AI agent
An AI agent is a software system based on a language model that plans and carries out tasks on its own by using tools and data sources — such as looking up information, filling in forms or suggesting appointments.
Unlike a simple chatbot that only answers, an agent can take intermediate steps: understand a question, retrieve relevant data, trigger an action and check the result.
Agents are useful where processes are clearly defined and results remain verifiable. Clear boundaries are essential: which data the agent may access, which actions it may take and where a human approves.
On circle.gmbh, the AI assistant Karl answers visitors’ questions and takes enquiries.
What to look out for
- Choose a clearly defined use case where results are verifiable.
- Define which data the agent may access and which actions it may take.
- Require human approval for consequential actions — orders, customer emails, deletions.
- Clarify data protection and data location from the start.
- Log answers and actions and spot-check them regularly.
Common mistakes
- The agent receives extensive permissions without defined boundaries.
- Answers are passed on to customers unchecked.
- Confidential company data is sent to external services without review.
Frequently asked questions
A chatbot answers questions. An AI agent can additionally take steps on its own — look up data, use tools, trigger actions and check the result.
For example to pre-qualify enquiries, answer recurring customer questions, search internal documents or prepare quotes — always with clear boundaries and human oversight.
More in our article: AI for SMEs: 7 applications that already save money today