What are AI Agents?
by IBM Technology
📚 Main Topics
Introduction to AI Agents
- Definition and significance of AI agents in 2024.
- Shift from monolithic models to compound AI systems.
Limitations of Monolithic Models
- Dependency on training data.
- Difficulty in adaptation and tuning.
Compound AI Systems
- Integration of models into existing processes.
- Example of a vacation planning system.
- Importance of system design and modularity.
Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)
- Explanation of RAG as a common compound AI system.
- Control logic and its role in query resolution.
Agentic Approach with Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Enhancements in reasoning capabilities of LLMs.
- Spectrum of control: fast vs. slow thinking.
Capabilities of LLM Agents
- Reasoning: Planning and problem-solving.
- Acting: Utilizing external tools and APIs.
- Memory: Storing and retrieving past interactions.
Configuration of Agents
- Introduction to ReACT (Reasoning and Acting).
- Example of a complex problem: calculating sunscreen needs for a vacation.
Future of Compound AI Systems
- Expected growth in agent technology.
- Trade-offs in AI autonomy for narrow vs. complex problems.
✨ Key Takeaways
- AI agentsare expected to play a crucial role in 2024, moving beyond traditional models to more complex systems.
- Monolithic modelsare limited by their training data and are not easily adaptable, while compound AI systems can integrate various components for better performance.
- RAG systemsexemplify how control logic can guide AI in resolving queries effectively.
- LLMscan enhance the reasoning process, allowing for more sophisticated problem-solving approaches.
- The ReACT frameworkcombines reasoning and acting, enabling agents to tackle complex tasks by breaking them down into manageable parts.
- The future of AI will see a balance between programmatic efficiencyfor narrow tasks and agentic flexibility for complex queries.
🧠Lessons Learned
- Building systems around AI models can significantly improve their accuracy and utility.
- Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI models is essential for effective implementation.
- The design of AI systems should consider the nature of the tasks they are intended to solve, whether narrow or complex.
- Continuous advancements in AI technology will lead to more autonomous and capable systems, but human oversight will remain important for accuracy and reliability.