An AI agent is software that uses an AI model to pursue a goal: it decides on steps, uses tools such as search, files or business systems, and checks its own progress. A chatbot answers within a conversation, while an agent can also take actions outside it, such as filing a ticket.
In short
Agents are only as dependable as their instructions, tools and limits. Define the goal narrowly, give access to only the data and actions needed, require approval for risky steps, and keep logs. Expect mistakes and unexpected requests, and test with realistic cases before relying on one.
A chatbot follows a conversation and answers. An agent breaks a goal into steps, calls tools, reads the results and decides what to do next. That power brings risk, including actions taken from misleading text it reads, so access should be minimal and reviewed.
Our AI agents page covers how they are built and controlled.
A real person reads every message and replies.
