In today's digital landscape, AI agents are revolutionizing how businesses interact with their users. Gone are the days of simple chatbots that can only answer basic questions. Modern AI agents are sophisticated, specialized systems that can perform complex tasks, coordinate workflows, and provide seamless user experiences. Let's explore the eight essential types of AI agents that are transforming customer service, internal operations, and user engagement.
If you’re exploring how AI agents can fit into your product, this guide breaks down the 8 types of AI agents you can build, with answers to three simple questions for each: what it does, why it matters, and where it shines.
1. Knowledge Agent: Your Digital Encyclopedia
What it does
A Knowledge Agent serves as your company's intelligent information repository, answering user questions by drawing from your organization's knowledge base, including documentation, FAQs, policies, and product information. It acts as a 24/7 expert that never forgets and always has the most up-to-date information at its fingertips. Think of it as your product’s built-in “know-it-all.”
Why it matters
Knowledge Agents are game-changers for customer support efficiency and user satisfaction, because it saves your team from answering the same repetitive queries while giving users instant, accurate responses 24/7. They eliminate the frustration of users having to search through lengthy documentation or wait for human support for common questions. By providing instant, accurate answers, they reduce support ticket volume by up to 70% while ensuring consistency in information delivery across all user interactions.
Where it's useful
Customer Support: "How do I reset my password?" or "What's your refund policy?"
Developer Relations: "Show me the API rate limits" or "How do I integrate your SDK?"
Employee Onboarding: New hires getting instant answers about company policies and procedures
Product Documentation: Users quickly finding specific feature explanations without browsing through extensive guides
Compliance Queries: Instant access to regulatory information and compliance procedure.
Implementation Example
export const knowledgeAgent = new Agent({
name: 'knowledge',
model: openai('gpt-5'),
tools: { docsRetriever },
memory: new Memory({
storage: new LibSQLStore({
url: 'file:../mastra.db',
}),
}),
instructions: You are a knowledge expert...
});
Key Implementation Details:
docsRetriever tool: Connects to your documentation and knowledge base for real-time information retrieval
Persistent memory: Uses LibSQL storage to remember conversation context and user preferences
GPT-5 model: Leverages advanced language understanding for natural, contextual responses
Create a retrieval-augmented agent that answers documentation questions when invoked, returning concise replies grounded in your docs with short source citations using https://github.com/cometchat/ai-agent-mastra-examples/tree/main/mastra-knowledge-agent
2. Frontend Actions Agent: Your Digital Assistant
What it does
The Frontend Actions Agent is your users' personal digital assistant that can actually perform actions within your application. This agent doesn’t just talk, it acts. It can open screens, toggle settings, pre-fill forms, or launch deep links in your app. Instead of just telling users what to do, it does it for them by executing frontend function calls, driving UI interactions, filling forms, and triggering client-side workflows through your SDK.
Why it matters
This agent transforms user experience from passive information consumption to active assistance. It makes apps feel alive. Instead of users fumbling through menus, the agent gets things done with a single request. It reduces user friction by eliminating multiple clicks and navigation steps, making complex processes feel effortless. For users with accessibility needs or those unfamiliar with your interface, this agent serves as an intelligent guide that can complete tasks on their behalf.
Where it's useful
E-commerce Platforms: "Open my billing screen and show recent transactions"
Mobile Apps: "Start an in-app video call with my team" or "Toggle my notification settings"
Form Automation: Pre-filling and submitting profile information or application forms
Navigation Assistance: "Take me to my project dashboard" or launching specific app sections
Device Integration: "Open camera to upload a receipt" or accessing device features
Accessibility Support: Helping users with disabilities navigate and interact with your application
Implementation Example
export const celebrationAgent = new Agent({
name: 'Celebration Agent',
instructions: `You are a cheerful assistant that celebrates user milestones or explicit requests for celebration.
Keep textual responses short (max 25 words) before tool usage.`,
model: openai('gpt-5'),
tools: { confettiTool },
memory: new Memory({
storage: new LibSQLStore({
url: 'file:../mastra.db',
}),
}),
});
Key Implementation Details:
confettiTool: Frontend tool that triggers visual UI effects like confetti animations directly in the user's browser
Conditional logic: Smart instructions prevent accidental tool triggering - only activates on explicit success announcements
UI customization: Maps user preferences (colors, intensity, location) to actual frontend implementation
Create a retrieval-augmented agent that answers documentation questions when invoked, returning concise replies grounded in your docs with short source citations using https://github.com/cometchat/ai-agent-mastra-examples/tree/main/mastra-frontend-actions-agent
3. Backend Tools Agent: The Digital Workforce
What it does
The Backend Tools Agent operates behind the scenes as your digital workforce, performing server-side operations by calling APIs, interacting with databases, triggering automated jobs, and communicating with third-party systems. It's the bridge between user requests and your backend infrastructure.
Why it matters
This agent eliminates the need for users to understand complex technical processes or wait for manual intervention. It provides real-time access to data and services while maintaining security protocols. By automating routine backend operations, it frees up your technical team to focus on strategic initiatives while ensuring users get immediate results for their requests.
Where it's useful
Project Management: "Create a Jira ticket for this bug report"
Financial Operations: Processing payments, generating invoices, or updating billing information
Data Analytics: "Run a SQL query and show me a chart of last month's user engagement"
CRM Management: Updating lead statuses, creating customer records, or triggering follow-up sequences
Document Generation: Creating and emailing personalized PDF reports or invoices
Data Export: Compiling and preparing user data exports or backup files
Implementation Example
export const dealsAgent = new Agent({
name: 'Deals Agent',
instructions: You help users explore a deals pipeline.,
model: openai('gpt-5'),
tools: { getDealsTool },
memory: new Memory({
storage: new LibSQLStore({ url: 'file:../mastra.db' }),
}),
});
Key Implementation Details:
getDealsTool: Backend tool that interfaces with your CRM, database, or API endpoints to fetch real-time deal data
Persistent conversation memory: Tracks deal discussions and user preferences across sessions
Pipeline-focused instructions: Specifically configured to understand sales terminology and deal workflows
Create a retrieval-augmented agent that answers documentation questions when invoked, returning concise replies grounded in your docs with short source citations using https://github.com/cometchat/ai-agent-mastra-examples/tree/main/mastra-backend-tools-agent
4. Human Handoff Agent: The Smart Escalation System
What it does
Sometimes humans are irreplaceable. The Human Handoff agent detects when that’s the case and smoothly transfers the conversation to appropriate human agents then hands it back once resolved. It doesn't just dump the conversation—it provides context, maintains conversation history, and can smoothly transition back to AI assistance when appropriate.
Why it matters
Not every situation can or should be handled by AI. This agent ensures users never feel trapped in an endless loop of automated responses when they need genuine human empathy, complex problem-solving, or specialized expertise. Because balance matters. Users get speed when possible and empathy when needed. It maintains user trust and satisfaction by knowing its limitations and making intelligent decisions about when human intervention is necessary.
Where it's useful
Complex Technical Issues: When troubleshooting requires deep domain expertise
Healthcare Applications: Transferring to medical professionals after initial symptom assessment
Sales Processes: "I want to discuss enterprise pricing" → connecting to sales specialist
Emotional Support: When users express frustration or need empathetic human interaction
Legal or Compliance Issues: Situations requiring specialized knowledge or liability considerations
Custom Solutions: When users have unique requirements that need human creativity and judgment
5. Coordinator Agent: The Digital Project Manager
What it does
The Coordinator Agent manages complex, multi-step processes involving multiple people or systems. It collects inputs, manages approvals, tracks progress, coordinates between different stakeholders, and delivers final outcomes. Think of it as your digital project manager that never sleeps and never forgets to follow up.
Why it matters
Many business processes involve coordination between multiple parties, which traditionally creates bottlenecks and communication gaps. The Coordinator Agent eliminates these friction points by automating the orchestration while keeping humans in the loop for decision-making. It ensures accountability, reduces delays, and provides transparency throughout complex workflows.
Where it's useful
Leave Management: Employee requests time off → manager approval → HR recording → employee notification
Access Requests: Security clearance requests requiring multiple approvals from different departments
Interview Scheduling: Coordinating availability between candidates, interviewers, and conference rooms
Purchase Approvals: Managing multi-level approval processes for business expenses
Information Gathering: Collecting updates from multiple project owners and delivering consolidated reports
Event Planning: Coordinating venue, catering, attendee confirmations, and logistics
6. Workflow Agent: The Process Automation Expert
What it does
The Workflow Agent executes predefined, structured workflows with deterministic steps that must be followed in order. While it may call other agents or tools within individual steps, it ensures that the overall process follows established business rules and compliance requirements.
Why it matters
Certain business processes require strict adherence to established procedures for legal, regulatory, or operational reasons. The Workflow Agent ensures these processes are executed consistently every time, reducing human error and ensuring compliance. It provides audit trails and can handle complex decision trees while maintaining process integrity. It provides reliability and compliance for repeatable tasks that need to happen the same way, every time.
Where it's useful
Account Management: Complete account deletion workflow including identity verification, data cleanup, and confirmation
Data Privacy: User data export requests following GDPR compliance procedures
Know Your Customer (KYC): Document collection, verification checks, compliance scoring, and status updates
Subscription Management: Plan downgrades with eligibility validation and entitlement adjustments
Onboarding Processes: Step-by-step user or employee onboarding with required checkpoints
Compliance Audits: Systematic data collection and reporting following regulatory requirements
7. Multi-agent Orchestration Agent: The Intelligent Traffic Controller
What it does
Sometimes, one agent isn’t enough. The Multi-agent Orchestration Agent acts as the “traffic controller,” detecting intent, routing to the right specialist agent, and returning the result. This agent serves as the intelligent entry point for your AI ecosystem. It analyzes user queries, determines intent, selects the most appropriate specialist agent, forwards the request, monitors completion, and returns the final result. It's like having a smart receptionist who always knows exactly who you need to speak with.
Why it matters
As organizations deploy multiple specialized agents, users shouldn't need to understand which agent handles what. It handles complex scenarios by orchestrating multiple agents seamlessly, so users never feel the handoff. This orchestration layer provides a single, intuitive interface while leveraging the full power of specialized agents behind the scenes. It improves user experience by eliminating confusion and ensures optimal resource utilization across your agent ecosystem.
Where it's useful
Unified Customer Service: Single chat interface handling everything from billing questions to technical support
Enterprise Portals: Employee-facing systems where different departments have specialized agents
E-commerce Platforms: Handling product questions, order issues, account management, and technical support seamlessly
Healthcare Systems: Routing between appointment scheduling, symptom checking, prescription inquiries, and insurance questions
Financial Services: Managing queries about accounts, investments, loans, and support through appropriate specialist agents
Implementation Example
export interface OrchestratorResult {
answer: string;
routedTo: 'billing' | 'tech' | 'support' | 'human' | 'manager';
escalated: boolean;
escalationLevel?: 'human' | 'manager';
}
Key Implementation Details:
Structured routing: Type-safe routing system that clearly defines available specialist agents and escalation paths
Escalation tracking: Built-in escalation logic with different levels (human, manager) for complex situations
Result transparency: Returns both the final answer and routing information for analytics and debugging
Create a retrieval-augmented agent that answers documentation questions when invoked, returning concise replies grounded in your docs with short source citations using https://github.com/cometchat/ai-agent-mastra-examples/tree/main/mastra-orchestrator-agent
8. Group Chat Agent: The Collaborative Assistant
What it does
The Group Chat Agent participates in multi-user conversations, understanding context from multiple participants and providing relevant assistance to the group as a whole. It can distinguish between different users, maintain conversation context, and provide value that benefits the entire group dynamic.
Why it matters
Modern work is increasingly collaborative, and AI should enhance rather than disrupt team dynamics. The Group Chat Agent becomes a valuable team member that can provide instant information, facilitate discussions, and assist with group decision-making without requiring private conversations or interrupting the team flow.
Where it's useful
Team Standups: Providing project status updates, sprint information, or task assignments during daily standups
Project Channels: Answering technical questions, providing documentation links, or pulling relevant data during project discussions
Educational Settings: Assisting in classroom discussions, providing additional resources, or helping with group problem-solving
Sales Team Meetings: Pulling up customer information, deal status, or market data during team discussions
Support Team Channels: Providing quick access to knowledge base information or escalation procedures during complex issue resolution
Choosing the Right Agent for Your Needs
The power of modern AI agent systems lies not in choosing one type, but in orchestrating multiple agents to work together seamlessly. The most effective implementations combine several agent types to create comprehensive, intelligent user experiences.
When planning your AI agent strategy, consider:
User Journey Mapping: What types of interactions do your users need?
Process Complexity: Do you need simple Q&A or complex workflow automation?
Integration Requirements: How will agents connect with your existing systems?
Scalability Needs: How will your agent requirements evolve as your business grows?
The future of user interaction is here, and it's powered by intelligent, specialized AI agents working together to create seamless, efficient, and delightful user experiences. By understanding and implementing the right combination of these agent types, organizations can transform their customer service, internal operations, and user engagement from reactive support to proactive, intelligent assistance.
Transform Your User Experience with CometChat AI Agents
CometChat's AI Agents platform brings all these powerful agent types together in one unified solution, giving you everything you need to power real-time, intelligent, and trusted user interactions without the complexity of stitching multiple tools together or reinventing infrastructure. Whether you need a Knowledge Agent to handle customer support, a Backend Tools Agent to automate complex workflows, or a Multi-agent Orchestration system to coordinate everything seamlessly, CometChat provides out-of-the-box support for all popular agents while giving you the flexibility to bring your own custom agents.
With native support for both code platforms (React, React Native, Flutter, Swift, Java, Kotlin) and no-code solutions (Webflow, Wix, Shopify, HTML/JavaScript), CometChat makes it easy to integrate sophisticated AI agent capabilities into your existing applications without sacrificing control or requiring extensive development resources.
Ready to revolutionize your user interactions? Explore CometChat AI Agents today and discover how you can implement intelligent, specialized agents that work together to create exceptional user experiences. Start with your most pressing use case and scale to a complete AI-powered interaction ecosystem that delights users and drives business results.
Shrinithi Vijayaraghavan
Creative Storytelling , CometChat