Agentic AI
The short answer · 12 words
In short
Designates AI systems that handle tasks over multiple steps and tool calls.
Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Agentic AI. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/agentic-ai. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.
How much detail would you like?
Practical
Relevant for tasks whose sequence cannot be fully defined in advance.
Example scenario: A research agent searches for, checks references and decides whether further sources are necessary.
Possible application: limited research or document processing, if flexible tool selection brings a verifiable advantage.
At a glance
- Core
- The term is used differently. In the narrower agent sense, a model controls the next step on the basis of intermediate results; a fixed workflow, on the other hand, follows predetermined paths. Both need defined boundaries.
- Use
- Relevant for tasks whose sequence cannot be fully defined in advance.
- Example
- Example scenario: A research agent searches for, checks references and decides whether further sources are necessary.
- Limits
- Equivalent autonomy with quality; using agents for simple fixed rules; missing cost and time limits.
In context
Automation
Use of technology so that tasks or processes run partly or completely automatically according to defined rules and controls.
Tool Use / Function Calling
Function Calling allows a model to suggest tool calls that an application executes in a controlled manner.
Agent Washing
Describes the marketing of existing AI or automation functions as agentic without corresponding capabilities.
Questions about this term
Is a chatbot automatically agentic?
No, it's behavior that matters.
Is maximum autonomy the goal?
The control suitable for the task makes sense.
All details and background
The term is used differently. In the narrower agent sense, a model controls the next step on the basis of intermediate results; a fixed workflow, on the other hand, follows predetermined paths. Both need defined boundaries.
ELI5 – Explained simply
Like a helper who looks after each step what is needed next.
Why it matters in practice
Relevant for tasks whose sequence cannot be fully defined in advance.
Example
Example scenario: A research agent searches for, checks references and decides whether further sources are necessary.
Pitfalls and limits
- Equivalent autonomy with quality; using agents for simple fixed rules; missing cost and time limits.
Origin & history
Anthropics’ contribution “Building effective agents” documents the delineation of fixed workflows and dynamically controlled agents. He points to different uses of the term.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application: limited research or document processing, if flexible tool selection brings a verifiable advantage.
Related terms
- AI agent
- Workflow automation
- Tool Use / Function Calling
- Orchestration
- Agent Washing
Matching Flow-alerta service
AI assistants & automationAI assistants & automation: test a suitable process with clear rights and human test points.Matching tool / use case
View use casesUse Case: Search with source verification and limited number of tool calls.Sources
- www.anthropic.comAnthropic, Building effective agents
Quellenprüfung: 09.10.2026. Die Quellen belegen Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung; Anwendungsbeispiele sind mögliche Szenarien.
Editorially reviewed on: