Worldwide spending on artificial intelligence is forecast to total $2.7 trillion in 2026, a 49.5% increase from the previous year, according to Gartner. Demand for AI infrastructure, including optimized servers, network fabric, semiconductors and related systems, remains strong even as memory prices rise. Analyst John-David Lovelock said the buildout of AI data center capacity is the largest infrastructure project humanity has undertaken, with hyperscalers and service providers driving the bulk of spending on AI-optimized servers. In software, vendors are rapidly embedding agentic AI into existing products as generative AI moves deeper into the Trough of Disillusionment. Enterprises are using these simpler embedded features to improve efficiency, automate workflows and support decisions. AI infrastructure is projected at $1.48 trillion in 2026. Spending on AI agents and assistants is expected to reach $29 billion, while generative AI models grow 117% to $28 billion.
Worldwide spending on artificial intelligence is forecast to total $2.7 trillion in 2026, a 49.5% increase from the previous year, according to Gartner. Demand for AI infrastructure, including optimized servers, network fabric, semiconductors and related systems, remains strong even as memory prices rise. Analyst John-David Lovelock said the buildout of AI data center capacity is the largest infrastructure project humanity has undertaken, with hyperscalers and service providers driving the bulk of spending on AI-optimized servers. In software, vendors are rapidly embedding agentic AI into existing products as generative AI moves deeper into the Trough of Disillusionment. Enterprises are using these simpler embedded features to improve efficiency, automate workflows and support decisions. AI infrastructure is projected at $1.48 trillion in 2026. Spending on AI agents and assistants is expected to reach $29 billion, while generative AI models grow 117% to $28 billion.