Why there is confusion around Automation and Agentic AI (medium.com)

A recent article sheds light on the confusion between automation, function calling, and true agentic AI, emphasizing that many perceived "agents" are, in fact, mere automated systems. It defines automation as a deterministic process, such as a script that performs specific tasks without goals or adaptation, while function calling merely allows an LLM to route requests to external tools without independent action. True agents, on the other hand, are characterized by their autonomy, dynamic reasoning, goal-oriented behavior, and the ability to learn from their environment. This distinction is significant for the AI/ML community as it clarifies misconceptions about the capabilities of current AI systems. By understanding that agents require a more complex architecture involving perception, reasoning, and adaptation, developers can better align their projects with these definitions. The article encourages a more nuanced approach to building AI systems, addressing a frequent mislabeling of solutions and potentially guiding future innovations toward genuine agentic behaviors.