Robot Co-workers Are Coming as AI Leaders Forecast a Workplace Shift
At the Phoenix Global Forum, AI leaders detailed how effective AI implementations deliver significant ROI despite scaling challenges, and they predicted a near-term surge in autonomous AI systems that could soon extend to homes.
Published on April 15, 2025
At the recent Phoenix Global Forum on April 14, 2025, AI leaders including Kellie Romack (ServiceNow), Anne Hoecker (Bain & Co.), and Kristin Emery (Microsoft) discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in modern workplaces. They highlighted that effective AI implementation can generate returns in the hundreds of millions of dollars, even as many companies struggle to scale their initiatives.
The panel also emphasized the crucial role of ethical and responsible AI use, noting the need for closer collaboration between businesses and governments amid over 700 AI-related bills introduced in the U.S. this year. Looking ahead, experts predict a major rise in agentic AI—systems capable of independent decision-making—over the next 12–18 months, with applications extending into domestic settings, such as home-cleaning robots expected within three years.