AI agents spark a hybrid shift in Silicon Valley software work

A surge of autonomous AI agents—driven by tools like OpenClaw and backed by major labs—is driving a hybrid “centaur phase” in Silicon Valley where engineers pair with AI to plan, code, and ship software faster. While the momentum signals a seismic shift, experts warn about cybersecurity risks, high entry barriers, and corporate restrictions that could slow adoption, even as software engineering remains the main early battleground and about half of current AI-agent activity is concentrated there.