What an AI Agent Actually Is (vs. the Hype)

Quick Summary

An AI agent is a system that uses a model to choose actions toward a bounded goal, often with tools, memory, and a control loop. It is not an independent employee and should not receive unlimited authority.

What you will learn

Describe the goal, model, tools, state, loop, and guardrails of an agent
Distinguish an agent from a chatbot, automation, and human role
Translate an agent claim into testable capabilities and limits

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What an AI Agent Actually Is (vs. the Hype) is part of AI Agents for Business — an intermediate module. We keep these gated so we can save your progress, recommend next steps, and personalize the curriculum.

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