---
Title: "What Is Agentic AI? Definition, Examples, Risks"
Url: "https://computer.io/glossary/agentic-ai"
Topic: "Agentic AI"
Description: "Agentic AI pursues goals autonomously: planning steps, using tools, taking actions and adapting, within guardrails. Examples and how it differs from GenAI."
---

# What is agentic AI?

Agentic AI refers to AI systems that can pursue goals with a degree of autonomy: they plan multi-step tasks, decide which tools to use, take actions in other systems, observe the results and adapt, involving humans when needed. It builds on generative AI but focuses on doing work, not just producing content.

## Key traits

| Trait | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| Autonomy | Works without step-by-step prompts |
| Decision-making | Chooses next actions |
| Tool use | Calls APIs and systems |
| Memory | Uses context over time |
| Adaptation | Changes plan based on results |

## Examples

A support agent that investigates a failed payment and issues a credit; an IT agent that provisions software after checking policy; a sales agent that updates the CRM after a call.

## Risks and controls

Wrong actions, data exposure and runaway loops. Controls include permissions, approval gates, audit trails and evaluation.

## FAQ

### What is the difference between agentic AI and generative AI?

Generative AI creates content; agentic AI uses it to plan and act toward goals.

### What is a key differentiator of the agentic managed services model?

Autonomous AI agents handle work end to end, with humans supervising exceptions, rather than people doing every step.

### Is agentic AI the same as AI agents?

Agentic AI is the broader approach; AI agents are the systems that implement it.

## Related terms

- [AI agent](https://computer.io/glossary/ai-agent)
- [Autonomous agent](https://computer.io/glossary/autonomous-agent)
- [Generative AI](https://computer.io/glossary/generative-ai)

## How Computer helps

- [How computer works](https://computer.io/how-computer-works)
- [Agent studio](https://devrev.ai/agent-studio)
- [Customer agent](https://devrev.ai/solutions/customer-agent)

## Further reading

- [What is agentic ai](https://devrev.ai/blog/what-is-agentic-ai)
- [Devrevs agentic ai](https://devrev.ai/blog/devrevs-agentic-ai)
- [Rethinking agentic ai strategy](https://devrev.ai/blog/rethinking-agentic-ai-strategy)