Autonomous agents will progressively fill the internet, some working independently and many in collaboration with humans. This will increase the system's efficacy and complexity while also posing risks like abuse, misinformation, and privacy issues.
These systems are autonomous and do not require explicit commands. They independently determine, plan, and acquire knowledge by utilizing APIs, web searches, databases, and other agents.
Characteristics:
Real-time data access—they get the most recent information from external sources.
Memory and reasoning—they can learn and refine their actions over time.
Clearly defined goals and independence—they can be both reactive and proactive, and they work well for difficult tasks.
Types of Agents:
Simple reflex: they work according to rigid rules, without memory (e.g., thermostats).
Model-based: they have memory and perceive the environment (e.g., robot vacuum cleaners).
More advanced agents still use natural language, collaboration between agents, and the ability to plan complex workflows.
Virtual Assistants including Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are examples of autonomous agents that help users with everyday tasks such as setting reminders, answering questions, and controlling smart home devices.
Autonomous Vehicles Self-driving cars, such as those developed by Tesla and Waymo, use autonomous agents to navigate, make driving decisions, and avoid obstacles without human intervention.
Trading Agents In financial markets, autonomous agents can trade stocks and other assets, analyzing real-time market data to make buying and selling decisions.
Example:
An AI agent that helps you book a visit to a museum in Paris:
Consults APIs about historical occupancy;
Checks local events;
Suggests the best week based on integrated data.
These agents represent a significant evolution, bringing AI closer to systems that can act almost like digital collaborators.
There is a high probability that AI agents will become ubiquitous, appearing in networks, personal applications, homes, and cell phones as they continue to develop.
We will be able to utilize agents to assist us with personal tasks, such as organizing our schedules, booking vacations, helping with online shopping, filtering the information we consume, preparing reports, and supporting learning.
But the user (us) will always evaluate and make the final decision.
In most cases, the user will receive a proposal or a summary of the actions that the agent wants to take—for example, “I have booked the hotel that matches your preferences; do you want to confirm?”.
This means you can review, approve, or reject the decision before it takes effect.
For ChatGPT Pro subscribers, OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, has developed an autonomous agent called "Operator" that can take over your web browser and carry out tasks for you.
Silvio Guerrinha
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