An AI agent is a software entity that perceives its environment through sensors (or data inputs), processes this information using algorithms and models—often based on artificial intelligence—and takes actions to achieve specific goals. These agents can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, adapting to new data and changing environments over time.
AI agents can be simple, rule-based systems or highly complex entities capable of learning and reasoning. They are used in various domains, including virtual assistants (like Siri or Alexa), recommendation systems, robotics, game playing, autonomous vehicles, and enterprise automation.
Key characteristics of AI agents include:
Perception: Ability to observe the environment or receive input data.
Decision-making: Processing input to determine the most appropriate action.
Action: Executing responses or changes in the environment.
Learning (optional): Improving behavior based on experience (as in machine learning-based agents).
AI agents are foundational components in the development of intelligent systems that interact with humans and other systems in meaningful, efficient, and context-aware ways.