Glossy 101: What is an AI agent? - Glossy
Every year at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show, the show floor fills with hundreds of booths from tech companies selling the next big thing in retail innovation. This year’s show, which ended in mid-January, was no different — and the next big thing on the show floor was AI agents. That was confirmed last week when ChatGPT announced the imminent release of Operator, its take on the AI agent formula. But what is an AI agent and how might it affect the fashion and beauty industries? Glossy spoke with experts in AI tech and business to get the info.
Understanding AI Agents
An AI agent, essentially, is a tool that uses a large language model, the same technology that powers AI chat programs like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, to browse and perform actions on the internet. The term “agentic” is used to refer to AI programs with the ability to take actions, while non-agentic refers to simple chatbots or AI programs that can do things like respond to prompts but cannot actually act on those prompts externally. "An AI agent is software that can perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with users or systems without constant human supervision," said Nathan Brunner, CEO of Boterview.
Functionality of AI Agents
An AI agent, essentially, is a tool that uses a large language model, the same technology that powers AI chat programs like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, to browse and perform actions on the internet. The term “agentic” is used to refer to AI programs with the ability to take actions, while non-agentic refers to simple chatbots or AI programs that can do things like respond to prompts but cannot actually act on those prompts externally. "An AI agent is software that can perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with users or systems without constant human supervision," said Nathan Brunner, CEO of Boterview.
The Landscape of AI Agents
The AI agent space is competitive, with companies like OpenAI and ByteDance introducing their own models. While Operator and UI-TARS are general-purpose agents, there are also niche agents tailored for specific industries such as fashion. Brands can leverage AI agents for various purposes, from virtual fitting rooms to dynamic pricing and trend analysis.
Potential Applications in Fashion
For fashion brands, AI agents can be utilized for tasks like counterfeit verification, trend analysis, and customer interactions. By harnessing the power of AI agents, brands can streamline processes and gain valuable insights into consumer behavior and market trends.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the benefits of AI agents, there are challenges to consider. While some industry experts advocate for the use of AI agents in retail, others suggest caution and a focus on real problem-solving rather than following trends blindly.
Overall, AI agents have the potential to revolutionize the fashion and retail industries, but careful implementation and consideration of their impact are crucial to success.
