Lab 06 · Teaching grid
Compose an AI system
Combine a model, interface, tools, memory, and an action loop to compare chatbots and agents.
Assemble the layers
System composer
The language model is always present. Add application layers to see how the system description changes.
Language modelCalculates and generates the token continuation.
Always presentModel description
Language model only
The core component transforms input into output, without a conversational interface or added orchestration in this model.
To illustrate an agent in this grid, add:- an application that orchestrates exchanges
- tools that can act or inspect a system
- a loop that observes a result and chooses the next step
Limits of this classification
- There is no single universal technical definition of “agent.”
- The lab classifies a prepared architecture; it runs neither a model nor a tool.
- A loop guarantees neither safe autonomy, accuracy, nor permission to act.