This week saw major advances in business automation powered by AI agents. HubSpot launched new Customer Agent tools that resolve 50% of support tickets automatically, helping companies save time. Google revealed AI helpers for software developers that can write code, fix errors, and create tests – speeding up app creation.

Workers have mixed feelings about these tools. A Dutch insurance company fired 15 contractors after AI email processors took over claims handling. However, McKinsey showed AI agents can cut project planning from 20 days to 2 days when helping consultants.

Governments are joining too – 90% of Americans want AI helpers to make dealing with agencies easier. UiPath now offers free automation tools for public offices to try. For banks, new anti-fraud AI agents can spot shady transactions faster than humans.

Experts say these smart bots work best for repetitive jobs like data entry or customer questions. Companies using them report saving money while letting workers focus on creative tasks. The U.S. market for AI helpers is growing fast – expected to hit $7.6 billion this year.