Here's a breakdown of the 5 main types of AI agents you should know if you're building AI products:
🔹 1. Reflex Agent
Reacts to current input only
Example: A thermostat turning on heat below 18°C
✅ Fast, ❌ No memory or learning
🔹 2. Model-Based Reflex Agent
Builds internal model (or memory) of the environment.
Example: A robot vacuum that remembers room layout
✅ Memory-aware, ❌ Reactive
🔹 3. Goal-Based Agent
Chooses actions to achieve specific goals
Example: Self-driving car navigating to a destination
✅ Can simulate future, ❌ Needs clear goals
🔹 4. Utility-Based Agent
Optimizes for the best outcome (not just any goal)
Example: Delivery Drone chooses fastest, safest, most efficient route
✅ Decision quality improves, ❌ Requires utility models
🔹 5. Learning Agent
Improves through experience (reinforcement learning)
Example: AI chess bot adjusting strategy over time
✅ Most adaptive, ❌ Needs lots of data + feedback
🤖 Bonus: Multi-Agent Systems
When multiple agents collaborate — think swarm drones or trading bots — to achieve a shared objective.