I’ve seen the term “Agentic AI” used recently. How is it different from Generative AI, and what makes it significant?
Agentic AI refers to systems that act autonomously toward goals. Unlike Generative AI, which focuses on producing content, Agentic AI emphasizes decision‑making, planning, and execution. For example, a Generative AI can draft an email, but an Agentic AI can decide when to send it, who to send it to, and follow up if needed. It combines reasoning, memory, and tool use to operate more like a human assistant.
This matters because it moves AI from passive content generation to active problem‑solving. Agentic AI can manage workflows, conduct research, or coordinate multiple tasks without constant human input. It’s a step toward more autonomous digital workers.