What is an AI agent?
Also called: agentic AI, AI agents
An AI agent is an AI system that can take actions to reach a goal, not just reply with text. It plans steps, uses tools like web search, code or apps, looks at the results, and decides what to do next, often with a human approving important steps.
How does an AI agent work?
A language model is given a goal and a set of tools. It chooses a tool, the system runs it, and the result goes back to the model, repeating until the goal is met or it needs help.
Why does an AI agent matter?
Agents can automate multi-step work, but they can also make costly mistakes. Clear limits, permissions and human checks matter.
An example
Example: An agent reads new invoices in a shared inbox, extracts the amounts into a spreadsheet, and asks a person before paying anything.
Related terms
Learn it properly
An AI agent is covered in AI Builder, with short lessons, practice questions and instant feedback.