Agentic AI Systems Design
Build production agentic AI systems with autonomous agents, multi-agent orchestration, and intelligent automation
60 min read•Advanced
Not Started
Loading...
What are Agentic AI Systems?
Agentic AI systems represent the next evolution beyond traditional generative AI, featuring autonomous agents that can plan, execute complex tasks, and collaborate with minimal human supervision. These systems combine large language models with reasoning, tool use, and multi-agent coordination to achieve sophisticated business objectives autonomously.
Key Capabilities of Agentic AI
- Autonomous Planning: Break down complex goals into actionable steps
- Tool Integration: Use APIs, databases, and external systems
- Multi-Agent Coordination: Collaborate with other agents to achieve goals
- Adaptive Learning: Improve performance based on outcomes and feedback
Agentic AI System Performance Calculator
5
100/hr
3/10
15%
System Performance
Total Capacity:500/hr
Effective Capacity:425/hr
Avg Task Duration:6 min
Parallelism Gain:4.0x
System Efficiency:70%
Cost per Task:$0.0002
Recommendation: Consider simpler tasks or more agents
Agentic AI System Architecture
Core Architectural Components
Agent Runtime
- • LLM orchestration
- • Memory management
- • Tool integration
- • State persistence
Coordination Layer
- • Task decomposition
- • Agent assignment
- • Communication protocols
- • Conflict resolution
Tool Ecosystem
- • API connectors
- • Database adapters
- • Code execution
- • External integrations
Monitoring & Control
- • Performance tracking
- • Safety guardrails
- • Human intervention
- • Audit logging
Production Agentic AI System
Multi-Agent Business Process Automation
import asyncio
import json
import time
from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional, Callable, Union
from dataclasses import dataclass, asdict
from enum import Enum
from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
import uuid
import logging
from datetime import datetime, timedelta
# Agent Types and States
class AgentType(Enum):
COORDINATOR = "coordinator"
RESEARCHER = "researcher"
ANALYST = "analyst"
EXECUTOR = "executor"
REVIEWER = "reviewer"
class TaskStatus(Enum):
PENDING = "pending"
IN_PROGRESS = "in_progress"
COMPLETED = "completed"
FAILED = "failed"
DELEGATED = "delegated"
class AgentState(Enum):
IDLE = "idle"
WORKING = "working"
WAITING = "waiting"
ERROR = "error"
@dataclass
class Task:
"""Represents a task that can be executed by agents"""
id: str
type: str
description: str
requirements: Dict[str, Any]
dependencies: List[str]
assigned_agent: Optional[str] = None
status: TaskStatus = TaskStatus.PENDING
result: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
created_at: datetime = None
started_at: Optional[datetime] = None
completed_at: Optional[datetime] = None
error_message: Optional[str] = None
def __post_init__(self):
if self.created_at is None:
self.created_at = datetime.now()
@dataclass
class Message:
"""Inter-agent communication message"""
id: str
sender_id: str
recipient_id: str
message_type: str
content: Dict[str, Any]
timestamp: datetime
conversation_id: Optional[str] = None
class Agent(ABC):
"""Base class for all agents in the system"""
def __init__(self, agent_id: str, agent_type: AgentType, capabilities: List[str]):
self.agent_id = agent_id
self.agent_type = agent_type
self.capabilities = capabilities
self.state = AgentState.IDLE
self.current_task: Optional[Task] = None
self.memory: Dict[str, Any] = {}
self.message_queue: List[Message] = []
self.tools: Dict[str, Callable] = {}
self.logger = logging.getLogger(f"Agent-{agent_id}")
# Performance metrics
self.tasks_completed = 0
self.tasks_failed = 0
self.avg_task_duration = 0.0
self.last_activity = datetime.now()
@abstractmethod
async def process_task(self, task: Task) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Process a assigned task and return results"""
pass
async def receive_message(self, message: Message) -> Optional[Message]:
"""Receive and process a message from another agent"""
self.message_queue.append(message)
self.logger.info(f"Received message from {message.sender_id}: {message.message_type}")
# Process message immediately if agent is idle
if self.state == AgentState.IDLE:
return await self._process_message(message)
return None
async def _process_message(self, message: Message) -> Optional[Message]:
"""Process incoming message and potentially send response"""
if message.message_type == "task_delegation":
task_data = message.content.get("task")
if task_data:
task = Task(**task_data)
result = await self.execute_task(task)
# Send result back to sender
response = Message(
id=str(uuid.uuid4()),
sender_id=self.agent_id,
recipient_id=message.sender_id,
message_type="task_result",
content={"task_id": task.id, "result": result},
timestamp=datetime.now(),
conversation_id=message.conversation_id
)
return response
elif message.message_type == "information_request":
# Provide information from memory
requested_info = message.content.get("query")
if requested_info in self.memory:
response = Message(
id=str(uuid.uuid4()),
sender_id=self.agent_id,
recipient_id=message.sender_id,
message_type="information_response",
content={"query": requested_info, "data": self.memory[requested_info]},
timestamp=datetime.now(),
conversation_id=message.conversation_id
)
return response
return None
async def execute_task(self, task: Task) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Execute a task and track performance"""
self.current_task = task
self.state = AgentState.WORKING
task.assigned_agent = self.agent_id
task.started_at = datetime.now()
try:
self.logger.info(f"Starting task: {task.description}")
result = await self.process_task(task)
task.status = TaskStatus.COMPLETED
task.result = result
task.completed_at = datetime.now()
# Update performance metrics
duration = (task.completed_at - task.started_at).total_seconds()
self.tasks_completed += 1
self.avg_task_duration = (self.avg_task_duration * (self.tasks_completed - 1) + duration) / self.tasks_completed
self.state = AgentState.IDLE
self.current_task = None
self.last_activity = datetime.now()
self.logger.info(f"Completed task {task.id} in {duration:.2f}s")
return result
except Exception as e:
task.status = TaskStatus.FAILED
task.error_message = str(e)
task.completed_at = datetime.now()
self.tasks_failed += 1
self.state = AgentState.ERROR
self.logger.error(f"Task {task.id} failed: {e}")
return {"error": str(e), "status": "failed"}
def add_tool(self, name: str, tool_func: Callable):
"""Add a tool that the agent can use"""
self.tools[name] = tool_func
self.logger.info(f"Added tool: {name}")
async def use_tool(self, tool_name: str, **kwargs) -> Any:
"""Use a registered tool"""
if tool_name in self.tools:
try:
return await self.tools[tool_name](**kwargs)
except Exception as e:
self.logger.error(f"Tool {tool_name} failed: {e}")
raise
else:
raise ValueError(f"Tool {tool_name} not available")
class ResearchAgent(Agent):
"""Agent specialized in research and information gathering"""
def __init__(self, agent_id: str):
super().__init__(agent_id, AgentType.RESEARCHER, ["web_search", "data_analysis", "report_generation"])
async def process_task(self, task: Task) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Process research tasks"""
query = task.requirements.get("query", "")
sources = task.requirements.get("sources", ["web", "database"])
# Simulate research process
await asyncio.sleep(2.0) # Simulate research time
research_findings = {
"query": query,
"sources_searched": sources,
"findings": [
{"title": "Market Analysis Report", "relevance": 0.95, "summary": "Key market trends..."},
{"title": "Competitor Intelligence", "relevance": 0.87, "summary": "Competitive landscape..."},
{"title": "Industry Forecasts", "relevance": 0.82, "summary": "Future predictions..."}
],
"confidence_score": 0.89,
"research_duration": 2.0
}
# Store findings in memory for future use
self.memory[f"research_{task.id}"] = research_findings
return research_findings
class AnalystAgent(Agent):
"""Agent specialized in data analysis and insights generation"""
def __init__(self, agent_id: str):
super().__init__(agent_id, AgentType.ANALYST, ["data_processing", "statistical_analysis", "visualization"])
async def process_task(self, task: Task) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Process analysis tasks"""
data_source = task.requirements.get("data_source", "")
analysis_type = task.requirements.get("analysis_type", "descriptive")
# Simulate analysis process
await asyncio.sleep(1.5)
analysis_result = {
"data_source": data_source,
"analysis_type": analysis_type,
"insights": [
{"metric": "Revenue Growth", "value": "23.5%", "trend": "increasing"},
{"metric": "Customer Churn", "value": "3.2%", "trend": "decreasing"},
{"metric": "Market Share", "value": "15.7%", "trend": "stable"}
],
"recommendations": [
"Focus on customer retention strategies",
"Expand into emerging markets",
"Optimize pricing strategy"
],
"confidence": 0.91
}
self.memory[f"analysis_{task.id}"] = analysis_result
return analysis_result
class ExecutorAgent(Agent):
"""Agent specialized in executing actions and implementing solutions"""
def __init__(self, agent_id: str):
super().__init__(agent_id, AgentType.EXECUTOR, ["automation", "api_integration", "process_execution"])
async def process_task(self, task: Task) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Process execution tasks"""
action_type = task.requirements.get("action", "")
parameters = task.requirements.get("parameters", {})
# Simulate execution process
await asyncio.sleep(1.0)
execution_result = {
"action": action_type,
"parameters": parameters,
"status": "completed",
"execution_time": 1.0,
"outputs": {
"files_processed": 150,
"api_calls_made": 23,
"records_updated": 1247
},
"success_rate": 0.98
}
return execution_result
class CoordinatorAgent(Agent):
"""Agent responsible for coordinating other agents and managing workflows"""
def __init__(self, agent_id: str):
super().__init__(agent_id, AgentType.COORDINATOR, ["task_planning", "agent_management", "workflow_orchestration"])
self.managed_agents: Dict[str, Agent] = {}
self.active_workflows: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {}
def add_managed_agent(self, agent: Agent):
"""Add an agent to be managed by this coordinator"""
self.managed_agents[agent.agent_id] = agent
self.logger.info(f"Added managed agent: {agent.agent_id}")
async def process_task(self, task: Task) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Process coordination tasks - typically involves delegating to other agents"""
workflow_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
# Decompose complex task into subtasks
subtasks = await self._decompose_task(task)
# Execute subtasks in parallel or sequence as needed
workflow_result = await self._execute_workflow(workflow_id, subtasks)
return {
"workflow_id": workflow_id,
"original_task": task.id,
"subtasks_completed": len(subtasks),
"workflow_result": workflow_result,
"coordination_overhead": 0.15 # 15% overhead for coordination
}
async def _decompose_task(self, task: Task) -> List[Task]:
"""Decompose a complex task into simpler subtasks"""
# Simulate task decomposition logic
subtasks = []
if "business_analysis" in task.type:
# Create research subtask
research_task = Task(
id=f"{task.id}_research",
type="research",
description=f"Research for {task.description}",
requirements={"query": task.requirements.get("topic", ""), "sources": ["web", "database"]},
dependencies=[]
)
# Create analysis subtask
analysis_task = Task(
id=f"{task.id}_analysis",
type="analysis",
description=f"Analyze data for {task.description}",
requirements={"data_source": "research_output", "analysis_type": "comprehensive"},
dependencies=[research_task.id]
)
# Create execution subtask
execution_task = Task(
id=f"{task.id}_execution",
type="execution",
description=f"Execute recommendations for {task.description}",
requirements={"action": "implement_strategy", "parameters": {}},
dependencies=[analysis_task.id]
)
subtasks = [research_task, analysis_task, execution_task]
return subtasks
async def _execute_workflow(self, workflow_id: str, subtasks: List[Task]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Execute a workflow with multiple subtasks"""
workflow_start = datetime.now()
completed_tasks = []
workflow_results = {}
# Simple sequential execution (could be enhanced with parallel execution)
for subtask in subtasks:
# Find appropriate agent for the subtask
assigned_agent = self._find_suitable_agent(subtask.type)
if assigned_agent:
# Delegate task to agent
result = await assigned_agent.execute_task(subtask)
workflow_results[subtask.id] = result
completed_tasks.append(subtask)
else:
self.logger.warning(f"No suitable agent found for task: {subtask.type}")
workflow_duration = (datetime.now() - workflow_start).total_seconds()
return {
"duration": workflow_duration,
"tasks_completed": len(completed_tasks),
"results": workflow_results,
"success_rate": len(completed_tasks) / len(subtasks)
}
def _find_suitable_agent(self, task_type: str) -> Optional[Agent]:
"""Find the most suitable agent for a task type"""
for agent in self.managed_agents.values():
if agent.state == AgentState.IDLE:
if task_type == "research" and agent.agent_type == AgentType.RESEARCHER:
return agent
elif task_type == "analysis" and agent.agent_type == AgentType.ANALYST:
return agent
elif task_type == "execution" and agent.agent_type == AgentType.EXECUTOR:
return agent
return None
class AgenticSystem:
"""Main system orchestrating all agents"""
def __init__(self):
self.agents: Dict[str, Agent] = {}
self.task_queue: List[Task] = []
self.completed_tasks: List[Task] = []
self.system_metrics = {
"total_tasks": 0,
"completed_tasks": 0,
"failed_tasks": 0,
"avg_completion_time": 0.0,
"system_utilization": 0.0
}
self.logger = logging.getLogger("AgenticSystem")
def add_agent(self, agent: Agent):
"""Add an agent to the system"""
self.agents[agent.agent_id] = agent
self.logger.info(f"Added agent {agent.agent_id} of type {agent.agent_type.value}")
async def submit_task(self, task: Task) -> str:
"""Submit a task to be executed by the system"""
self.task_queue.append(task)
self.system_metrics["total_tasks"] += 1
self.logger.info(f"Task {task.id} submitted: {task.description}")
# Immediately try to assign task if suitable agent is available
await self._process_task_queue()
return task.id
async def _process_task_queue(self):
"""Process pending tasks in the queue"""
for task in self.task_queue[:]: # Copy list to avoid modification during iteration
if task.status == TaskStatus.PENDING:
suitable_agent = self._find_available_agent(task)
if suitable_agent:
self.task_queue.remove(task)
task.status = TaskStatus.IN_PROGRESS
# Execute task asynchronously
asyncio.create_task(self._monitor_task_execution(task, suitable_agent))
def _find_available_agent(self, task: Task) -> Optional[Agent]:
"""Find an available agent suitable for the task"""
# Prefer coordinator for complex tasks
if "business_analysis" in task.type or len(task.dependencies) > 0:
for agent in self.agents.values():
if agent.agent_type == AgentType.COORDINATOR and agent.state == AgentState.IDLE:
return agent
# Otherwise find specialized agent
for agent in self.agents.values():
if agent.state == AgentState.IDLE:
if task.type in agent.capabilities or task.type in [cap.lower() for cap in agent.capabilities]:
return agent
return None
async def _monitor_task_execution(self, task: Task, agent: Agent):
"""Monitor task execution and update system metrics"""
start_time = datetime.now()
try:
result = await agent.execute_task(task)
execution_time = (datetime.now() - start_time).total_seconds()
# Update system metrics
self.system_metrics["completed_tasks"] += 1
self.system_metrics["avg_completion_time"] = (
(self.system_metrics["avg_completion_time"] * (self.system_metrics["completed_tasks"] - 1) + execution_time)
/ self.system_metrics["completed_tasks"]
)
self.completed_tasks.append(task)
self.logger.info(f"Task {task.id} completed successfully in {execution_time:.2f}s")
except Exception as e:
self.system_metrics["failed_tasks"] += 1
self.logger.error(f"Task {task.id} failed: {e}")
# Continue processing queue
await self._process_task_queue()
def get_system_status(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Get current system status and metrics"""
active_agents = len([a for a in self.agents.values() if a.state != AgentState.IDLE])
total_agents = len(self.agents)
self.system_metrics["system_utilization"] = active_agents / total_agents if total_agents > 0 else 0
return {
"agents": {
"total": total_agents,
"active": active_agents,
"idle": total_agents - active_agents
},
"tasks": {
"pending": len(self.task_queue),
"total_completed": len(self.completed_tasks)
},
"metrics": self.system_metrics
}
# Demo Usage
async def demo_agentic_system():
"""Demonstrate the agentic AI system"""
# Initialize system
system = AgenticSystem()
# Create agents
coordinator = CoordinatorAgent("coord_001")
researcher = ResearchAgent("research_001")
analyst = AnalystAgent("analyst_001")
executor = ExecutorAgent("executor_001")
# Set up coordinator with managed agents
coordinator.add_managed_agent(researcher)
coordinator.add_managed_agent(analyst)
coordinator.add_managed_agent(executor)
# Add agents to system
system.add_agent(coordinator)
system.add_agent(researcher)
system.add_agent(analyst)
system.add_agent(executor)
print("🤖 Agentic AI System Demo Started\n")
# Submit a complex business analysis task
complex_task = Task(
id="business_analysis_001",
type="business_analysis",
description="Analyze market opportunities for expanding into Southeast Asian markets",
requirements={
"topic": "Southeast Asian market expansion",
"analysis_scope": "comprehensive",
"timeline": "Q2 2025"
},
dependencies=[]
)
task_id = await system.submit_task(complex_task)
print(f"📋 Submitted complex task: {task_id}")
# Wait for task completion
await asyncio.sleep(5)
# Check system status
status = system.get_system_status()
print(f"\n📊 System Status:")
print(f" Agents: {status['agents']['active']}/{status['agents']['total']} active")
print(f" Tasks: {status['tasks']['total_completed']} completed, {status['tasks']['pending']} pending")
print(f" Avg completion time: {status['metrics']['avg_completion_time']:.2f}s")
print(f" System utilization: {status['metrics']['system_utilization']*100:.1f}%")
print("\n✅ Demo completed successfully!")
# Run the demo
if __name__ == "__main__":
logging.basicConfig(level=logging.INFO)
asyncio.run(demo_agentic_system())Agent Coordination Patterns
Hierarchical Coordination
- Structure: Coordinator agent manages subordinate agents
- Communication: Top-down task delegation
- Benefits: Clear authority, centralized control
- Use Cases: Complex workflows, regulated processes
Peer-to-Peer Collaboration
- Structure: Equal agents collaborate directly
- Communication: Bidirectional negotiation
- Benefits: Flexibility, resilience
- Use Cases: Creative tasks, problem-solving
Market-Based Coordination
- Structure: Agents bid for tasks based on capability
- Communication: Auction-style negotiation
- Benefits: Optimal resource allocation
- Use Cases: Dynamic load balancing, resource optimization
Swarm Intelligence
- Structure: Many simple agents with emergent behavior
- Communication: Stigmergy and local interactions
- Benefits: Scalability, fault tolerance
- Use Cases: Optimization problems, distributed search
Production Agentic AI Systems
OpenAI
GPT-4 with Advanced Data Analysis
- Capabilities: Code execution, data visualization, file processing
- Architecture: LLM + Python interpreter + tool integrations
- Autonomy: Multi-step problem solving with iterative refinement
- Use Cases: Data analysis, research, content creation
Microsoft
Copilot Studio Agent Framework
- Capabilities: Multi-modal AI, enterprise integration, workflow automation
- Architecture: Agent orchestration platform with plug-ins
- Autonomy: Business process automation with human oversight
- Use Cases: Customer service, sales automation, content management
Anthropic
Claude with Computer Use
- Capabilities: Desktop automation, web browsing, application control
- Architecture: LLM + computer vision + action execution
- Autonomy: Direct computer interaction with safety constraints
- Use Cases: UI automation, testing, data entry
Salesforce
Agentforce Platform
- Capabilities: CRM automation, lead qualification, customer engagement
- Architecture: Multi-agent system with specialized business roles
- Autonomy: End-to-end sales and service process automation
- Use Cases: Sales automation, customer service, marketing campaigns
Production Best Practices
✅ Do
- •Implement robust error handling - Agents must gracefully handle failures and recover
- •Design for observability - Log all agent actions, decisions, and interactions
- •Implement safety guardrails - Prevent agents from taking harmful or unintended actions
- •Plan for human oversight - Critical decisions should have human review points
- •Version and test agent behaviors - Treat agents like software with proper CI/CD
❌ Don't
- •Deploy without extensive testing - Agent behavior can be unpredictable
- •Ignore coordination overhead - Too many agents can hurt performance
- •Assume perfect communication - Networks fail, messages get lost
- •Skip security considerations - Agents need proper authentication and authorization
- •Neglect cost monitoring - LLM API costs can escalate quickly
No quiz questions available
Quiz ID "agentic-ai-systems" not found