Microsoft Pushes Autonomous AI Agents Amid Industry Caution [Video]

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is kicking off the company’s conference in Chicago with remarks that may outline the future direction of its artificial intelligence strategy.

During its annual Ignite conference, the tech giant is laying the groundwork for its ambitious vision of AI-powered ‘agents.’

These autonomous systems, which can handle everything from customer returns to supply chain management, are widely believed to be able to dramatically change business operations.

But while Microsoft is bullish on the potential of AI agents, their feasibility and cost are raising questions.

Microsoft’s pitch centers on AI agents as more than just chatbots.

The Microsoft logo is displayed outside its French headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux, outside Paris, May 13, 2024. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is opening a company conference in Chicago that could set the stage for where it’s…Thibault Camus/AP, file