The Shape of the Thing

Ethan Mollick provides a comprehensive assessment of where AI agents currently stand and what's likely to happen next in their development and adoption. The piece cuts through hype to examine the actual capabilities that autonomous systems demonstrate today, distinguishing between what AI agents can reliably do versus where they still struggle. Mollick explores the trajectory of agentic workflows and how they're beginning to integrate into real business and organizational contexts. For non-technical professionals, the framework helps clarify which AI agent applications are ready for practical implementation now versus which remain experimental. The analysis addresses the gap between theoretical potential and operational reality—what happens when autonomous systems encounter unpredictable real-world conditions. Understanding this landscape matters for professionals deciding where to invest attention and resources as agentic systems become more prevalent. Mollick's perspective emphasizes practical next steps rather than speculative outcomes.