In the third installment of Behind the Hype, our four-part miniseries about the 2023 Gartner Hype Cycle™ for Artificial Intelligence, we descend into the trough of disillusionment. Contrary to popular belief, technologies that reach this phase of the Hype Cycle are not all ill-advised investments; sometimes, the market is adjusting and finding efficient uses for these technologies.
Afraz Jaffri, a Director Analyst who focuses on data and analytics and AI and the editor of this year’s AI Hype Cycle, joins us to clear up common misconceptions about the trough of disillusionment, a place where we find what we thought was possible is not. Then Senior Director Analyst Jonathan Davenport weighs in on the current and future states of autonomous vehicles, which sit in the trough on the 2023 Gartner Hype Cycle for Artificial Intelligence.
Watch Now: Gartner Hype Cycles, Explained
Read: What’s New in Artificial Intelligence From the 2023 Gartner Hype Cycle
Learn More: Gartner Hype Cycle Research Methodology
Opening Thoughts
Why the Trough of Disillusionment Doesn’t Spell Doom
How and Why Technologies Enter the Trough of Disillusionment
Technologies That Have Progressed to the Slope of Enlightenment
Innovation Profile: Autonomous Vehicles on the AI Hype Cycle
The Challenges of Developing Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Use Cases for Autonomous Vehicles
The Near-Term Future of Autonomous Vehicles
How Autonomous Vehicles Can Get Past the Trough of Disillusionment
Next Up: The Plateau of Productivity
Afraz Jaffri | Sr Director Analyst, KI Leader
Afraz Jaffri is a Research Director at Gartner, where Mr. Jaffri focuses on Analytics, Data Science and AI. He advises Data and Analytics leaders on making the most from their investments in modern data science, machine learning and analytics platforms. He has particular focus on how to organize analytics and data science teams, implementing graph-based data management and analytics solutions and developing best practices for operationalizing machine learning models.
Jonathan Davenport | Sr Director Analyst, KI Leader
Jonathan Davenport is a member of the Industries Practice, delivering business and technology insights focused on the transformation of the automotive sector through IoT and software-defined ecosystems. His expertise centers on software-defined, connected and autonomous vehicles, guiding clients in integrating advanced software solutions and managing the full software lifecycle, including CI/CD, continuous testing, and robust software management. Mr. Davenport advises on digital twin technology, enabling virtual simulation and validation of vehicle software, which accelerates code development, enhances safety, and reduces risk. He specializes in optimizing software toolchains for seamless collaboration among development, testing, and operations teams, ensuring reliability and agility in complex automotive environments. His guidance covers advanced connectivity solutions such as telematics, 5G, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and over-the-air (OTA) updates—key components of the software-defined vehicle. He also provides actionable strategies for monetization, product servitization, and vehicle cybersecurity, helping clients adapt to the fast-changing competitive landscape. While primarily focused on automotive, Mr. Davenport’s methodologies extend to autonomous systems in robotics, maritime vessels, and eVTOL platforms. He partners with fleet operators to leverage video telematics and digital platforms, optimizing maintenance, cost management, and regulatory compliance. His holistic approach combines technical depth with strategic vision, empowering leaders to drive software-centric transformation across mobility.
Hosted by: Karen Lockhart
Gartner ThinkCast puts you at the intersection of business and technology with insights from the top experts on how to build a more successful organization, team and career in the digital era. Join us to get your competitive advantage.
Thank you for listening to Gartner ThinkCast. Please rate, review and share with your colleagues.
All content on Gartner ThinkCast is owned by Gartner and cannot be repurposed or reproduced without Gartner’s consent.
Gartner is an impartial, independent analyst and advisor. All content provided by other speakers is expressly the views of those speakers and their enterprises. The information on Gartner ThinkCast should not be construed as a Gartner endorsement of any enterprise’s products or services.
