Emerging technology isn’t just speeding up — it’s splintering into newer, riskier, and more powerful directions. Last year, in our top 10 emerging technologies list, we split generative AI into two: one track for language, one for visual content. That split still holds for the 2025 list, but the timelines are shifting. Generative AI for language is here now, while generative AI for visual content will eventually transform digital experiences — just not overnight. Meanwhile, the rest of this year’s list reflects the relentless pace of change, with big updates in how we cover automation, data innovation, and embodied AI.

Below, we highlight three noteworthy changes to this year’s top 10 emerging technologies list — and one foundational truth that hasn’t changed. To get a full deep dive on all 10 technologies, be sure to attend our upcoming webinar on May 21 if you’re in Europe or North America or June 4 if you’re in APAC.

1. Agentic AI: Automation Gets A Brain (And A Warning Label)

Since first introducing intelligent agents in 2020, Forrester has tracked automation’s evolution with AI closely. Last year, we refined this to “AI agents.” But in 2025, we go even deeper — spotlighting agentic AI technologies as a distinct emerging technology.

Why? Because a new wave of architectures and orchestration tools is making AI agents significantly more flexible and capable — but also more unpredictable. These technologies are enabling automation to take on open-ended tasks, respond adaptively, and operate independently. That opens new possibilities for enterprises — and new doors for risk. Clear boundaries, governance, and trust frameworks must evolve alongside the tech. We have already published an important foundation report on this technology.

2. Synthetic Data: From Privacy Tool To Performance Driver

While 42% of firms say they are already using synthetic data as a privacy-preserving technology, its true potential is now coming into focus — and launching it into the top 10.

Beyond its role in data minimization and bias mitigation, synthetic data is rapidly becoming a critical training and tuning tool for foundational models. Enterprises are using it to create high-fidelity datasets where real data is limited or unavailable, to stress-test AI behavior, and to ensure fairness at scale. The result? A more robust path to responsible AI — and a new lever for innovation.

3. Humanoid Robots: From Factory Floor To Frontline

Humanoid robots were absent even from our top 20 list last year but show up on the top 10 this year. So what changed?

Several forces converged in 2025: falling component costs, advances in robotic dexterity, and rapid progress in language AI. Together, they’ve made human-form robots feasible for frontline work across industries. From warehouses and restaurants to elder care and security, new use cases are gaining traction fast.

If current trajectories hold, humanoid robots could disrupt many physical-service industries significantly by 2030. Robotics is not just about automation anymore — it’s about presence, interaction, and embodiment.

What Hasn’t Changed? Trust Still Comes First.

The most important message from last year remains unchanged in 2025, despite the increased volatility this year: To be ready for tomorrow’s innovation, tech leaders must invest today in trusted, secure technology foundations. Technology innovation thrives on speed — but trust is what enables scale.

Are You Ready For The Full Picture?

Attend one of our webinars to explore all 10 technologies shaping the future of innovation — and how to turn them into strategic advantage. Bring your questions for me to answer about your own emerging technology plans.