There's been a surge in AI use recently. Here's what's behind it. (www.businessinsider.com)

AI token usage has surged dramatically, particularly through the platform OpenRouter, which reported a jump from 6.4 trillion to 13 trillion AI tokens processed within just a few weeks. This spike signals a growing demand for advanced AI models, driven predominantly by the emergence of agent-based systems like OpenClaw. These AI agents, which automate complex tasks and enhance productivity, are evolving AI applications beyond traditional chatbots, fostering an explosive growth in AI inference activities—how models operate and execute commands in the cloud. The rebound in GPU pricing, particularly for Nvidia's AI chips, further underscores the rising interest in AI technologies, correlating with a notable increase in online traffic to coding services, which expanded by 17% in January. While concerns persist about a potential AI bubble, experts suggest that current demand—especially for inference—justifies the substantial capital expenditures aimed at developing these AI capabilities. As AI models like Anthropic’s Claude and OpenClaw's technology continue to advance, their ability to perform machine tasks autonomously signals a transformative shift in AI utility, potentially allowing for uninterrupted, efficient work execution that could reshape digital workflows.