10 key trends in artificial intelligence in 2026

1. AI is becoming autonomous: the era of «digital employees»

One of the most notable shifts is the transition from AI as a tool to AI as an agent. Whereas just a few years ago AI operated on a «question-and-answer» basis, it is now capable of acting much more autonomously.

We are talking about so-called AI agents, which can perform tasks independently: analyse information, make decisions within specified parameters, and even interact with other services. For example, previously, to book a doctor’s appointment online, you had to visit the website yourself, find an available slot and fill in a form. Now, an autonomous AI agent can do this for you — all you need to say is: «‘Book me an appointment with a GP this week».

By 2026, agent-based workflows will move from pilot schemes to everyday practice in sectors such as healthcare, property and IT support. The introduction of AI agents into business marks a new level of automation, where certain processes can effectively be handed over to digital systems.

2. The Development of AI Workflows

One particular trend that is gaining momentum is the creation of fully automated workflows based on AI. For example: a customer submits a request on a website, and the AI processes it independently, responds, assigns a manager, creates a task in the system and sends a confirmation — all without any human intervention. Such chains of actions are called AI workflows, and by 2026 they will become accessible not only to large corporations but also to small businesses. This is the next step beyond the automation of individual tasks — towards a fully-fledged multi-agent system for the company.

Crucially, you no longer need a programmer to build such workflows. Modern no-code and low-code platforms allow you to configure automated workflows via a user-friendly interface, simply by connecting blocks together. This means that an entrepreneur or manager can independently tailor a workflow to their needs, saving both time and money.

3. One tool instead of many: multimodal AI

Modern AI models are no longer limited to text. Multimodality — one of the key trends of 2026 — means that AI now works equally well with different data formats: text, images, video, audio and spreadsheets. And most importantly, it can combine these formats in a single process.

The multimodal capabilities of modern AI systems are fundamentally changing the approach to working with content and data. Previously, a separate tool was needed for each task: one service for text, another for images, and a third for voice-overs. Now, a single tool can generate text, create an image to accompany it, add a voice-over, and even assemble a finished video. As a result, businesses receive not a collection of different services, but a unified ecosystem that handles several tasks at once.

For the average user, multimodality is even simpler: take a photo of a document, and the AI reads and translates it. Send a voice message, and you receive a text summary. Upload a spreadsheet, and you get an analysis and conclusions. The technology adapts to how a person prefers to work, rather than the other way round.

4. Speed and independence: the development of Edge AI

In a world where data volumes are constantly growing, it is not only important to process this data, but to do so quickly. This is precisely why Edge AI — processing information directly on the device rather than in the cloud — is undergoing rapid development. This helps to reduce latency, ease the load on the network and enhance security. This is particularly relevant for smart devices, CCTV systems and services where an instant response is crucial.

For the average user, Edge AI means that their favourite apps and devices work faster and are not dependent on the quality of their Internet connection. A voice assistant responds instantly, even if the signal is weak. A smart camera recognises a face without sending data to a server. A fitness tracker analyses health metrics right on the wrist. All this is made possible precisely because AI is «moving» closer to the user — literally onto their device.

5. The physical embodiment of AI: robots are rapidly replacing not only chatbots, but also humans

For a long time, AI existed exclusively in the digital realm: responding to messages, generating text, analysing data. Interaction with it took place via a screen and did not extend beyond it. But in 2026, this boundary is rapidly blurring.

AI is increasingly making its way into the physical world — into robotic systems that can see, hear, move and interact with the real environment. Warehouses where robots sort and move goods autonomously. Cafés where orders are taken and served by an automated system. Hospitals where robots assist during operations or deliver medicines to wards. All of this already exists and is being scaled up. For the average user, this means that very soon AI will be encountered not only on our smartphones, but also in shops, on the street and even at home.

6. From prompts to context

Just a few years ago, the quality of AI results depended entirely on how precisely the user had phrased their query. You had to know specific techniques, construct prompts correctly, and literally learn how to talk to the machine. This created a barrier: those who knew how to do it got good results; those who didn’t were left disappointed.

By 2026, the situation had changed dramatically. Modern AI models have learnt to understand context: taking into account not only the specific query, but also the entire previous conversation, the user’s preferences, their communication style, and even the goal they are pursuing. Put simply, AI now resembles an experienced colleague who understands you before you’ve even finished speaking, rather than a search bar where you have to type in an exact phrase. This makes the technology much more accessible and opens it up to those who previously wouldn’t even have tried to use it.

7. Advertising in AI chatbots as a new channel for businesses

Another notable trend is the emergence of advertising directly within AI assistants. Whereas users used to search for products on Google and see adverts there, they now ask ChatGPT or another chatbot — and receive a response with recommendations, some of which may already include paid listings. For businesses, this represents a new promotional channel; for users, it highlights the importance of understanding where an objective answer ends and advertising begins.

For small businesses, this opens up exciting opportunities: appearing in an AI assistant’s responses is potentially more profitable than traditional contextual advertising, as the user has already formulated a specific query and is ready to take action. This is precisely why promotion via AI channels will become just as commonplace in the coming years as targeted advertising on social media is today.

8. AI Search — Google Is No Longer a Monopoly

Just a few years ago, searching the Internet looked the same for everyone: type in a query, get a list of links, visit the websites and find the answer yourself. Google had become so deeply ingrained in this habit that the phrase ‘Google it’ became synonymous with any search for information.

By 2026, this model is rapidly crumbling. Users are increasingly turning not to a search engine, but to an AI assistant — and receiving a ready-made answer straight away, rather than a list of websites they still need to browse. Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini — these tools are already changing the habits of millions of people around the world.

For businesses, this presents a major challenge: whereas previously it was enough to appear at the top of search results, now you need to consider whether the AI mentions you in its responses. A new field is emerging — AI optimisation — which is gradually becoming just as important a marketing tool as SEO once was. The companies that are the first to grasp this will gain a significant advantage.

9. AI tutors – personalised education for everyone

AI is fundamentally transforming the approach to learning. By 2026, chatbots and digital assistants will play a key role. AI tutors create individual learning pathways and explain complex topics in plain language — effectively, every schoolchild can have their own personal tutor. And it’s not just about children. Adults also use AI to learn languages, master new professions and upgrade their skills — at their own pace and without being tied to a timetable.

A key advantage of an AI tutor over traditional teaching is instant feedback. If you make a mistake, you immediately receive an explanation of exactly why it’s wrong and how to correct it. If you don’t understand a topic, you can ask for it to be explained differently, using a different example or analogy. This approach significantly speeds up learning and reduces the stress of studying — especially for those who are shy about asking questions of a live teacher.

10. Managing «Shadow» AI

«Shadow» AI is a new headache for companies this year. This refers to situations where an employee starts using an AI tool for work tasks on their own initiative, without consulting management. On the one hand, it is convenient and efficient. On the other, corporate data could end up where it shouldn’t.

Therefore, managers, HR specialists and everyone responsible for information security within the company must pay increasing attention to which AI tools their employees are using and how this affects data security.

The solution to this problem is not a ban, but a clear policy on the use of AI within the company. Businesses that have already faced this challenge are moving towards creating internal lists of approved tools, training staff in digital security, and implementing corporate AI solutions that provide the necessary functionality without the risk of data leaks. If people are going to use AI anyway, it is better to provide them with a safe and verified tool than to ban something that has already become part of the workflow.

The journey from «gimmick» to infrastructure

AI has now become an integral part of business strategies, technological solutions and even corporate culture. It is no longer just a hype but has become a key component of daily business processes: its presence can be seen in search engines, email services, banking apps and even CCTV cameras.

Most modern AI services operate online and require only a stable Internet connection. Voice assistants, video calls with AI subtitles, smart cameras, cloud storage — all of these require a high-quality connection without delays or dropouts. Maxnet subscribers get reliable home Internet, thanks to which all these tools work as they should — quickly and without interruptions.