Definition
An AI agent is a software program designed to perceive its environment, make decisions, and take actions autonomously to achieve specific goals. It operates by processing input data, applying learned models or rules, and then executing actions through various interfaces or systems. Understanding AI agents is crucial for professionals managing or developing AI driven solutions, as they form the core of intelligent automation and decision support. For instance, a fraud detection AI agent might analyze transaction patterns and automatically flag suspicious activity. This differs from a simple script, which follows a predetermined sequence of commands without adaptive learning or environmental awareness. Concepts related to AI agents appear in domains like AI security and responsible AI development.