BRIEFING // 001
What are
AI Agents?
Moving beyond conversation: AI Agents are software that can plan, execute, and complete multi-step workflows autonomously.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 01Chatbots talk. Agents do.
- 02They have "tools" (web search, API access, file editing).
- 03They run in a loop: Plan → Act → Observe.
Definition
A standard LLM (like ChatGPT) is like a brain in a jar: it can think, but it can't touch anything. An AI Agent is that brain connected to hands (tools).
Agents are given a goal (e.g., "Find me a flight under $500 and book it") and the autonomy to figure out the steps to get there. They don't just predict the next word; they predict the next action.
The Agent Loop
Unlike a linear script, an agent adapts. It follows a cognitive loop to handle unexpected roadblocks.
Plan
The agent analyzes the goal and decides which tool to use first. "I need to check the calendar."
Act
It executes the tool command: calendar.getEvents().
Observe
It reads the tool's output. If the data is missing, it loops back to Plan to try a different strategy.
Common Uses
Agents excel at tasks that require "browsing," "researching," or "coordinating."
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES
- Deep Research: 'Read these 20 PDFs and extract the risks.'
- Coding: 'Fix the bug in this file and run the tests.'
- Outreach: 'Find prospects on LinkedIn and draft personalized invites.'
- Support: 'Refund this order if it meets policy conditions.'
Safety & Guardrails
Because agents have autonomy, you don't just "review" them—you "box" them.
SCALED PERMISSIONS
Start agents with Read-Only access. Let them draft emails but not send them. Let them read databases but not delete rows. Expand permissions only as trust is earned.
NEXT STEPS
Deploy Your First Agent?
We help teams build safe, scoped agents for internal ops.