Amy Webb's Tech Trends 2025
Microsoft Research, ChatGPT improves its image capability, Podcast, Events
I look forward to Amy Webb’s SXSW session every year. Here is her Tech Trends research for 2025.
https://ftsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FTSG_2025_TR_FINAL_LINKED.pdf
About 19 minutes in is where she starts talking about AI and Robotics.
Introduction: [09:32] Cluster 1 Trends: AI and Data Convergence: [26:45] Cluster 2 Trends: AI and Biology Convergence: [41:04] Cluster 3 Trends: Biology and Sensors Convergence: [50:05] Living Intelligence and Robotics: [57:22] Scenarios for 2035: [01:06:25]
Here are my takeaways from her talk:
AI is moving from talking to doing.
AI tools used to just answer questions or write text. Now, they’re learning how to take action, like completing tasks, making decisions, and learning from what happens next. Think of them less like smart assistants and more like capable coworkers. Living Intelligence: merges AI, sensors, and biotech into systems that think, adapt, and evolve beyond our grasp.
AI is becoming more like a “thinking system.”
AI is now being combined with sensors (like smart cameras or wearables) and even biotechnology. This mix is creating systems that can sense what’s happening, make decisions, and adapt in real time almost like having a living, learning partner in your business.
AI agents are starting to act on their own.
Instead of waiting for instructions, new types of AI can set goals and figure out how to achieve them. For example, an AI agent might monitor inventory, spot a supply issue, and reorder what’s needed without asking for permission.
Robots are ready for the real world.
Robots used to be stuck in factories doing repetitive work. That’s changing fast. With smarter AI and better sensors, they can now adapt to messy, unpredictable environments like farms, hospitals, or construction sites.
You won’t need a robotics degree to use robots.
Newer robots are easier to train and use. They’ll work alongside people, not replace them. For many industries, robots will handle hard or repetitive tasks, freeing up people to focus on work that needs creativity or judgment.
AI and robots are becoming business tools, not just tech trends.
These technologies are already helping companies cut costs, improve customer service, and make faster decisions. Businesses that get started now will have a big head start over those that wait.
Change is coming fast.
The biggest risk isn’t that AI or robotics won’t work; it’s that companies won’t act quickly enough. Those who wait may struggle to catch up as others move ahead with faster, smarter, more flexible operations.
ChatGPT Image Creation Updated on Tuesday
I created these with one prompt and no refining. The spelling is way better now.
Minor issues on my AI Adoption image with quotes that were not in my prompt and the repeated words in the columns.
The AI Adoption image is from my work on understanding human behavior while navigating AI in teams. https://kendratech.substack.com/p/stages-of-change-in-ai-adoption
NEW Researcher and Analyst in Microsoft Copilot
With all the Deep Research being rolled out by other AI tools, Copilot brings that to its platform.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/03/25/introducing-researcher-and-analyst-in-microsoft-365-copilot/
Add a data analyst to your team with the Analyst Agent in Copilot.
Podcast That’s So Savvy with Nancy Aichholz
Using AI to Enhance Your Business and Life
I enjoyed our conversation about my favorite topic. Enjoy! https://thatssosavvypod.podbean.com/e/using-ai-to-enhance-your-business-and-your-life-with-kendra-rameriz-ceo-of-kr-digital-agency/
2025 AI Adventures
New events are added weekly. Since our community spans over 31 states, we’re making it easier than ever for you to join the conversation from anywhere. These new virtual sessions are designed to be interactive and packed with real-world insights you can apply immediately.
April
April 1 CincyAI 3-5 EST at UC Digital Futures building. Free event. SOLD OUT. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cincyai-for-humans-tickets-1234866953299?aff=oddtdtcreator
NEW April 9 AI in Action: Transforming the Workplace for Growth and Innovation 10-12 EST Hosted by Ellequate https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-in-action-transforming-the-workplace-for-growth-and-innovation-tickets-1242305532289?aff=oddtdtcreator
April 16 11:30-12:30 EST. AI Simplified for Business Success hosted by Payroll Partners webinar for the SOCA community and all businesses. All are welcome. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-simplified-for-business-success-tickets-1248471454729
April 17 9-12 EST. AI for Enterprise- AI leaders from TQL, 84.51 and TCS. You won’t want to miss them. The event is being held at the TQL Stadium. https://portal.cincinnatichamber.com/s/community-event?id=a1mJx000005IAfZIAW
NEW April 18 9-12 EST. Introduction to AI in partnership with Max Technical Training. This is a virtual live class led by Kendra Ramirez. This class is eligible for Tech Cred which is reimbursed by the State of Ohio. https://maxtrain.com/artificial-intelligence/general-artificial-intelligence-and-business-applications/introduction-to-ai/
April 21 12-1 EST free webinar on Privacy and Safety by John Cavanagh of Plunk Foundation and hosted by Nexus Cincy (volunteer group innovating for nonprofits) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/dq96hcm
May
May 8 SMPS hosting a 2-hour workshop, dive into the world of AI-driven sales and marketing strategies with hands-on experience tailored to real-world scenarios. 2:30-4:30 at Bricker Graydon. https://greatercincinnatismps.org/meetinginfo.php?id=372&ts=1741785372
May 16 Power to Pursue 9-5 pm at Music Hall Every woman deserves to be seen, heard, and loved. That is the foundational belief of the Power to Pursue Summit, an annual event where women gather to eliminate barriers and embrace the power of their authentic selves. I am leading a session at 9:50-10:45 on Empowering Women with AI, and with 8 other AI Coaches to assist all the women with some AI practice. https://www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/power-to-pursue-25
I love answering your AI questions. Feel free to message me.
Where AI and inspiration collide!
Kendra Ramirez
KendraRamirez.com
We provide AI Speaking and Training, AI Readiness Assessments, AI Strategy, AI roadmap and implementation, and AI Coaching for small to mid-size businesses and nonprofits.
**For those new to my work, I have been in tech my whole career. Over 15 years of running my digital agency (website, social media, and lead generation) and 7 years of helping businesses navigate AI. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of leading over 100 training and speaking sessions, empowering businesses to embrace the transformative potential of AI. My passion lies in simplifying complex technologies to help organizations grow, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
I am so excited that you are on this journey with me! Thank you! 🤗
I have been writing weekly about AI here for over two years. You can search all of my enewsletters here if you are looking to brush up on a certain topic. kendratech.substack.com