Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, suggests 2024 may mark the arrival of AI "agents" capable of performing tasks autonomously in the workforce, attracting significant investor interest. Startups exploring agent applications have raised $8.2 billion this year. Key players include Maven AGI, Wordware, and Decagon, each securing substantial funding to develop innovative solutions. Industry experts predict agents will enhance productivity and transform how businesses operate, paving the way for a new era in AI technology.