Agentic software development: beyond the hype

How are AI agents reshaping software engineering?

The session will examine both the new challenges introduced by AI agents and the software engineering problems that remain as relevant as ever.

AI agents are advancing rapidly, but technological capability alone does not determine their value.

This session will look beyond the hype to examine what these advances mean for the practice of software engineering and what is needed to use AI agents effectively and responsibly in real-world environments.

The presentation will be followed by a discussion and audience Q&A, offering participants an opportunity to share perspectives, raise questions and explore the implications for their organizations and the broader software engineering community. 

Topics will include:

• Reliable AI agents: How can we ensure agents behave reliably and produce dependable results?
• Software quality and security: How should we validate, and safeguard software developed or supported by AI agents?
• The evolving role of engineers: What new skills and practices will engineers need as they increasingly work with AI agents?
• Human–AI collaboration: How can people effectively interact with, supervise and orchestrate AI agents?
• Enduring engineering challenges: How do we translate user intent into systems that meet real needs, and keep those systems maintainable and adaptable as requirements evolve?
• Opportunities for AI: Where can AI agents help address longstanding software engineering challenges?
• Research and industry collaboration: How can academia and industry work together to turn technological advances into dependable software and effective engineering practices?

Speakers