Agentic AI: When artificial intelligence takes action for you

Artificial intelligence is everywhere – you’ve probably heard about it here, there, or even here too. Maybe you already use ChatGPT to write a text, find a recipe idea, or ask a question. But today, AI is going even further. We’re now talking about “Agentic AI”. So, what exactly is it? And how is it different from tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity? Here’s a simple explanation.

Generative AI: An AI that responds and creates

Let’s start with what you might already know: generative AI. This is artificial intelligence that can generate content based on a question or command you give it.

For example, you can ask it:

• “Write me an email to cancel an appointment.”
• “Give me an idea for an Instagram post.”
• “Create an image of a cat in space.”

It replies instantly – with a text, an image, sometimes even a video or a piece of music. ChatGPT, DALL·E, Sora, Perplexity and Midjourney are well-known examples of this type of AI.

But take note: this kind of AI doesn’t act on its own. It only responds when you ask it to.

Agentic AI: An AI that takes initiative and acts

Now here’s the new development: Agentic AI (or “agentic artificial intelligence”).

This is autonomous artificial intelligence, capable of:

• making decisions
• taking action for you
• pursuing a goal without you having to guide it step by step.

A simple example:

Let’s say you want to apply for a new job.

• A generative AI can help you write a cover letter.
• An Agentic AI, on the other hand, can:
  • Search for job offers online
  • Automatically write a letter for each job
  • Submit the applications
  • Add a reminder in your calendar to prepare for the interview

You give it a goal – it figures out how to achieve it.

What’s the difference between the two?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Does it replace generative AI?

Not at all! Agentic AI often uses a generative AI as its “engine”. It’s a bit like having a built-in generative AI to help it write, understand or generate content. But it goes a step further: it can plan, act, and adapt.

Is it risky?

Like any digital tool, Agentic AI can be very useful… as long as it’s used wisely. It may need access to your personal tools: email, calendar, files, etc.

So it’s important to stay in control:

• Only allow what’s necessary
• Be able to disable or monitor its actions
• Never give it access to sensitive data without caution

In summary

• A generative AI helps you do things
• An Agentic AI does things on your behalf

It’s like the difference between an advisor… and a digital personal assistant.

What about tomorrow?

There’s already talk of intelligent assistants that could manage your finances, organise your holidays, or even monitor your health. AI is evolving rapidly, and with the rise of Agentic AIs, we’re entering a new phase: intelligent automation.