Virtual power plants, useful AI agents, and eVTOLs were considered for inclusion on the 2025 technology list but ultimately were left off. Virtual power plants connect solar panels, wind turbines, grid batteries, and electric vehicles to better manage power flow. While 500 virtual power plants in the US provide up to 60 gigawatts of capacity, more would be needed to impact the grid as a whole.
AI agents, AI-powered helpers that schedule meetings and book trips, are gaining momentum with platforms like Salesforce allowing companies to create their own customer service agents. However, challenges remain in understanding specific requests and reliably carrying out actions. Despite the development power behind them, AI agents may not be truly useful just yet.
eVTOLs, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, are like electric helicopters designed for commuter transportation. While most are piloted, autonomous operation may be possible in the future. Overall, these technologies show promise but face hurdles in implementation.
While not included on the 2025 list, they are still worth monitoring for future developments.
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