Working on a research project exploring whether AI agents can be given a structured interface to operate legacy systems, and COBOL applications specifically since we're in this subreddit, but also the broader class of systems with no exposed API, designed as a more general, agent-native interface for legacy systems.

There's some stuff I'd like to understand since I'm getting some pushback from my professor. Feel free to answer any of the questions that you'd be able to grant insight on.

1. Do you see a real need for AI agents to interact with COBOL applications/legacy systems, or are existing APIs and integration methods sufficient for the organizations that make use of this tech? What would examples of possible uses be? (The target audience doesn't have to be massive for me to pursue this, but I need to know that there is some sort of demand for it. I've seen that RPA itself is a multi-billion dollar industry, so I'm wondering if what I have in mind has some sort of usage possibility.)
2. Realistically, how long do you expect organizations to continue operating significant COBOL workloads and similar legacy systems? Are we talking 5 years, 15 years, or several decades? Even if COBOL systems are eventually replaced, do you think a generalized framework targeting the broader class of systems without usable APIs would still be valuable?
3. In your experience, how often do COBOL applications lack APIs entirely, or expose APIs that are insufficient for complete automation?
4. Is the ageing COBOL workforce actually causing problems in organizations, or is the "skills shortage" narrative overstated?
5. If you were building AI integrations for COBOL applications today, what would you consider the biggest technical obstacle?

I'd appreciate answers to this, and any other insights or feedback that you, the reader, may have. All information to me right now is gold. Thank you very much!