Agents & Automation
AI Agent
An AI system that can take actions, use tools, and complete multi-step tasks autonomously.
Definition
An AI agent goes beyond answering questions — it plans and executes sequences of actions to achieve a goal. An agent might search the web, read a document, call an API, write and execute code, send an email, and check the result — all without human intervention between steps. Agents are what enable AI to participate in business processes rather than just answer questions. They are also where the governance challenges become more significant, since errors can propagate and compound across steps.
Why this matters for your business
AI agents are the technology behind AI-powered workflow automation. Rather than automating one step at a time, agents can handle entire processes — from receiving an enquiry to qualifying it, retrieving relevant information, drafting a response, and logging the interaction.
Related Terms
Agentic Workflow
A process where an AI plans and executes a series of steps to complete a complex task.
Tool Use
The ability of an AI to use external tools — calculators, search engines, databases, APIs.
Human-in-the-Loop
Keeping a human approval step in an AI workflow for oversight and safety.
Multi-Agent System
Multiple AI agents working in parallel or sequence, each handling part of a task.
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Disclaimer
This definition is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It represents a general explanation of a technical concept and does not constitute professional, technical, or investment advice. Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving field; terminology, techniques, and capabilities change frequently. Coaley Peak Ltd makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided. Nothing on this page should be relied upon as the sole basis for commercial, technical, legal, or investment decisions without independent professional advice.
Document reference: ISO_webpage_knowledge-base_glossary_v1
Last modified: 29 March 2026
Knowledge Base·Agents & Automation·AI Agent