cover of episode What Is an AI Agent?

What Is an AI Agent?

2025/5/22
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AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
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Guido Appenzeller
M
Matt Bornstein
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Yoko Li
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Guido Appenzeller: 我认为目前对于AI Agent的定义存在很大的分歧,无论是在技术层面还是在市场销售层面。最简单的Agent可能只是一个在知识库之上的提示词,而另一种极端情况是,Agent需要接近AGI,具备长期存在、学习和独立工作能力。但是,我认为目前市场上的Agent更多是周末演示版本,而非真正解决十年难题的方案。 Matt Bornstein: 我认为“Agent”只是AI应用的另一种说法,现在任何使用AI的东西都可以被称为Agent。Agent最清晰的定义是能够进行复杂规划并与外部系统交互的系统,但目前的LLM已经具备这些能力,所以Agent的界限变得模糊。我期待看到有人真正投入十年时间,将Agent定义为数字形式的人并使其真正发挥作用。 Yoko Li: 我认为Agent这个术语的含义因人而异,探讨其不同含义和利用方式很有意义。Agent行为可能包含规划和决策等要素,并且通常需要LLM的支持。从外部来看,经典函数和Agent可能无法区分。Agent有两种类型:一种是取代人类工作,另一种是低级别的系统进程。

Deep Dive

Chapters
The term "AI agent" is highly debated, with definitions ranging from simple wrappers around LLMs to near-AGI systems. The discussion explores the spectrum of agentic behavior and the challenges in defining agents precisely.
  • Multiple definitions of AI agents exist, ranging from simple prompt-based systems to near-AGI.
  • There's a wide range of "agentic behavior", from simple tasks to complex planning.
  • The term is often overloaded and lacks a universally accepted definition.

Shownotes Transcript

What exactly is an AI agent — and does anyone actually agree?

In this episode, taken from of AI + a16z, General Partner Guido Appenzeller and partners Matt Bornstein and Yoko Li break down one of the most hyped- and most hotly debated 0 concepts in AI right now: agents.

Are agents just clever wrappers around LLMs? Tools that can reason and act? Or simply a fresh label for familiar tech?

Whether you're building, investing, or just trying to make sense of the buzz, this episode is for you.

**Resources:**Find Guido on X: https://x.com/appenz)

Find Yoko on X: https://x.com/stuffyokodraws)

Find Matt on X: https://x.com/BornsteinMatt)

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