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The Road to 2026: How AI Agents Will Revolutionize Business Operations

According to a recent study conducted by DeepL, a leader in AI technology, an overwhelming 69% of global executives expect AI agents to drastically change the way companies operate by 2026. This anticipated transformation promises to impact every department, from customer service to human resources, encouraging the widespread adoption of technologies designed to automate tasks, make decisions, and enhance operational efficiency.

Preparing for a New Era

DeepL's investigation involved 5,000 executives from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. It underscores that businesses are gearing up for large-scale integration of autonomous AI agents into their workforce structures. Experts predict that this could represent the most significant operational shift since the inception of cloud computing.

Jarek Kutylowski, CEO and founder of DeepL, remarked, “AI agents are no longer experimental technologies; they are now an indispensable reality.” With the implementation of AI agents, tedious transitions between systems and repetitive tasks will largely be eliminated, enabling employees to focus on activities that truly drive company growth.

A Widespread Transformation

Around 44% of business leaders globally anticipate that the integration of AI agents will result in substantial transformation. An additional 25% claim that this trend is already in motion, with only 7% doubting any significant changes. This illustrates the rapid acceptance of AI technologies across various industries.

The survey also identified three key factors contributing to executives' confidence in AI agents: proven ROI and efficiency (22%), workforce adaptability (18%), and increasing organizational preparedness (18%). However, obstacles remain, including costs (16%), workforce readiness (13%), and technological maturity (12%).

AI: The Growth Catalyst

Beyond the specific capabilities of AI agents, the technology itself is seen as the primary growth driver for global businesses in 2026. More than two-thirds (67%) of the surveyed executives reported increased ROI from AI initiatives in the past year. Furthermore, over half (52%) believe that AI will contribute more to business growth than any other technology in the upcoming year.

When examining results achieved through AI, the UK leads with 80%, followed closely by Germany (78%), the US (71%), and France (70%). In contrast, Japan shows reluctance, with only a modest 35% reporting measurable successes, indicating slower adoption rates in the region.

Additionally, over half (51%) of global executives envisions that AI will create more new roles than it replaces in the coming year. Similarly, 52% affirmed that AI skills would be crucial for most new hires.

Language AI: A New Infrastructure

The study also highlights the rising importance of language AI and voice translation in business infrastructure. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of global firms are looking to boost their investments in language AI by 2026. The UK (76%) tops this chart, followed by Germany (74%), the US (67%), and France (65%). However, Japan remains cautious with a mere 38% expressing significant interest.

Voice translation, now considered a necessity rather than a bonus, is anticipated to grow in relevance. More than half (54%) of global executives believe that real-time voice translation will be essential in 2026, up from 32% today. The UK (48%) and France (33%) are at the forefront of adopting simultaneous voice translation tools, while Japan lags at just 11%.

This demand is fueled by advancements in voice translation technology (46%), customer expectations (40%), and international expansion (38%). Kutylowski believes, “Simultaneous voice translation is the next step in global communication.” When people can communicate naturally and be fully understood, it accelerates collaboration.

Future Implications and Takeaways

These findings provide a roadmap for global business leaders to navigate future developments in AI, illustrating the potential impact across industries, redefining customer expectations, and reshaping the competitive landscape. For further insights on how AI could apply in various sectors, including technology, marketing, and legal services, readers can consult the dedicated blog post from DeepL.

Methodology

The research was conducted by Censuswide for DeepL, focusing on business executives from the US, UK, Germany, France, and Japan. The survey took place in September 2025, adhering to the principles of the Market Research Society and ESOMAR guidelines.

About DeepL

DeepL is a global company focusing on AI research and products, specializing in creating intelligent solutions for complex business problems. Trusted by over 200,000 business clients and millions of users in 228 international markets, the DeepL platform not only provides precise language translation but also enhances writing quality. Founded in 2017 by Jarek Kutylowski, DeepL has expanded its offerings to include DeepL Agent, an autonomous AI assistant designed to revolutionize how businesses and professionals operate. More information can be found at DeepL’s website.