What are AI Agents?

An AI Agent is an autonomous software program designed to perceive its environment, make decisions, and execute actions with available tools to achieve a specific goal.
Unlike traditional programs that only follow pre-written instructions, AI agents can independently create and adapt their own plans to handle complex and dynamic tasks. This resource hub serves as your central guide for exploring every facet of agentic AI, from core concepts and development methods to its business applications and strategic implications.
What is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI is the field focused on creating these autonomous agents. At its core, it operates on a continuous loop: perceiving data through sensors or APIs, reasoning about that data using models like LLMs to create a plan, and acting upon that plan using available tools. This allows them to move beyond simple automation to dynamic problem-solving.
Explore the fundamentals of how agentic systems work
What Are the Different Types of AI Agents?
Not all agents are the same. They exist on a spectrum of intelligence and autonomy, from simple reflex agents that react to immediate stimuli, to complex learning agents that analyze their performance and improve their strategies over time. Understanding these classifications is key to choosing the right type of agent for a specific task.
See a complete breakdown of the 5 core types of AI agents
How Are AI Agents Built? The 4 Paths to Launch
Creating an agent can range from writing complex code to using simple no-code interfaces. Developers can use Python and frameworks like LangChain for maximum control, while business users can leverage no-code platforms to automate workflows. This diversity of methods means agentic technology is now accessible to everyone.
Learn about the 4 methods for agent development
Advanced Techniques for Building Effective Agents
Beyond basic construction, building truly effective agents requires mastering advanced techniques. This includes sophisticated prompt engineering to guide their behavior, managing their memory for long-term context, and implementing robust planning and reasoning algorithms to handle complex, multi-step tasks.
Dive deeper into advanced development techniques
Real-World Applications and Future Trends of AI Agents
Agentic AI is already transforming industries by powering everything from hyper-personalized customer support bots and automated financial trading systems to diagnostic assistants in healthcare. As the technology matures, it promises to unlock even more advanced applications, fundamentally changing how we interact with software.
Discover industry-specific applications and what’s next for AI Agents
Vertical AI Agents & Specialized applications
While some agents are general-purpose, many are specialized for specific tasks (“Vertical AI Agents”). Whether you need an agent for coding, productivity, or a specific business function, choosing the right tool is critical. Our guides compare the top platforms to help you make an informed decision.
Explore our guides to the best AI agents for your needs
Integrating AI Agents into Your Business Operations
Successfully deploying agentic AI goes beyond the technology. It requires a strategic approach to integrating agents with human teams, developing new skills within your workforce, and managing the organizational change required to fully capitalize on the potential of an autonomous workforce.
Learn how to manage the human and operational shift towards agentic AI
The Business Case for AI Agents
For business leaders, the ultimate value of agentic AI lies in its tangible impact on the bottom line. This includes calculating a clear return on investment (ROI), building a compelling business case for adoption, and leveraging agents to create new, innovative business models and revenue streams.
Build the business case for your organization
Governance, Risk, and Ethics for AI Agents
With great autonomy comes the need for robust oversight. Implementing a strong governance framework is essential for managing risks, ensuring data privacy, addressing the “black box” problem of decision-making, and navigating the complex ethical considerations of deploying autonomous systems in the real world.
Establish a framework to mitigate risks through enterprise governance for AI Agents
The Future is Agentic
The potential of agentic AI it is a strong shift in our relationship with technology, a move from tools that require constant direction to autonomous partners that gets the tasks done. As we’ve explored, the implications span from the technical architecture of how these agents learn and reason, to the strategic decisions businesses must make about their adoption, governance, and integration with human teams.
The potential is immense, but the journey starts with a foundational understanding. This resource hub is designed to be your starting point and continuous guide. Use the sections above to dive into the specific area that matters most to you, whether you’re looking to build, buy, or strategize for the future.