AI Agent
An autonomous software system that uses AI models to perceive its environment, make decisions, and take actions to achieve goals.
Full Definition
An AI Agent is an autonomous software system that leverages large language models (LLMs) or other AI models to perceive its environment, reason about goals, make decisions, and take actions — often including tool use, API calls, and multi-step planning — with minimal or no human intervention. Unlike simple chatbots or static ML models, AI agents operate in a loop of observation-reasoning-action, making them capable of complex, multi-step workflows. Examples include customer service agents, coding assistants that write and execute code, financial analysis agents, and research assistants that search and synthesize information.
Related Terms
Multi-Agent System
An architecture where multiple AI agents collaborate, specialize, and coordinate to accomplish complex tasks.
AI Governance
The framework of policies, processes, and technologies used to ensure AI systems operate ethically, transparently, and in compliance with regulations.
Autonomous AI
AI systems that can independently perceive, decide, and act without continuous human oversight or approval.