RAG is Dead - Long Live Intelligent Retrieval-Augmented Generation

Explore advanced Retrieval-Augmented Generation techniques in this 17-minute conference talk from AWS re:Invent 2025. Learn why traditional RAG approaches using simple vector lookups are insufficient for modern AI applications and discover how leading teams are implementing sophisticated agentic RAG pipelines. Examine multi-step reasoning capabilities, dynamic namespace selection, and metadata-aware retrieval systems that deliver more accurate and scalable AI experiences. Dive into cutting-edge patterns including hybrid search methodologies, context re-ranking algorithms, document and query expansion techniques, and feedback loops designed for continuous quality improvement. Understand how to move beyond basic document search to create context-rich AI systems that can handle complex reasoning tasks. Gain insights into building robust RAG architectures that incorporate evaluation mechanisms and adaptive learning capabilities for enterprise-scale deployments.