AI software that pursues a goal by planning steps and taking actions on its own, using tools and other systems, rather than only answering one question at a time.
Example
Meera tests an AI agent that reads new WhatsApp enquiries, checks stock in her inventory sheet, replies with options, and books a store visit in the calendar, flagging returns and complaints for staff.
How you'll hear it
“The agent can draft and send follow-ups, but anything that costs money needs a human to approve it.”
Don't confuse it with
- Chatbot: replies within a conversation; an agent acts across tools.
- Workflow automation: follows fixed rules you set; an agent decides its own steps toward a goal.
Related terms
Sources
- What are AI agents? Definition, examples, and types, Google Cloud