The Era of AI Agents

Tech Guide 2025

“ChatGPT becoming increasingly
agentic, meaning it’s moving from
simply answering questions to
performing tasks proactively”
– Kevin Weil, OpenAI CPO
About this Tech Guide

This Tech Guide offers you:

Welcome to the Era of AI Agents ➔ A comprehensive overview: Understand the role

of AI Agents and why they represent the next
In the future, these autonomous, intelligent systems will stage of digital transformation.
fundamentally change our working and personal lives.

➔ Current perspectives: Learn how companies are

This Tech Guide provides a comprehensive overview of
using AI Agents to automate processes and
the central role AI Agents play within digital transformation.
deliver personalized real-time experiences.

With current perspectives and practical insights, this guide

shows how companies can automate processes, create ➔ Challenges: Overcome the hurdles of AI

personalized experiences, and drive innovation. development, integration, and governance for
successful implementation.
Who created this Tech Guide?

Authors

About SHAPE DACH GmbH

Lasse Gruner-Lüders

SHAPE represents pioneering solutions and strategic consulting in Managing Director

digital transformation. With 12 years of experience and a team of

140 experts across six locations in Germany, Switzerland, and Garrit Franke

Croatia, SHAPE offers comprehensive services in innovation Software Developer & AI Expert

strategy, product and service development, UX design, and

customized software solutions. Tatjana Schultze
Communications Manager
The company, which has received numerous awards and
certifications, is part of the international MYTY Group. Carol Gruner feat. Midjourney
Design & Creative AI
AI – A Quick Overview
The Foundation: Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses algorithms, machine

learning, and data processing to recognize patterns, make
predictions, and adapt to new challenges. It is the driving
force behind the next wave of technology.

AI is already being used in various fields, from voice

assistants and autonomous vehicles to diagnostic systems
and personalized recommendations.
AI Transformation as the Next Stage of Digital Transformation

Source: Inspired by Nils Seebach on LinkedIn

Timeline for the Development of Future AI Systems – Don’t Believe the Hype!

2025–2030 2030–2040 2040 and beyond

Evolution of current technologies Transition to new paradigms The era of Artificial General
Intelligence (AGI)

Technological breakthroughs in machine Advances in communication technologies Major advances in algorithms and hardware,
learning and NLP, growing demand for AI and decentralized data processing, alongside societal pressure, and collaboration between
Agents. ethical and regulatory developments. key players.

● AI Agents ● Collective AI ● AGI with human-like intelligence

● Emotional AI ● Biological AI ● Merging of AGI, Quantum AI,
● Limited Quantum AI ● Expansion of Quantum AI into new Collective AI, and Biological AI
industries
The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Narrow Intelligence Artificial General Intelligence Artificial Superintelligence

(ANI) (AGI) (ASI)

Specialized in specific tasks (e.g., General intelligence comparable to Surpasses human intelligence
language processing, image recognition). human thinking capabilities. and abilities in all areas.
Deep Dive
AI Agents
AI Agents

AI Agents are intelligent systems that use artificial

intelligence to revolutionize how businesses and
individuals interact with technology.

They go beyond predictive systems: Unlike traditional

automation tools, which function merely as "co-pilots" or
predictive systems, AI Agents are flexible and capable of
learning.
Difference Between AI Chatbots and AI Agents

AI Chatbots AI Agents
Until the end of 2024, AI Chatbots were the most common Since late 2024, the first truly powerful AI Agents have
and everyday form of AI technology. been introduced.

They are based on Large Language Models (LLMs), are AI Agents operate on a dynamic reasoning framework,
modality-bound, and rely on the user’s chat history as enrich their knowledge through tool integrations and
memory. Their knowledge is static and limited, making long-term memory systems, and can make independent
them primarily suitable for short-term, well-defined goals. decisions. With access to APIs, external data sources, and
advanced functionalities, they excel in long-term, complex
tasks far beyond the capabilities of traditional chatbots.
Different ANI AI Models

LLM RAG AGENT

Prompt Prompt
Prompt Context Memory

LLM LLM Continuous

Processing
LLM Tools

Answer
Answer Answer

Action

LLM (e.g. ChatGPT) Retrieval Augmented Generation New era: autonomous Systems
(e.g. Company Chatbot)
AI Agents: Autonomy and Action

With synthetic intuition and multimodal data processing,

they develop a deep understanding of complex contexts
and act autonomously based on extensive data analysis.
They can independently execute tasks and make real-time
decisions.

These abilities make them indispensable tools in today’s

fast-paced digital world.
AI Agent Concept
Action (e.g. booking a flight, scheduling appointments)

4 3
Plan
my day

Generate Reponse AI Agent

Base GPT

Tool
integration

Question & Context

LLM Endpoint

1 Ingestion

2 Retrieval learn
Long-term Memory: Storage & Context Retrieval 2

3 Augmentation Memory
store embed split
& Data Base 1

4 Generation Embeddings Endpoint Chunks Data Source

Differences: Automation vs. AI Workflow vs. AI Agents

Aspect Automation AI Workflows AI Agents

Task Type Deterministic, repetitive More complex tasks Adaptive, dynamic

tasks requiring flexibility tasks

Strengths Fast, reliable, easy to Pattern recognition, flexible decision-making, Can anticipate new scenarios, high
implement analytical abilities autonomy

Weaknesses No adaptability Requires well-prepared data Less reliable, unpredictable

results possible

Examples Email filtering, automated Text generation, analysis based on Chatbots with context
invoicing user input understanding, adaptive tools for
strategy
Most Common AI Agents

Reflex Agent Goal-Based Agent: Learning Agent:

Direct response to conditions Plans actions to achieve a Adapts and improves through
goal experiences

Reflex agents operate based on simple A goal-based agent is designed to pursue Learning agents take things a step
rules like "If x, then y". They are a specific objective. It autonomously further: they not only follow predefined or
straightforward, efficient, and ideal for creates sequences of actions to reach its self-set goals but also continuously refine
well-defined, predictable tasks. However, target. These agents are particularly their actions through experience. In
their capabilities are limited as they suited for tasks requiring flexibility and unknown or changing environments, they
neither pursue long-term goals nor learn decision-making in dynamic gather data, analyze outcomes, and
from past experiences. environments. adjust their strategies accordingly.
Stages of Agenticness

Agenticness

Reflex Agent Goal-Based Agent Learning Agent

Goal Complexity How challenging and flexible are the objectives?

Environmental Complexity How dynamic is the environment?

Adaptability How well does the system adjust to unforeseen situations?

Autonomy How independently does the system act?

Four Reasons to use AI Agents

Key to Competitiveness & Meeting Higher Customer Demands in the

Efficiency Digital Era

Companies face pressure to automate processes in order to AI Agents provide real-time personalized recommendations
reduce costs and increase efficiency. AI Agents enable the and 24/7 customer support, leading to higher customer
automation of repetitive tasks and the optimization of complex satisfaction and stronger customer loyalty.
workflows.

Wide Application Areas & Regulations & Ethics as the

Scalability Basis of Trust

AI Agents are versatile and can be used across industries, The EU AI Act and data protection regulations establish clear
from healthcare to logistics. With intelligent data utilization and guidelines for the use of AI Agents. At the same time, flexible
cloud computing, projects can scale flexibly, while edge governance models need to be developed to comply with
computing minimizes latency. these regulations.
The Use of AI
in Companies
Industry-Specific AI Applications

Industry Healthcare Retail

Optimizes supply chains, minimizes Assists with diagnostics, therapy Enhances supply chains and offers
resource use, and increases planning, and patient round-the-clock virtual assistants.
efficiency. management.

Education Logistics Finance

Supports personalized learning Simplifies route optimization, Enables data-driven decisions and
programs and autonomous real-time tracking, and improves financial processes.
research agents. warehouse management.
Investments in Artificial Intelligence Are Rapidly Increasing Worldwide

Global Market Volume Contribution to GDP

Projections indicate that the global AI market will reach a Estimates suggest that by 2030, AI could contribute trillions to
volume of over $1.847 trillion by 2030, with an average annual global GDP, driving fundamental changes in how we work,
growth rate of 32.9% between 2022 and 2030. innovate, and solve problems.

Investments in the USA German SMEs

US President Donald Trump announced the "Stargate" project to A recent study shows that upper mid-sized companies in Germany
promote artificial intelligence, with investments of at least $500 have high hopes for AI. 54% of respondents expect to increase their
billion. This project aims to create over 100,000 jobs and strengthen budgets for AI projects by up to 25%.
AI infrastructure in the USA through the construction of massive
data centers.

Source: (1) produktion.de (2) investmentweek.com (3) welt.de (4) Avanade Trendlines: AI Value Report 2025
An AI Agent in your company?

Many companies can benefit from integrating artificial

intelligence. However, choosing the right AI system depends
entirely on the company’s specific needs and processes.

Multi-level agent systems only become truly beneficial when

simpler solutions have reached their limits. For this reason, a
strategic AI consultation is worthwhile to identify what the
company needs and what can realistically be implemented.

Source: Demo Google’s Customer Agent

Properly integrating AI into your Business

Building AI Competence
Through targeted and mandatory training and access to
AI experts

Before companies can effectively deploy AI Agents, they must

first ensure that artificial intelligence is seamlessly integrated
into their processes.

By taking the right steps, businesses can ensure that AI

Agents operate efficiently and sustainably, maximizing their
benefits while minimizing risks.

Identifying Use Cases

With greater competence and acceptance, the
Increasing Acceptance
number of use cases increases
Through positive examples, awareness-raising, and
compelling arguments
Measures to optimize your Business

Area / Prerequisite Measure

Goals and Areas of Application Analyze needs and develop an AI strategy

Data and Infrastructure Ensure data quality and build scalable infrastructure

Integration into Existing Processes and Systems Seamlessly integrate AI Agents into systems and utilize flexible APIs

Involve and Train Employees Conduct training sessions and foster acceptance

Monitoring and Optimization Implement monitoring systems and continuously optimize

Legal and Ethical Compliance Ensure compliance and establish ethical standards

Partnerships & Pilot Projects Collaborate with technology providers and launch pilot projects

Plan for Scalability and Further Development Promote an innovation culture and anticipate future developments
Ready to integrate AI
into your Business?
We make it happen – straightforward, practical, and results-driven.

Deep Dive Presentation

Exclusive insights and concrete use cases tailored
to your business.

AI Consulting
We work with you to develop a clear roadmap –
from the idea to implementation.

Implementation
From development to integration – we bring AI into
your daily operations.

Lasse Gruner-Lüders, Managing Director

hey@shape.agency
+49 40 228 200 600
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