AI agents aren't replacing software engineering but expanding it far beyond code, researchers argue

Researchers from Chalmers University and Volvo Group argue that AI agents expand software engineering far beyond code.

Their six-ring framework includes prompts, workflows, guardrails, validation, and social/legal fit as core engineering layers.

The paper treats prompts and decision routines as semi-executable artifacts that need design, testing, and maintenance.

Its main takeaway: AI is likely to shift engineering work toward workflow design, governance, and organizational redesign rather than simply replace developers.