Agile Testing Days 2025: AI, Agents & The Human Side

We attended Agile Testing Days this year as an event sponsor and had a booth in the vendor area, where we spent the week giving demos and speaking with dozens of teams. Being there in person was a valuable reminder of why these events still matter—conversations flowed more naturally, ideas felt more alive, and it became clear that the testing community is entering a new phase shaped by AI yet still firmly grounded in human judgment.

The Rise of Agentic Testing

A major theme throughout the event was the rise of agentic testing. Many talks compared today's excitement to the early days of automation, when teams were experimenting with tools that later became industry standards. The same mix of optimism, uncertainty, and bold predictions is back, only this time the conversation revolves around AI agents capable of exploring systems, making decisions, and assisting with test design. It's clear that something is shifting, even if no one fully agrees yet on what the new normal will look like.

AI in Development: Ambition Meets Reality

A similar trend appeared in sessions about development. Some presenters suggested that "agentic coding" may eventually redefine how software is written, sometimes implying that much of programming is becoming a solved problem. The ambition is impressive, but many open questions remain about reliability, oversight, and responsibility.

Balancing Enthusiasm and Caution

The broader discussions around AI reflected both enthusiasm and caution. Many talks showcased what AI could unlock in testing, while others focused on its blind spots — issues of transparency, risk, ethics, and trust. It was refreshing to see that the conference wasn't driven by hype; the tone was more thoughtful, with plenty of space for doubts and honest conversations.