AI agents are specialized programs designed to perform routine tasks autonomously, such as sifting through sales leads or handling customer service requests.

AI agent has become the new buzzword for major software companies investing billions in powerful AI models, which they say will shape the future of computing.

Microsoft has moved quickly in bringing generative AI technology to everyday users, largely using models from its $13 billion partnership with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT.

The agents are intended to advance generative AI from ChatGPT-style chatbots, which require human prompts, to systems that can operate independently.

In a blog post, Microsoft introduced ten autonomous agents for its Copilot AI platform, designed to support sales, service, finance and supply chain teams.

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These agents will be available in public preview starting in December, with full deployment planned through 2025.

“Think of agents as the new applications for an AI-powered world. Every organization will have a constellation of agents, ranging from simple prompt-and-response to full autonomy,” explained Jared Spataro, Director Microsoft marketing.

The company envisions these agents facilitating the transition from today’s traditional business routines to new work habits driven and increasingly implemented by AI.

Additionally, Microsoft announced the upcoming public preview of Copilot Studio, a tool for businesses to create and manage their own AI agents.

Other tech giants are also exploring the deployment of AI agents, with venture capitalists investing in startups offering their own take on the concept.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, whose company last month announced its own slate of AI agents, criticized Microsoft’s efforts.

“When you look at how Copilot has been delivered to customers, it’s disappointing. It just doesn’t work and doesn’t provide any level of accuracy,” Benioff said last week.

AI chip giant Nvidia, Google and Oracle have also announced plans for AI agents.

Although their powers remain limited for now, the development of autonomous agents capable of acting independently has raised concerns about potential risks.

Microsoft has ensured that these new agents, currently limited to non-complex tasks, follow strict guidelines for security, privacy and responsible AI.

“Once these agents are created, IT administrators can apply a comprehensive set of features to govern their use,” the release said.