What Is Agentic AI: The Architectural Definition, the Control-Plane Implications, and the Audit Record It Requires
Agentic AI is a software pattern where an LLM-driven agent decomposes a goal, calls tools, observes results, and iterates until the goal completes. The pattern differs from generative AI by the loop, the tool calls, and the autonomy. The control-plane implications are distinct: identity at the agent level, scoped permissions for each tool call, audit records for each step in the loop, and the question of who carries liability for the agent decisions. The NIST AI agent identity and authorization framework took comments through April 2, 2026 and set the operational baseline.