Where are we going next? We’re going to a world where agents talk to agents.
At Salesforce Futures, we are constantly thinking about the broader implications of autonomous AI agents for Salesforce, its customers, and society as a whole. This work requires a future-back, outside-in approach and a willingness to consider a wide range of short-term and long-term possibilities.
By embracing this perspective, we find ourselves imagining a fast-approaching future where agents can control other agents, buy goods and services on behalf of humans, negotiate with one another, and even create new agents.
Heading into the New Year, here are some of our thoughts and predictions about how autonomous AI agents are likely to change work — and the workplace — as we know it in 2025.
Imagine a world where agents can control other agents, buy goods and services on behalf of humans, negotiate with one another, and even create new agents.
Mick Costigan, VP, Salesforce Futures
Prediction 1: Agents working with agents (without you!)
2025 will be the year multi-agent systems take center stage, moving beyond single-agent applications like sales or service. These orchestrations will tackle high-impact challenges, like building sales or marketing campaigns, that typically require the involvement of multiple business disciplines. Unlike simple copilots, multi-agent systems will collaborate with one another, adapt, and execute — enabling enterprises to solve complex problems with trust and scale.
Prediction 2: Meet the Agent-in-Chief
For AI agents to begin working with other agents, some system of agentic orchestration will also be necessary to keep AI labor from running amok. As such, we envision the rise of chief-of-staff agents for overseeing other agents and ensuring humans maintain control over complex networks of AI systems.
Prediction 3: New norms for a new age(nt)
With AI agents taking on increasingly human-like roles, new cultural norms will emerge, especially in the workplace. There will be a need to navigate concerns around over-reliance on AI and its impact on social connection. For example, while AI could help workers be more productive and connected, it could also replace human interactions and create unhealthy dependencies. The conversation around how AI-human relationships can benefit humans will become critical as companies pivot to AI-driven consumer-facing products.
Prediction 4: Goodbye Google, hello agents
AI agents are poised to revolutionize search, moving beyond simply finding information to completing complex tasks. Today, search engines help users discover content, products, and internal resources. But often, search is just a step in achieving larger goals, like making a purchase or completing a project.
As AI agents evolve, they’ll handle entire processes, reshaping how brands interact with consumers and how employees collaborate. This shift will require businesses to adapt with new agent-compatible communication channels to stay connected in an agent-driven world.
More information:
- Read more about these predictions in the third edition of the Futures Magazine
- Check out more insights from the Salesforce Futures team
- Learn more about Agentforce, how Agentforce is inventing the future of agents, and personal AI agents
- Peek into the future of AI-human collaboration at work
- Find more predictions from Salesforce experts
