5.1 What Are AI Agents?¶

Defining AI Agents¶

• Autonomous software entities capable of independent decision-making
• Goal-oriented systems that can perceive, reason, and act
• Evolution from static tools to dynamic problem-solvers

Key Characteristics¶

• Autonomy: Self-directed operation
• Reactivity: Responding to environmental changes
• Proactivity: Taking initiative towards goals
• Social capability: Potential for interaction with other agents

Learning Checkpoint¶

• Define an AI agent in your own words
• Identify three key differences between AI tools and AI agents