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Semantic Kernel Agent Framework

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Warning

The Semantic Kernel Agent Framework is in preview and is subject to change.

The Semantic Kernel Agent Framework provides a platform within the Semantic Kernel eco-system that allow for the creation of AI agents and the ability to incorporate agentic patterns into any application based on the same patterns and features that exist in the core Semantic Kernel framework.

What is an AI agent?

An AI agent is a software entity designed to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously by recieving input, processing information, and taking actions to achieve specific goals.

Agents can send and receive messages, generating responses using a combination of models, tools, human inputs, or other customizable components.

Agents are designed to work collaboratively, enabling complex workflows by interacting with each other. The Agent Framework allows for the creation of both simple and sophisticated agents, enhancing modularity and ease of maintenance

What problems do AI agents solve?

AI agents offers several advantages for application development, particularly by enabling the creation of modular AI components that are able to collaborate to reduce manual intervention in complex tasks. AI agents can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, making them powerful tools for a range of applications.

Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Modular Components: Allows developers to define various types of agents for specific tasks (e.g., data scraping, API interaction, or natural language processing). This makes it easier to adapt the application as requirements evolve or new technologies emerge.

  • Collaboration: Multiple agents may "collaborate" on tasks. For example, one agent might handle data collection while another analyzes it and yet another uses the results to make decisions, creating a more sophisticated system with distributed intelligence.

  • Human-Agent Collaboration: Human-in-the-loop interactions allow agents to work alongside humans to augment decision-making processes. For instance, agents might prepare data analyses that humans can review and fine-tune, thus improving productivity.

  • Process Orchestration: Agents can coordinate different tasks across systems, tools, and APIs, helping to automate end-to-end processes like application deployments, cloud orchestration, or even creative processes like writing and design.

When to use an AI agent?

Using an agent framework for application development provides advantages that are especially beneficial for certain types of applications. While traditional AI models are often used as tools to perform specific tasks (e.g., classification, prediction, or recognition), agents introduce more autonomy, flexibility, and interactivity into the development process.

  • Autonomy and Decision-Making: If your application requires entities that can make independent decisions and adapt to changing conditions (e.g., robotic systems, autonomous vehicles, smart environments), an agent framework is preferable.

  • Multi-Agent Collaboration: If your application involves complex systems that require multiple independent components to work together (e.g., supply chain management, distributed computing, or swarm robotics), agents provide built-in mechanisms for coordination and communication.

  • Interactive and Goal-Oriented: If your application involves goal-driven behavior (e.g., completing tasks autonomously or interacting with users to achieve specific objectives), agent-based frameworks are a better choice. Examples include virtual assistants, game AI, and task planners.

How do I install the Semantic Kernel Agent Framework?

Installing the Agent Framework SDK is specific to the distribution channel associated with your programming language.

For .NET SDK, serveral NuGet packages are available.

Note: The core Semantic Kernel SDK is required in addition to any agent packages.

Package Description
Microsoft.SemanticKernel This contains the core Semantic Kernel libraries for getting started with the Agent Framework. This must be explicitly referenced by your application.
Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Agents.Abstractions Defines the core agent abstractions for the Agent Framework. Generally not required to be specified as it is included in both the Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Agents.Core and Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Agents.OpenAI packages.
Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Agents.Core Includes the ChatCompletionAgent and AgentGroupChat classes.
Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Agents.OpenAI Provides ability to use the Open AI Assistant API via the OpenAIAssistantAgent.
Module Description
semantic-kernel.agents This is the Semantic Kernel library for getting started with the Agent Framework. This must be explicitly referenced by your application. This module contains the ChatCompletionAgent and AgentGroupChat classes, as well as the ability to use the Open AI Assistant API via the OpenAIAssistantAgent or AzureOpenAssistant.

Agents are currently unavailable in Java.

Agent Architecture