape of edge computing and AI integration:
- Edge devices will enable voice communication with users with AI agents using small language models.
- As data production and digital interactions at the edge increase, agentic AI will be needed to replace human involvement and automatically plan and take actions.
- Enterprises with complex edge data production will use agentic AI to plan and take actions, with and without human approval, based on edge device findings using multiagent systems deployed throughout the environment.
Preparing for the Future
Preparing for the future involves recognizing the need for enhanced security measures and governance frameworks to manage the autonomous nature of these AI systems. Infrastructure and operations leaders should focus on integrating agentic AI into their existing infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and maximizing the benefits of this transformative technology. To effectively prepare and manage agentic AI, enterprises should consider the following actions:
- Invest in Agentic AI: Develop and integrate agentic AI capabilities to stay competitive and meet evolving user expectations.
- Prepare for Seamless Interactions: Anticipate a future where seamless, efficient interactions at the edge are the norm, reducing the need for constant human intervention.
- Enhance Security and Governance: Design enhanced security measures and governance frameworks to manage the agentic AI systems.
Author Bio: Tom Coshow, Sr Director Analyst at Gartner
Image credits: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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