AI & Agentic Work · Last reviewed August 6, 2026
What is an AI Agent?
An AI agent is a software system that can pursue a goal by interpreting context, choosing actions, using tools, and evaluating intermediate results. Unlike a basic chatbot response, an agent may complete multiple steps across applications, ask for missing information, or escalate when it reaches a limit.
Why does AI Agent matter?
Agents can convert AI from a drafting interface into an operating layer that performs repeatable work.
How does AI Agent work?
Give each agent a narrow job, explicit inputs and tools, acceptance criteria, permissions, logging, and an escalation path.
AI agent vs. chatbot
- A chatbot primarily returns a response to a prompt.
- An AI agent can pursue a defined goal through multiple steps, tools, observations, and decisions.
- Use an agent when work has a repeatable objective, clear boundaries, observable actions, and a defined escalation path.
Related terms
- Agentic AI
- AI Orchestration
- AI Workflow
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Explore Digital Twins, Councils & AgentsBy Duet Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 6, 2026