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AI · Guide

What is an AI agent?

A plain-language definition of AI agents, what they can do in a product workflow, and where a human still needs to decide.

6 min read · Written by Atai · Updated September 19, 2026

On this page
  1. Agent vs. chatbot
  2. Where agents help founders

An AI agent is software that can take a goal, use tools or context, and produce a next step — not only a paragraph of text. In a product company, that might mean researching a market, drafting a plan, or proposing a change to a codebase.

Agent vs. chatbot

A chatbot answers. An agent is expected to work toward an outcome: gather context, choose an action, and return something you can inspect. You still review the result.

Where agents help founders

  • Turning a messy idea into a structured plan.
  • Comparing a reference website to what you actually need.
  • Drafting requirements, copy, or a first product shape.
  • Flagging gaps before you build.

Related resources

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