---
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/copilot
---
# How to Track Research Trends with Copilot

Copilot tracks research trends relevant to the technologies in your stack. Identify which problems researchers are currently prioritizing, spot emerging techniques before they become mainstream, and use trend data to inform technology decisions and long-term architectural planning.

## Setup

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

## Steps

1. Add ToolRouter to Copilot MCP config
2. In Copilot Chat: "Search for papers on edge computing across recent years"
3. Copilot returns results showing publication trends
4. Identify which areas are growing
5. Focus your work on trending directions

## Example Prompt

```
Track the research trend for WebAssembly papers over the past five years. What is gaining traction?
```

## Tips

- Spot emerging technologies before they hit the mainstream
- Track which problems researchers are prioritizing
- Use trend data to plan your technology investments
