AI agent
An AI agent is software that uses an AI model to carry out a task in several steps, such as reading messages, using tools, and taking actions, instead of only answering a single question.
Also known as: AI agents, agent
An AI agent combines an AI model with tools and permissions. Given a goal, it plans steps, uses the tools it has access to, such as email, a browser, or files, checks the results, and continues until the task is done or it needs input.
Because an agent can act, not only reply, the permissions it gets matter. Common safeguards are limited access, approval before actions that affect other people, and logs of what the agent did.