---
title: ToolRouter — Agent Use Case Guide
description: Step-by-step guide for completing a task with a specific AI agent using ToolRouter.
url: https://toolrouter.com/tools/academic-research/use-cases/track-research-trends/chatgpt
---
# How to Track Research Trends with ChatGPT

ChatGPT narrates the evolution of research fields in accessible terms. It explains which subtopics are gaining momentum, identifies the shift from theoretical to applied work, and helps you understand why certain directions are attracting more attention. Trend analysis becomes a story rather than a collection of statistics.

## Setup

{"mcpServers":{"toolrouter":{"command":"npx","args":["-y","toolrouter-mcp"]}}}

## Steps

1. Configure ToolRouter in ChatGPT
2. Ask: "Search for papers on robotics from different years to track trends"
3. ChatGPT analyzes publication patterns over time
4. Request: "What are the fastest-growing subtopics?"
5. Explore the emerging areas in detail

## Example Prompt

```
Analyze how research on sustainable AI has grown. Compare recent papers to older ones -- what has changed?
```

## Tips

- ChatGPT can narrative the evolution of a field over time
- Ask about new methodology trends versus new application areas
- Useful for writing research trend sections in grant proposals
