Futurist Mike Walsh Predicts AI Agents Could Soon Surpass the Human Population, Tells NDTV

Artificial intelligence agents could become more numerous than humans as businesses and individuals increasingly rely on autonomous digital systems to perform everyday tasks, futurist Mike Walsh said during the NDTV World Summit 2026. His remarks highlighted how rapidly advancing AI technology could reshape employment, entrepreneurship and the global economy. Walsh suggested that the next phase of artificial intelligence would extend beyond chatbots and content-generation tools. AI agents could increasingly operate as digital workers, handling multiple tasks, coordinating processes and carrying out instructions with limited human intervention.

The development could change how companies operate and how people interact with technology. Instead of using AI only to answer questions or generate information, individuals may be able to delegate entire assignments to specialised agents that work towards specific goals. A small business owner could use AI agents to identify potential customers, prepare marketing material, manage routine communications and support administrative operations. Such capabilities could help businesses improve efficiency and reduce the time spent on repetitive work.

Walsh also highlighted the potential opportunities for India as AI adoption expands. With its large technology workforce, established software services sector and growing startup ecosystem, the country could benefit from the development and deployment of AI-powered services. The technology could also lower some barriers to entrepreneurship by giving individuals access to tools that previously required larger teams or substantial financial resources. Young people could use AI systems to research business ideas, develop initial products and reach prospective customers, although funding, expertise and market demand would remain important factors in determining success.

Another area of potential change is digital commerce. AI agents could eventually handle routine transactions, including authorised purchases, subscription renewals and bill payments, based on instructions provided by users. However, the wider adoption of such systems would depend on reliable security measures, spending controls and safeguards against unauthorised transactions.

The growing use of AI agents is also expected to intensify discussions about employment. Automation could affect jobs involving repetitive administrative work, customer service and data processing, while creating demand for new skills and roles related to AI development, supervision and integration. Walshs outlook raises questions about how workers and businesses should prepare for a future in which digital systems take on more responsibilities. Although AI could expand access to knowledge and improve productivity, the benefits may not be distributed equally, making education and workforce training important priorities.

Experts and businesses will also need to address concerns about the reliability and accountability of autonomous systems. AI agents that make mistakes or act on inaccurate information could create problems, particularly when handling financial transactions or sensitive business operations. Human oversight will therefore remain important in areas where errors could have significant consequences. The expansion of AI also brings infrastructure challenges, including the cost of computing power, energy consumption and the resources required to operate increasingly sophisticated systems.

Walshs comments point to a possible transformation in the relationship between humans and technology, with AI moving from a supporting tool towards a more active role in business and daily life. However, the prospect of AI agents outnumbering humans remains a forecast rather than an established outcome, and the pace of adoption will depend on technological progress, costs, regulation and public trust.

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