To understand how an AI agent works, let’s look at its four main components — Percept, Action, Goal, and Performance Measure.
We’ll use our favorite example — the Vacuum Cleaner Robot 🧹🤖
1️⃣ Percept — What the Agent Sees 👀
The percept is the input that the agent receives from its environment through sensors.
In our vacuum cleaner world, the robot detects whether the floor is dirty or clean and identifies its location (A or B).
🧩 Example: “The floor at A is dirty.”
It’s like how humans use their eyes to see what’s around before acting.
2️⃣ Action — What the Agent Does 💪
The action is what the agent performs using its actuators (motors or effectors).
Based on its perception, the agent decides what to do next.
🧩 Example: If the floor is dirty → Suck the dirt.
If the floor is clean → Move to the next room.
Just like when we see a messy room and immediately start cleaning — that’s the agent in action!
3️⃣ Goal — What the Agent Wants to Achieve 🎯
Every intelligent agent works toward a goal.
For our vacuum robot, the goal is to keep both rooms clean and maintain a tidy environment.
🧩 Example: “Both A and B should be clean — mission accomplished!”
It’s like your personal mission to keep your study table spotless before exams 😅.
4️⃣ Performance Measure — How Well the Agent Performs ⭐
This tells us how efficiently the agent is achieving its goal.
We evaluate it based on the amount of dirt cleaned, the time taken, and how effectively both rooms are cleaned.
🧩 Example: “Did the robot clean both rooms quickly and completely?”
A higher performance means a smarter agent — just like students who finish their homework fast and neatly! 😉
Summary Table of how agent works
| Concept | Meaning | Example (Vacuum Cleaner Robot) |
| Percept | Input received from the environment | Detects if the floor is clean or dirty (A or B) |
| Action | What the agent does using its effectors | Cleans if dirty, moves if clean |
| Goal | What the agent aims to achieve | Keep both rooms clean |
| Performance Measure | How success is evaluated | Amount of dirt cleaned and efficiency |
everyday examples of agents
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just found in labs or tech companies — it’s everywhere around us!
From your phone unlocking with your face to Google Maps guiding your trip — all these are agents quietly working behind the scenes.
Let’s look at some everyday examples of agents that make our lives easier
Table no shows Everyday Examples of AI Agents
| AI Agent | How It Senses | How It Acts | Goal | AI Agent |
| Google Maps | GPS, traffic data | Suggests route | Reach fastest | Google Maps |
| Self-driving car | Cameras, radar | Steers, brakes | Drive safely | Self-driving car |
| ChatGPT or Siri | Text or speech | Gives answers | Help you communicate | ChatGPT or Siri |
| Vacuum-cleaner robot | Dust sensor | Moves, sucks dirt | Keep room clean | Vacuum-cleaner robot |
Table no : Everyday Examples of AI Agents