The Future of AI and Infrastructure
NTT Data outlines Tech Trends for 2026
The IT service provider NTT Data has presented its Technology Foresight Report 2026. The analysis identifies six developments that will shape the use of artificial intelligence, infrastructure and semiconductor technology in the coming years.
The report focuses on the term "mass intelligence". This refers to the widespread availability and use of artificial intelligence in business and society. Companies are therefore increasingly investing in systems that are capable of learning, adapting and making autonomous decisions. At the same time, the dynamics in the AI environment require long-term strategies in order to secure competitiveness and market position.
Trend 1: Human-orchestrated autonomy
According to the report, AI systems are evolving from pure automation to largely autonomous action. AI agents take on complex tasks, but remain bound by human objectives and ethical guidelines. Autonomy is described as a collaborative process in which human judgment is scaled by AI.
Trend 2: Emotional intelligence in digital systems
Another trend is the integration of emotional intelligence into software. AI agents analyze tone of voice, facial expressions and gestures in order to adapt communication to the situation. The aim is to improve interaction between humans and machines as well as adaptive learning processes.
Trend 3: Trustworthy and explainable AI
According to the analysis, the importance of transparency and security increases with growing autonomy. Companies are relying on explainable algorithms, zero-trust architectures and ethical frameworks. Cybersecurity is described as a forward-looking, adaptive system that recognizes threats and coordinates countermeasures.
Trend 4: Informed infrastructure in the hybrid continuum
The report uses the term "Informed Infrastructure" to describe an infrastructure that continuously evaluates data, optimizes performance parameters and dynamically distributes workloads between devices, edge environments and the cloud. The aim is to achieve a real-time balance of efficiency, costs, control and sustainability.
Trend 5: Sovereign chip ecosystems and technological resilience
Semiconductor technology is classified as a strategic factor for state sovereignty. The establishment of national and cooperative chip ecosystems is intended to secure supply chains and maintain innovative capacity. Sustainable manufacturing, recycling and energy-efficient production are considered key elements in this context.
Trend 6: Sustainability instead of pure efficiency
The sixth trend describes a shift from maximizing efficiency to sufficiency and the sustainable use of resources. AI applications and digital twins are helping to optimize material and energy consumption and reduce complexity.
"The rise of mass intelligence is shifting our focus from acceleration to meaningfulness," emphasizes Oliver Köth, Managing Director Technology & Innovation at NTT Data DACH. "When emotionally aware systems, sovereign computing capabilities and trusted infrastructures come together, technology becomes a purposeful partner. It strengthens resilience and underpins the values that will shape our shared future."
The Technology Foresight Report serves the company as a strategic basis for innovation and business model development. Further information can be found on the NTT Data Technology Foresight Report website.
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