Google and Salesforce Launch AI Agents as Anthropic Leads 2026 Wave

80% of businesses will use AI agents by 2028, with Google and Salesforce leading the charge with their latest launches, including Gemini Spark and Slackbot, designed to transform the workplace and personal productivity.

The Rise of AI Agents

Google’s Gemini Spark and Salesforce’s Slackbot are part of a broader movement towards agentic AI, where software agents work alongside humans to complete complex tasks. This shift is driven by advancements in LLMs (Large Language Models) and the increasing demand for more efficient and automated workflows. According to a recent report, the global AI market is expected to reach $190 billion by 2025, with AI agents being a key driver of this growth.

Technical Capabilities

• Gemini Spark runs on Gemini 3.5 Flash and uses Google’s Antigravity platform to orchestrate AI agents.
• Slackbot is now a fully powered AI agent capable of searching enterprise data, drafting documents, and taking action on behalf of employees.
• Both platforms are designed to integrate with existing workflows and tools, making them more accessible to a wider range of users.

“Slackbot isn’t just another copilot or AI assistant,” said Parker Harris, Salesforce co-founder and Slack’s chief technology officer. “It’s a fully powered AI agent designed to work alongside humans to complete complex tasks.”

What the Sceptics Say

Some critics argue that the rapid development and deployment of AI agents could lead to job displacement and exacerbate existing privacy and security concerns. Additionally, there are questions about the transparency and accountability of these AI systems, particularly in high-stakes decision-making scenarios.

What This Means for the Industry

Companies like Microsoft, with its Agent 365, and Anthropic, with its recent acquisition of Stainless, are also making significant moves in the AI agent space. Over the next 6-12 months, we can expect to see more launches and partnerships as the industry continues to evolve. The adoption of AI agents is likely to be a key differentiator for businesses, with those embracing this technology poised to gain a significant competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways

1. Engineers: Focus on developing skills in LLMs and agentic AI to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
2. Investors: Look for opportunities in startups and established companies developing innovative AI agent solutions, with a potential market size of $150 billion by 2027.
3. Business Leaders: Prepare your organization for the integration of AI agents by assessing current workflows and identifying areas where automation can enhance productivity and efficiency.
4. Consumers: Be aware of the increasing presence of AI agents in your daily digital interactions and consider the benefits and risks associated with these technologies.

Sources

• VentureBeat: Salesforce rolls out new Slackbot AI agent as it battles Microsoft and Google in workplace AI
• VentureBeat Business: Google’s new AI agent can draft your emails, monitor your inbox and eventually spend your money
• Wired: Gemini Spark Is Google’s Response to OpenClaw’s 24/7 AI Agent