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AI Agents & Automation
20 Terms
A–Z Linked
AI Agents & Automation
Terms related to AI agents, tool use, workflows, automation, and autonomous systems.
Select a term below or scroll through the full category.
Action
📘 Definition
An action is a specific operation performed by an AI agent or automation after a trigger or decision.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Actions are the work carried out by automation.
🔑 Why It Matters
Clearly defined actions make workflows reliable.
💡 Example
An agent creates a calendar appointment after confirming availability.
AI Agent
📘 Definition
An AI agent is a software system that can perceive information, make decisions, and perform actions to achieve specific goals.
🪄 Simple Explanation
An AI agent can think about a task and act on it.
🔑 Why It Matters
AI agents automate complex work that normally requires human judgement.
💡 Example
An AI travel assistant books flights, hotels, and transport automatically.
See Also
Automation Rule
📘 Definition
An automation rule specifies when and how an automated action should occur.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Rules determine when automation is triggered.
🔑 Why It Matters
They make workflows predictable and reliable.
💡 Example
An email is automatically archived when it meets specified conditions.
Autonomous Agent
📘 Definition
An autonomous agent performs tasks independently with minimal human intervention.
🪄 Simple Explanation
It can work on its own after receiving a goal.
🔑 Why It Matters
Autonomous systems increase efficiency for repetitive or complex work.
💡 Example
An inventory agent automatically reorders stock.
See Also
Conversation State
📘 Definition
Conversation state is the information an AI agent keeps about the current interaction so it can respond consistently.
🪄 Simple Explanation
It helps an AI remember the current conversation.
🔑 Why It Matters
Maintaining state improves coherent multi-turn interactions.
💡 Example
A support agent remembers the product being discussed.
See Also
Decision Node
📘 Definition
A decision node is a point in a workflow where different actions are selected based on conditions or AI reasoning.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Decision nodes allow workflows to branch.
🔑 Why It Matters
They make automation more flexible.
💡 Example
An invoice above a threshold is routed for manager approval.
See Also
Function Calling
📘 Definition
Function calling enables AI models to invoke predefined software functions during a conversation.
🪄 Simple Explanation
It lets AI trigger software actions.
🔑 Why It Matters
Function calling connects AI with applications.
💡 Example
An AI creates a calendar event using a calendar function.
Goal
📘 Definition
A goal is the desired outcome an AI agent attempts to achieve.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Goals guide agent behaviour.
🔑 Why It Matters
Well-defined goals produce better decisions.
💡 Example
An AI assistant aims to schedule all meetings without conflicts.
Human Approval
📘 Definition
Human approval requires a person to review or authorise an AI-generated action before it is completed.
🪄 Simple Explanation
People remain responsible for important decisions.
🔑 Why It Matters
Human approval improves trust and accountability.
💡 Example
An AI drafts a contract but a lawyer approves it before sending.
See Also
Long-Term Memory
📘 Definition
Long-term memory stores information that an AI agent can use across many sessions.
🪄 Simple Explanation
It allows AI to remember over time.
🔑 Why It Matters
Persistent memory improves continuity.
💡 Example
A tutoring agent remembers a learner's progress between lessons.
See Also
Memory
📘 Definition
Memory enables an AI agent to retain relevant information across tasks or conversations.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Memory helps AI remember important details.
🔑 Why It Matters
It creates more personalised and coherent interactions.
💡 Example
An AI remembers a user's preferred writing style.
See Also
Multi-Agent System
📘 Definition
A multi-agent system consists of two or more AI agents working together to solve problems.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Multiple agents cooperate to complete larger tasks.
🔑 Why It Matters
Specialised agents often outperform one general agent.
💡 Example
Separate research and writing agents collaborate on a report.
See Also
Orchestration
📘 Definition
Orchestration coordinates multiple AI components, tools, or agents so they work together efficiently.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Orchestration manages complex AI workflows.
🔑 Why It Matters
It supports scalable automation.
💡 Example
Several specialised AI agents collaborate to complete a customer request.
See Also
Planning
📘 Definition
Planning is the process of determining the sequence of actions required to achieve a goal.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Planning allows AI agents to solve multi-step problems.
🔑 Why It Matters
It enables autonomous decision-making.
💡 Example
An AI creates a project schedule before assigning resources.
Short-Term Memory
📘 Definition
Short-term memory contains information used during the current interaction or task.
🪄 Simple Explanation
It stores temporary working information.
🔑 Why It Matters
It helps maintain coherent conversations.
💡 Example
An AI remembers earlier questions during one chat session.
See Also
- Memory
- Context Window
- Conversation
Task
📘 Definition
A task is a specific piece of work assigned to an AI system or agent.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Tasks define what an AI should accomplish.
🔑 Why It Matters
Clear tasks improve AI performance.
💡 Example
Summarising a report is a task.
Tool Use
📘 Definition
Tool use allows AI systems to interact with external software, databases, or APIs while completing tasks.
🪄 Simple Explanation
AI becomes more capable when it can use tools.
🔑 Why It Matters
Tool use connects language models with real-world systems.
💡 Example
An AI queries a weather API before recommending travel dates.
See Also
Trigger
📘 Definition
A trigger is an event or condition that starts an automated workflow or AI action.
🪄 Simple Explanation
A trigger tells automation when to begin.
🔑 Why It Matters
Triggers enable hands-free automation.
💡 Example
Receiving a new email automatically starts a document processing workflow.
See Also
Workflow
📘 Definition
A workflow is a sequence of connected tasks performed to complete a process.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Workflows organise tasks into logical steps.
🔑 Why It Matters
AI improves workflows by automating repetitive activities.
💡 Example
An AI reviews documents before sending them for approval.
See Also
Workflow Automation
📘 Definition
Workflow automation uses software to perform business processes automatically.
🪄 Simple Explanation
Automation removes repetitive manual work.
🔑 Why It Matters
It improves speed, consistency, and accuracy.
💡 Example
Invoices are automatically approved based on predefined rules.