Q04 · Tools & LanguagesAssess◌ NewHorizon: 12-18 mo

Agent & Tool Protocols for Machine-to-Machine Coordination

Emerging standards for how agents and machines discover and call each other's capabilities.

Standardising how shop-floor agents, robots and planning systems interoperate is an early but consequential space — betting on open protocols now avoids costly re-platforming as the market consolidates.

Sequencing

Enables AI Gateway & Model Routing for OT/IT Systems

Agent & Tool Protocols across other industries

Emerging standards for how agents discover tools, call them and talk to each other.

Platform

From the Manufacturing & Industrial Emerging Technology & Innovation Radar, Edition 2026.1, published 2026-10-01.

An independent, industry-agnostic radar curated by Shailesh Kumar.