What Are AI Agents?

Explained simply

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An AI agent is a computer program or system that can perceive its environment, make decisions, and take actions to achieve a goal, all using artificial intelligence.

Think of it like a virtual assistant with a mission: it looks around, thinks about what’s happening, decides what to do next, and then acts.

Key characteristics of AI agents include:

1. Autonomy: They can operate independently within defined parameters
2. Goal-directed behavior: They work toward objectives
3. Environmental awareness: They perceive and respond to changes
4. Decision-making capability: They choose actions based on goals and observations

There are several types of AI agents:

• Simple reflex agents: Respond directly to current inputs
• Model-based agents: Maintain internal representations of their environment
• Goal-based agents: Work toward defined objectives
• Utility-based agents: Maximize a utility function that represents preferred outcomes
• Learning agents: Improve performance through experience