How AI agents will change how people work — and what they need from a PC

A robot in front of a digital screen, touching some of the symbols with its outstretched finger.

For years, the PC was a tool that waited for instructions. Even the most advanced software still needed someone to open it, tell it what to do and check the result. AI agents are beginning to change this model.

Rather than simply responding to prompts, AI agents can help users pursue goals across multiple steps. They retain awareness of previous activity and use approved tools and automate portions of workflows within organizational guardrails.