Artificial intelligence is becoming a daily companion at home and at work. It’s reshaping industries, fueling demand for new skills and redefining how people make decisions, learn, and live. The IEEE Global Survey forecasts that agentic AI adoption will reach a mass-market level in 2026, as AI innovation continues at a rapid pace.
Increased Use of Agentic AI by Everyone
Agentic AI is like an intelligent assistant that, when given a task, can work independently, but still needs its work double-checked. Its adoption is on the rise, and a strong majority of technologists globally (96%) agree that agentic AI innovation, exploration, and adoption will continue to accelerate in 2026.
However, the rise of agentic AI won’t be confined to business. Survey respondents see it reaching mass or near-mass adoption by consumers in 2026 for the following uses:
- (52%) Personal assistant | scheduler | family calendar manager
- (45%) Data privacy manager
- (41%) Health monitor
- (41%) Errand and chore automator (like grocery orders)
- (36%) News and information curator
In addition, 91% agree that the use of agentic AI to analyze larger volumes of data will increase in 2026, spurring a data analyst hiring boom to assess the accuracy of results, transparency, and associated vulnerabilities. According to the survey, the top skills technologists will seek in candidates they plan to hire for AI-related roles in 2026 are:
- (44%) AI ethical practices skills (+9% from prior year)
- (38%) Data analysis skills (+4% from prior year)
- (34%) Machine learning skills (+6% from prior year)
- (32%) Data modeling skills, including processing (no change from prior year)
- (32%) Software development skills (-8% from prior year)
The Influence of AI on Other Tech
A majority (77%) of technologists agree that the novelty of humanoid robots can add fun to the workplace, but over time, they will become commonplace co-workers with circuits. Robotics is also a top area of technology that over half (52%) of technologists think will be influenced by AI in 2026. Other areas influenced by AI in 2026 will include extended reality (XR), including augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (36%); and autonomous vehicles (35%). Meanwhile, the top industries expected to experience the most significant AI-driven transformation next year will be software (52%); banking and financial services (42%); healthcare (37%); and automotive and transportation (32%).
The top uses for AI applications technology leaders expect in 2026 include:
- (47%) Real-time cybersecurity vulnerability identification and attack prevention (-1% from prior year)
- (39%) Aiding and/or accelerating software development (+4% from prior year)
- (35%) Increasing supply chain and warehouse automation efficiencies (+2% from prior year)
- (32%) Automating customer service (+4% from prior year)
- (29%) Powering educational activities such as customizing learning, intelligent tutoring systems, university chatbots (-10% from prior year)
- (23%) Accelerating disease mapping and drug discovery (-3% from prior year)
- (22%) Automating and/or stabilizing utility power sources (-3% from prior year)
More from IEEE Transmitter
To get more value from AI, businesses should look to the back office. Generative AI 2026: Companies Looking for Business Value
Electricity demand is increasing worldwide as data centers and electric vehicles enter service. Power Surge: Addressing Demands for Electricity
AI agents are coming for the consumer market. Here’s what they can do, and what that means to you. What Can AI Agents Do for You?
Behind the scenes, 2026 will be a big year for 6G. What’s In Store for 6G in 2026?
Results from “The Impact of Technology in 2026 and Beyond: an IEEE Global Study,” a survey of global technology leaders from Brazil, China, India, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. The study covers which technologies AI will most influence in 2026; expectations for AI market growth, benefits, applications, and skills; and future technology trends. To learn more about the study and the impact of technology in 2026 and beyond, visit https://transmitter.ieee.org/iot-2026.
