In a world where digitalization is advancing at a rapid pace, it’s normal for new developments to emerge frequently. In this case, artificial intelligence, the space race, and autonomous vehicles are expected to undergo significant changes throughout 2025, according to predictions made by the company DE-CIXDE-CIX (Deutscher Commercial Internet Exchange) is an entity….
1. AI Drives a New Era of Connectivity and Digitalization
According to IDC, 80% of CIOs worldwide plan to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to achieve agility and knowledge-based business in the coming years. As AI integrates into every aspect of our lives, the demand for smarter and more scalable network infrastructures is becoming increasingly urgent. “AI not only supports smarter network management but also enables process optimization across industries, from network optimization to fraud detection. Creating intelligent value requires equally intelligent technologies,” says Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX.
With 5G Advanced ready for global launch in 2025, the stage is already being set for the next generation of mobile connectivity. “6G will not only be up to 100 times faster than 5G, but it will also integrate AI to protect, manage, and control networks,” assures Dr. Thomas King, CTO of DE-CIX, who notes that “standards, open architectures, and APIsAn API stands for “Application Programming Inter… will be essential for building an interoperable and intelligent future network. In addition, disaggregated computing, driven by technologies like Ultra Ethernet, will be key for training large language models in a more decentralized and efficient manner.”
2. The Internet Space Race is Intensifying
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites will soon provide humanity with connectivity everywhere, ensuring high-speed and low-latency connections over the ocean or, for the first time, at every single seat on airplanes, as well as enabling connections where it wasn’t previously possible. “Satellite transmission technology offers new hope from space for the billions of people who today are disadvantaged by limited or nonexistent Internet access,” states Ivo Ivanov. “Therefore, in 2025, the space race for the Internet will escalate.”
Moreover, space exploration companies are now looking at the multimillion-dollar potential of asteroid and lunar mining to access, for example, Helium-3 for quantum computing applications. “Without computing power and connectivity in space and on the lunar surface, none of this will be possible,” adds Ivanov. This view is supported by figures from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey: both estimate that the global space economy will reach a value of $1.3 trillion by 2035, up from $630 billion in 2023.
3. Autonomous Vehicles and Humanoid Robots: The Next Frontier
The arrival of autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots is revolutionizing mobility and industry. The global market for humanoid robots is expected to approach $10 billion by 2030, with their introduction in homes and workplaces in 2025. Mass availability is anticipated starting in 2026 in the United States and Europe, while China plans to initiate a massive rollout of humanoid robots by 2025.
In this regard, Ivo Ivanov states that “these vehicles depend on excellent wireless connectivity to keep cars and their passengers safe. To facilitate the use of AI across various industries, DE-CIX introduced the concept of AI Exchange. It’s about performance, security, compliance, and simplicity, allowing AI to work its magic.”
Regarding humanoid robots, Ivanov adds, “As the workforce evolves toward a hybrid landscape of humans and machines, the need for responsible AI is becoming increasingly clear.” So much so that it’s estimated that up to 30% of current work hours could be automated by 2030.
4. Disaggregated Computing: Key for AI’s Future Training
The method of training large language models (LLMs) by companies will soon change. “Previously, enormous centralized data centers were needed to quickly process computational loads, but in the future, AI models will need to be trained in a more decentralized manner,” states Dr. Thomas King, “if only because space for data centers is limited everywhere.” Meanwhile, Ivo Ivanov claims that “the solution is offered by AI Exchanges, which can interconnect disaggregated computing workloads and AI services through high-speed connections. They are also already prepared for the upcoming technological leaps in the AI market.” Thus, the new Ultra Ethernet is driving a trend toward disaggregated computing by replacing InfiniBand.