The next era of AI is measurable impact from disciplined execution. The leaders of this next chapter will apply AI with governance, compliance, and clear ROI.
AI powers smarter systems, faster decisions, and adaptive experiences. Looking ahead to the latest tech trends, a new wave of technological forces is taking shape, redefining how innovation, intelligence, and impact will intersect in 2026 and beyond.
Agentic AI:
From Hype to Hard Value in 2026
The Next Digital Leap
The question for 2026 isn’t if AI agents will matter, it’s how companies turn them into ROI engines.
Gartner reports that 75% of enterprises are experimenting with AI agents.
But here’s the truth bomb: only 15% are deploying fully autonomous,
goal-driven systems.
Gartner reports that
75% of enterprises are experimenting with
AI agents.
But here’s the truth bomb: Only 15% are deploying fully autonomous,
goal-driven systems.
Quantum Communication:
Security Faster than Light
Quantum technologies are moving fast and secure quantum communication networks are already in development. Post-quantum cryptography shifts from labs to real-world use, the field is entering a new chapter, redefining digital trust and standing out among the emerging tech trends.
By 2026, 18% of global quantum algorithm revenues will come from AI applications, marking a quantum-AI convergence.
By 2030, 75% of users will access quantum computing through Quantum-as-a-Service platforms, with early pilots delivering measurable business value within 3-5 years.
"Quantum technology is only a few years away from reshaping how enterprises operate. Companies that start building quantum skills today will lead the next wave of innovation, while those who wait risk repeating the costly mistakes of the AI rush."
Dario Robak, Head of Quantum Computing at Globant.
Polyfunctional Robots and the Age of Embodied AI
Polyfunctional robots are thinking, learning teammates powered by AI, sensors, edge computing, and digital twins. They test, adapt, and optimize in virtual worlds before stepping into reality, learning from every interaction, coordinating seamlessly, and changing the way industries work. Smarter, faster, and endlessly adaptable, these robots turn innovation into action.
Global robotics market to surge from $44.7B in 2024 to $280B by 2034, fueled by 20% yearly growth.
By 2030, 80% of people will interact with robots daily; a leap from less than 10% today.
“Robotics is the link AI needs to penetrate human life outside the digital realm. As AI grows stronger, the expansion of robotics is inevitable, despite the existing deployment and technical obstacles.”
Juan Pablo Pizarro, Studio Partner of IoT and Robotics at Globant.
Ambient Intelligence:
The Era of Invisible Tech
From stadiums to hospitals, ambient intelligence is redefining how we interact with technology, which is becoming more intuitive as it fades into the background. It anticipates needs, frees our focus, and in 2026, marks the dawn of the true ambient era.
"The attention dividend is the true ROI of ambient intelligence, measured in hours of life returned, not just dollars saved.”
Ritesh Menon, VP of Technology at Globant.
DataM Intelligence projects that the ambient intelligence market will soar to $182 billion by 2032.
AI-Powered Cybersecurity:
From Reaction to Prediction
In 2026, cybersecurity isn’t just about responding to attacks: it’s about staying one step ahead. Hackers are using the same AI tools as enterprises: fast, scalable, and relentless platforms that expose vulnerabilities faster than any human could. If your defense isn’t AI-first, you’re already playing catch-up.
The numbers tell the story:
$24 trillion — Projected global cost of cybercrime by 2027 (USAID).
$1.9 million — Average savings per breach when AI is used.
97% — Organizations that experienced an AI-related security incident without proper AI access controls.
This isn’t a race against attackers; it’s evolution at machine speed.
“AI isn’t just changing how we work, it’s redefining how we protect what matters. Now, AI is giving organizations the ability to see ahead, move faster, and turn chaos into control.”
Andres Luszczyk, Tech Director at Globant.
