On January 21, at the 2026 Davos World Economic Forum, Cristiano Amon, the President and CEO of Qualcomm, shared his insights into the future trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI). His discussion spanned several key areas, including personal AI devices, edge computing, robotics, and data centers. Amon highlighted that AI is transitioning from cloud-based systems to edge devices and the physical world. He suggested that while the long-term potential of AI may currently be underestimated, its full realization will require time. As AI technology advances, intelligent agents will become more specialized, better understanding human language and behavior. This will enable AI applications to expand from data centers into everyday devices. Amon noted that smart glasses have already seen shipments surpass 10 million units, signaling significant market potential, with expectations for new growth between 2026 and 2027.

Regarding edge computing, Amon underscored the importance of instant responses. He pointed out that over-reliance on cloud processing can lead to sluggish reactions, which is why many functions are now shifting to the device side for faster processing. Additionally, Amon drew parallels between the robotics industry and the automotive sector, emphasizing that robotics also demands efficient computing solutions to enhance battery life and reduce costs. When discussing data centers, he expressed the view that the current scale of AI data center construction does not align with energy consumption projections, a discrepancy that will likely drive architectural innovations.

Addressing the ongoing debate about the 'AI bubble,' Amon likened AI’s current stage to the internet around the year 2000. He stressed that, much like the internet's early days, AI’s development is a process that requires patience, and the pace of its future progress remains uncertain.