In a 2 to 4-year time frame, AI is expected to make significant advancements, according to Sundar Pichai. While long-term predictions are difficult, Pichai highlighted a key area where Google and other companies are focusing their efforts, which he believes will see major progress—a concept known as “agentic workflows.”
This refers to AI’s ability to understand natural language instructions and take action independently to accomplish tasks. Instead of merely assisting users, AI will now be able to execute complex processes on its own.
Project Mariner: AI That Acts for You
To illustrate this concept, Pichai mentioned Project Mariner, a browser extension being developed at Google. This tool will enable AI to browse the internet, complete tasks, and return results autonomously.
Just a year ago, the state-of-the-art AI in this area had a 50% success rate in completing complex sequences of tasks accurately. However, today, this number has already jumped to 85%, showing rapid progress in AI-driven automation.
AI and Software Development: A New Era of Coding
Pichai also discussed how AI is transforming software engineering. Currently, developers use AI-powered tools that provide coding suggestions while they work. However, AI is now evolving beyond suggestions—it will soon be able to fully write programs based on simple instructions.
Instead of manually coding, engineers will be able to give commands, and AI will generate and execute the entire program automatically.
AI Embedded in Workflows: Impact Across Industries
The real promise of AI extends beyond just browsing and coding. Pichai emphasized that AI will become deeply embedded in various professional workflows.
- Healthcare: A radiologist analyzing images, a doctor engaging with a patient—AI will assist in real-time, improving decision-making and efficiency.
- Education: AI will help students learn more effectively by providing assistance during their studies.
- Business and Productivity: AI-powered assistants will become an essential tool for professionals, making task automation seamless.
These changes are not just hypothetical—Pichai firmly believes that within the next 2 to 4 years, they will become a tangible reality.
The AI Revolution: Productivity on a Whole New Level
The ability to describe a task in natural language and have AI execute it accurately is one of the most significant advancements in AI technology. The impact on productivity will be immense, as AI will not just assist but actively handle complex workflows across industries.
With AI becoming a seamless part of our daily tasks, we are on the verge of a new era in technology, where AI doesn’t just support us—it works alongside us, automating and optimizing workflows like never before.
According to Sundar Pichai, this future is not decades away—it is happening right now, and we will witness its full impact within just a few years.
