Abisoft guide · Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence in 2026: what it is, the latest advances, agents and how to apply it in your business

A clear guide to today's AI: how it works, what changed this year, where we are on the scale, how Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok and Chinese AI compare, and how agents are already transforming companies.

Updated September 30, 2026

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science that builds systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence: understanding language, recognizing images, reasoning, making decisions and learning from data.

Today's AI is mostly based on neural networks trained on huge amounts of data. Large language models (LLMs) such as Claude, GPT or Gemini learn the patterns of human language and knowledge. They no longer just chat: they write code, analyze documents, see images, use tools and complete entire tasks.

Machine learning

Algorithms that learn patterns from data instead of following hand-written rules.

Deep learning

Multi-layer neural networks; the foundation of computer vision and language models.

LLM

Large language models trained on text and code, able to understand and generate language.

Generative AI

Models that create new content: text, code, images, audio and video.

Multimodal AI

Models that understand text, images, audio and video together.

AI agents

Systems that plan and carry out multi-step tasks using tools, under human supervision.

Latest AI advances (September 2026)

September 2026 was one of the busiest months ever for AI releases. The most relevant:

Sep 1
Anthropic
Claude Fable 5.1 and Mythos 5.1: Claude's top tier. Mythos is reserved for controlled-access programs such as Project Glasswing, which brings together 40+ major companies to find vulnerabilities in critical software.
Sep 2
Google
Gemini 3.8 Flash, Google's fast and affordable model; Gemini 4 is in its largest training run to date.
Sep 3
OpenAI
GPT-6 Astra, OpenAI's new flagship, focused on computer use, browsing, software engineering and professional work.
Sep
xAI
Grok 4.7, with a larger base model and more reinforcement learning. Grok 5 has not been released yet.
Sep 18
Alibaba
Qwen3.8-Omni-Flash: natively understands text, images, audio and video.
Sep 22
Anthropic
Claude Opus 5.5: performs at Fable 5.1 level on most tasks, 30% faster and 40% cheaper per task than Opus 5.
Sep 22
OpenAI
GPT-6 Sol and Luna, lower-cost GPT-6 tiers for ChatGPT Work and Codex.
Sep 28
Anthropic
Claude Sonnet 5.5: up to 30% cheaper per task than Sonnet 5.

The trends defining 2026

From chatbots to agents

Models now run long jobs on their own: auditing code, operating a browser or completing multi-step processes.

AI for cybersecurity

The most advanced models find real vulnerabilities, so they are released with access controls.

More capability for less money

Each generation lowers the cost per task: Opus 5.5 costs 40% less per task than its predecessor.

Open models

DeepSeek, Qwen, Kimi and GLM publish open weights that can run on your own servers.

Levels of artificial intelligence

AI is usually classified in two ways: by scope and by degree of autonomy.

By scope

Narrow AI (ANI)

Solves specific tasks: recommending products, detecting fraud, spotting defects on a production line. This is the AI we use every day.

General AI (AGI)

A system with human-like ability across almost any intellectual task. 2026 models come close in many areas, but there is no consensus that it has been reached.

Superintelligence (ASI)

An AI that would surpass humans in every field. Today it is a theoretical concept, and the reason AI safety matters so much.

By evolution: the 5 levels

A framework popularized by OpenAI to measure progress toward AGI:

1. ConversationalChatbots that answer in natural language.
2. ReasonersSolve complex problems step by step, like an expert.
3. AgentsAct on their own for hours using tools, software and browsers.
4. InnovatorsHelp create new knowledge: scientific discoveries, inventions.
5. OrganizationsSystems able to do the work of an entire organization.

We are here: level 3 established, with early signs of level 4

Claude vs. ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok and Chinese AI

Comparison of the leading models as of September 30, 2026.

Latest models

Strengths

Keep in mind

ClaudeAnthropic

Opus 5.5 (Sep 22), Sonnet 5.5 (Sep 28), Fable 5.1 (Sep 1)

Leader in coding and agents; works with large codebases; safety focus; creator of the MCP standard.

Mythos, its most powerful model, is only available through controlled-access programs.

ChatGPTOpenAI

GPT-6 Astra (Sep 3), GPT-6 Sol and Luna (Sep 22)

Largest user base (900 million weekly in Feb. 2026); very broad ecosystem; strong at computer use.

GPT-6 only on paid plans; Astra is among the priciest via API (USD 10 / 50 per million tokens).

GeminiGoogle

Gemini 3.8 Flash (Sep 2); Gemini 4 in training

Highly multimodal; integrated with Google Workspace and Android; fast, affordable Flash models.

Its Pro model has not been updated since February 2026; Gemini 3.5 Pro was delayed.

GrokxAI

Grok 4.7 (Sep 2026)

Real-time information from X; competitive pricing.

Grok 5 not yet released; lower enterprise adoption and controversies over content moderation.

Chinese AIDeepSeek, Alibaba, Moonshot, Zhipu

DeepSeek V4, Kimi K3 (Jul 16), Qwen 3.8, GLM-5.3

Open weights, very low cost, can be installed on your own servers.

Their official apps and APIs operate under Chinese law (data and content censorship); low adoption in Western enterprises.

Why does Abisoft work with Claude?

The best for coding and building agents

Opus 5.5 audited a 200,000-line codebase in under 3 hours (Opus 5 needed 20+) and, according to Anthropic, beats GPT-6 Astra on FrontierCode at about 20% of the cost.

Enterprises' choice

According to Menlo Ventures (Dec. 2025), Anthropic holds 40% of enterprise LLM spend and 54% of the AI coding market.

Open standards

Anthropic created the Model Context Protocol (MCP), the standard for connecting AI to systems and data, adopted by OpenAI and Google and donated to the Linux Foundation.

Safety first

Opus 5.5 achieved Anthropic's best alignment score to date; its most powerful models protect critical software through Project Glasswing.

Better cost per task

Opus 5.5 is 40% cheaper per task than Opus 5, and Sonnet 5.5 up to 30% cheaper than Sonnet 5.

No model is the best at everything. For each project we assess the right option, and we also integrate GPT, Gemini or open models when the use case calls for it.

What are AI agents?

An AI agent is a system that receives a goal and works on its own to achieve it: it plans the steps, uses tools (databases, APIs, browser, email, ERP), reviews its results and fixes mistakes. Unlike a chatbot, which only answers, an agent acts.

How an agent works

1. UnderstandReceives the goal and gathers context: documents, data and business rules.
2. PlanBreaks the work into steps and decides which tools to use.
3. ActQueries systems, writes code, fills in forms or sends information.
4. VerifyChecks the result, corrects it and escalates to a person when needed.

How companies and projects are using them

Software development

Agents that write, test, review and migrate code, and audit entire codebases.

Customer service

Resolve queries, manage appointments and claims 24/7, and hand off complex cases.

Operations and back office

Process invoices, reconcile data, generate reports and update the ERP.

Sales and marketing

Qualify leads, prepare proposals and personalize campaigns.

Healthcare

Schedule appointments, prepare clinical summaries and follow up with patients.

Cybersecurity

Detect vulnerabilities and propose patches before they are exploited.

Human resources

Screen candidates, answer staff questions and automate attendance processes.

Industry

Monitor production lines with computer vision and anticipate machine failures.

Adoption in numbers

17%of organizations have already deployed AI agents (Gartner, 2026).

60%+expect to do so within the next two years (Gartner, 2026).

23%are scaling an agentic system in at least one business function (McKinsey).

39%are already experimenting with agents (McKinsey).

The key to running an agent in production is solid integration with the company's systems, clear rules and human oversight. That is where a development partner makes the difference.

Abisoft: 15 years working with artificial intelligence

Abisoft S.A. has worked with artificial intelligence for 15 years, long before generative AI went mainstream. We started with data analytics and machine learning applied to our clients' real problems and evolved with every leap in the technology: computer vision, language processing, generative AI and, today, autonomous agents.

That experience lets us separate what works from what is just hype, and integrate AI where it truly adds value: inside the systems the company already uses, with secure data and measurable results.

15years with AI

25years building software

50+applications built

100+clients

How Abisoft's AI has benefited companies

Process automation

Repetitive tasks that used to take hours are now done in minutes, freeing teams for higher-value work.

Data-driven decisions

Models that analyze historical data to forecast demand, detect anomalies and support strategy.

Quality control with computer vision

Automatic inspection on production lines to detect defects with consistent accuracy.

Customer service and experience

Multilingual conversational assistants that answer instantly, 24 hours a day.

Faster, more reliable software

We use AI in our own development and QA: we deliver sooner and with fewer defects.

Our own AI products

Platforms such as PsicólogoIA, AI emotional support by voice and text, prove our experience in production.

Want to bring AI to your company?

We analyze your process, identify where AI adds the most value and build the solution: from an assistant to agents integrated with your ERP, CRM or in-house systems.

Request a quote

AI frequently asked questions

What is the best AI in 2026?

It depends on the use. For coding, agents and enterprise work, Claude (Anthropic) is currently the most chosen by companies; GPT-6 stands out at computer use, Gemini at multimodality and cost, and Chinese models at price and open weights.

What is an AI agent?

A system that receives a goal and achieves it on its own: it plans, uses tools, checks its results and asks a person for help when needed.

Will AI replace employees?

AI automates tasks, not people. The companies that benefit most use it so their teams can do more and better work.

Is it safe to use AI with my company data?

Yes, with the right architecture: enterprise plans that do not train on your data, access controls and, when needed, models installed on your own servers.

How long does it take to implement AI in a company?

A first use case can be running in a few weeks; deep integration with several systems is done in stages.

Sources

Data verified as of September 30, 2026. Performance figures come from the vendors themselves or from the reports cited.

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