Over the past few years, we’ve been trying to predict what’s coming in AI. A silly game given how fast this industry moves. But we’re on a roll, and we’re doing it again. How do we calculate the end of the round? The four hot trends to watch out for in 2024 are pretty much nailed down by including so-called special chatbots (not yet, but we’re talking about what’s now called agents, the hottest thing in AI right now), generative video, and more general robots that can more tasks. So what’s coming in 2025? Here are five picks from our AI team. —James O’Donnell, Will Douglas Heaven & Melissa Heikkilä This piece is part of MIT Technology Review’s What’s Next series, looking at industries, trends, and technologies to provide a first look at the future. You can read more here. Stem cell therapy that works: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2025 A quarter of a century ago, researchers isolated powerful stem cells from embryos created through in vitro fertilization. These cells, theoretically able to transform into any tissue in the human body, promise a medical revolution. Think: replacement parts for whatever ails you. But stem cell science is not smooth sailing. Although scientists are soon learning how to make any kind of cell without an embryo, persuading it to become a truly functional adult tissue is more difficult than expected. Now, the stem cells will finally be delivered. Read the full story. Stem cell therapy is one of the 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025, MIT Technology Review’s annual list of technologies to watch. Check out the rest of the list, and vote for the honorable 11 breakthroughs – you have until April 1st!
