Agentic AI is a form of artificial intelligence that can independently carry out multiple steps to achieve a predefined goal.
Agentic AI: When artificial intelligence takes action for you
Published on 06/08/2026 in Help & solutions
Generative AI can write text, create images and answer questions. Agentic AI goes one step further. This form of artificial intelligence can not only process information, but also plan tasks, make decisions and carry out actions independently to achieve a goal.
But what exactly is Agentic AI? How does it differ from generative AI or an AI agent? And what opportunities and considerations does this technology bring? In this article, you'll discover how Agentic AI works and when it can be useful for you.
What is generative AI?
For many people, generative AI is their first introduction to artificial intelligence. You give it an instruction, also known as a prompt, and the AI creates something for you.
For example:
- "Write an email to reschedule a meeting."
- "Give me ideas for a city break."
- "Create an image of a futuristic city."
Within seconds, you'll receive a piece of text, an image or sometimes even a video or music clip. Well-known examples include ChatGPT, Perplexity, DALL·E and Sora.
The key point is that generative AI only works when you give it an instruction. It doesn't take the initiative on its own.
What is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI goes beyond generative AI. Instead of simply responding to prompts, it can carry out multiple steps independently to achieve a specific goal.
Depending on its settings, Agentic AI can:
- gather information;
- create a plan;
- make decisions within predefined limits;
- use different digital tools;
- complete tasks automatically.
In other words, you define the goal while the AI takes care of much of the work.
A practical example
Imagine you're looking for a new job. Generative AI can help you write a cover letter. Agentic AI can go much further by:
- searching for suitable vacancies;
- tailoring your CV to each job opening;
- personalising your cover letter;
- preparing job applications;
- scheduling appointments in your calendar;
- reminding you about interviews.
The final decision and control always remain with you.
Generative AI versus Agentic AI
| Generative AI | Agentic AI |
|---|---|
| Responds to a prompt | Works towards a goal |
| Creates text, images and other content | Carries out multiple tasks |
| Works one step at a time | Combines multiple steps independently |
| Waits for the next prompt | Can continue working autonomously within predefined limits |
| Examples: ChatGPT, Perplexity | Examples: AutoGPT, Devin, Manus and other AI agents |
AI agent or Agentic AI: what's the difference?
The terms AI agent and Agentic AI are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same.
An AI agent is usually designed to perform one specific task independently, such as:
- sorting emails;
- scheduling appointments;
- answering customer enquiries.
Agentic AI goes one step further. It combines one or more AI agents to achieve a broader goal. For example, it can gather information, make decisions and connect multiple applications within a single workflow. For the user, it feels like having a personal digital assistant coordinating different tasks.
What can you use Agentic AI for today?
More and more applications are becoming part of everyday life.
Examples include:
- planning trips and comparing hotels;
- creating shopping lists;
- managing your calendar;
- organising or replying to emails;
- summarising documents;
- controlling smart home devices;
- supporting customer service.
The available features depend on the AI solution you use and the permissions you grant.
Is Agentic AI safe?
Like any digital technology, Agentic AI should be used thoughtfully. Because these systems may have access to your calendar, email, cloud storage or other accounts, it's important that you stay in control.
Keep the following points in mind:
- only grant access to the data that is genuinely needed;
- regularly review which accounts are connected;
- use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA);
- don't share sensitive personal information unless it's necessary;
- limit automated actions when human oversight remains important.
Many AI solutions also allow you to set approval steps before important actions, such as sending an email or confirming a booking, are carried out. This approach is often referred to as human in the loop.
A practical checklist for using Agentic AI safely
Thinking of trying Agentic AI? Keep this checklist handy:
- Check which permissions you grant.
- Use MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) whenever possible.
- Review important actions before they're carried out.
- Avoid giving unnecessary access to sensitive files.
- Regularly check which integrations are active.
- Only use trusted AI platforms.
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Frequently asked questions
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An AI agent is a system that can independently perform a specific task, such as scheduling appointments or processing emails.
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No. Generative AI and Agentic AI complement each other. Generative AI excels at writing, summarising, translating and creating content. Agentic AI often uses these capabilities as part of a broader process, adding planning, automation and decision-making.
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No. ChatGPT is a generative AI model that responds to prompts. Agentic AI can also plan and carry out tasks independently.
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Yes, provided you use it responsibly by managing permissions, privacy and security carefully. It's still important to review significant actions before they're completed.
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Yes, within the limits set by the user or the developer. Human oversight remains recommended for sensitive actions.