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Autonomous AI agents now outpace humans in data use

AI systems that act on their own, called autonomous agents, now process over five times more data than human users, according to recent analytics. Running these agents is expensive, but lower-cost Chinese AI models are gaining ground as a result. Analysts say companies are starting to care less about raw intelligence and more about cost-efficiency, especially since agent-driven tasks use 15 times the data per request compared to human ones.

Why it mattersFor many businesses, figuring out what AI is actually worth now depends as much on efficiency and cost as on raw abilities. Cheaper, good-enough models may end up taking more market share than the most powerful—and expensive—alternatives.

Sources covering this

South China Morning PostHeadline onlyChinese internet giants set to reap artificial intelligence profits in 2 to 3 years: UBS1:30 AMTechNodeBetter Models Aren’t Enough: China’s AI Race Turns to Cost, Products and Paying Users8:55 AM
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