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Module 01 · Page 2 of 20 · 6 sections

Introduction to Agentic AI

What agentic AI is, how it differs from traditional AI, and where it is already used.

1.1

What is Agentic AI?

  • Agentic AI refers to AI systems that can plan, reason, take actions and achieve goals autonomously with minimal human intervention.
  • Unlike traditional AI, which only responds to queries, agentic AI can understand the goal, make decisions, use tools and complete complex multi-step tasks.
  • It combines the capabilities of LLMs with planning, memory, tool use and reasoning to work like an intelligent agent.
1.2

Key Characteristics

1
Autonomy
Can operate with minimal human input.
2
Goal-Oriented
Works towards achieving specific goals.
3
Planning & Reasoning
Breaks complex tasks into smaller steps.
4
Tool Use
Can use external tools, APIs and systems.
5
Memory
Maintains short-term and long-term memory.
6
Adaptability
Learns from feedback and environment.
7
Multi-step Execution
Can handle complex workflows.
8
Self-Improvement
Can improve based on experience.
1.3

Agentic AI vs Traditional AI

AspectTraditional AIAgentic AI
NatureReactiveProactive and autonomous
Goal handlingSingle stepMulti-step and complex
Decision makingPredefined rules / model responsePlans and reasons dynamically
Tool usageUsually notCan use external tools
MemoryLimited / noneShort-term and long-term
AdaptabilityFixed behaviourLearns and adapts
ExampleChatGPT (Q&A)AI agent for research, analysis, automation
1.4

How Agentic AI Works

User Goal / Task
PlanningTask decomposition
Agent
MemoryShort-term & long-term
Tool UseAPIs, search, code, etc.
Action ExecutionMulti-step tasks
Result / Output
The agent loop: plan, act through tools, observe the result and feed it back.
1.5

Examples of Agentic AI

1
Research Agent
Automatically search, read, summarize and create reports on a topic.
2
Code Agent
Write, debug and execute code using tools like IDE, terminal and documentation.
3
Data Analyst Agent
Analyze data, generate insights and create visualizations.
4
Personal Assistant Agent
Manage emails, calendar, travel plans and daily tasks.
5
Web Automation Agent
Interact with websites to complete tasks (form filling, booking, etc.).
6
Multi-Agent System
Multiple agents collaborating to solve complex problems.
7
Enterprise Agent
Automate business workflows using internal tools and APIs.
1.6

Real-World Applications

1
Customer Support
Intelligent agents to handle user queries and automate resolutions.
2
Software Development
Code generation, testing and deployment automation.
3
Healthcare
Patient data analysis and research assistance.
4
Finance
Market analysis, risk assessment and report generation.
5
Education
Personalized learning and tutoring agents.
6
Operations
Process automation and workflow orchestration.
7
Research
Literature review and scientific analysis.