Long Horizon Document Agents

Sequoia's prediction for 2026 as the year of long-horizon agents suggests a shift towards AI that can autonomously handle complex, end-to-end knowledge work over extended periods, particularly in document processing. These agents, unlike current synchronous tools, would operate more like digital employees, continuously managing tasks without constant human input, thereby enhancing efficiency in workflows such as document extraction and chatbot interactions. The potential lies in creating agents that can autonomously update documents, manage tasks, and respond to events like edits or comments, thus transforming traditional document AI into a more dynamic, collaborative, and iterative process. This evolution is anticipated to revolutionize industries by transitioning from rule-based automation to more adaptable, long-running agents capable of complex reasoning and decision-making, ultimately facilitating seamless document management and collaboration akin to human workflows.