Compare and Contrast: AI Copilots vs. AI Agents

Subtle differences are emerging from the AI tools enticing developers and marketers

For 2024 marketers should see a growing divide between two kinds of AI tools, Copilots and Agents. Agents are features of AI tools that autonomously execute tasks and make decisions with minimal human input. The set of ChatGPT and Bard extensions are an example of agents.

Copilots are software extensions that provide real-time support to users of application features. GitHub Copilot and Microsoft’s Copilots are examples (keep in mind Copilots do not necessarily have to be called a Copilot, though the marketing effort from Microsoft has made that attractive for the moment.

Both Copilots and Agents operate with an autonomous approach to their tasks. For example, AgentGPT is a travel agent that can simulate the components of a planned business or casual trip from a single prompt — including booking hotel rooms, flight reservations, and car rentals.

Where the user benefits are delivered marks the distinction between agents and copilots. Copilots are designed to enhance features within software only. For example, Microsoft 365 Copilot will offer meeting summaries and serve as an interface for users. By design they offer guidance without taking entire…