Generative Artificial Intelligence has radically transformed the way millions of people solve problems both inside and outside the workplace. This technological revolution has been driven by Large Language Models (LLMs), which can assist humans in tasks such as improving text, writing code, generating ideas, and answering questions on virtually any topic.

However, the evolution of AI doesn’t stop there. The next step is already unfolding — and it’s all about AI Agents: autonomous tools that not only interact but take action.

From conversation to action: the rise of AI agents

In their first generation, LLMs essentially functioned as chat tools — capable of answering complex questions in natural language, but entirely reliant on the user to provide context, reasoning, and empathy. This approach gave rise to fields like prompt engineering, which involved teaching these generalist models to produce specific outputs.

Today, we are witnessing a clear shift. After months of understanding their capabilities and limitations, and testing their real-world applications, the time has come to build agents capable of making decisions, executing complex tasks, and adapting autonomously to new contexts.

These agents go beyond traditional automated systems by leveraging the adaptive power of generative AI. We are no longer talking about assistants or “copilots,” but true “pilots” — entire systems operated independently by artificial intelligence.

What makes an AI agent different?

An AI agent does more than answer questions. Its true value lies in its ability to:

• Operate autonomously within specific contexts

• Integrate into existing workflows

• Execute concrete actions

• Dynamically adapt to new scenarios

This makes AI agents powerful assets for organizations seeking efficiency, personalization, and innovation — especially in areas where processes were once too rigid or complex to be automated using traditional approaches.

Real transformation across industries

At EPAM NEORIS, we are seeing how AI agents are revolutionizing industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, banking, insurance, manufacturing, consumer goods, energy, construction, and retail. Their impact is already tangible — from improving customer experience to freeing up human talent to focus on higher-value tasks.

As a tech company, our mission is to stay at the forefront and deliver solutions with real and immediate impact. That translates into competitive advantages for our clients, enhanced products and services, and direct benefits for consumers, the environment, and society at large.

The potential has yet to be fully unleashed

The revolution is just beginning. We are in the early stages of AI agent development, and we’re already seeing extraordinary possibilities:

• Medical agents that diagnose and perform procedures autonomously

• Financial agents that make real-time decisions

• Personalized tutors that design unique learning plans

• Supply chain optimizers that enhance quality and reduce costs

• Logistics agents transforming transport by air, sea, and land

At EPAM NEORIS, we accompany every client on their digital transformation journey, bringing our expertise and development capabilities to fully leverage the power of today’s — and tomorrow’s — AI.

This article was originally published in Addictware