How Generative AI and AI Agents Work

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can produce new content—from written text to images—by recognizing patterns in existing data. One of the most well-known examples is Large Language Models (LLMs), which can generate text that feels remarkably human. In contrast, Small Language Models (SLMs) are designed for more focused tasks, working with smaller datasets to solve specific problems. Another technique, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), takes things a step further by bringing in external information, helping AI provide more accurate and informed results.

Meanwhile, AI agents harness generative AI to carry out tasks independently, such as drafting documents, conducting research, or even managing schedules. Together, generative AI and AI agents are driving the next wave of automation and creative innovation, transforming how people and businesses approach work and problem-solving.

The Evolution of Generative AI
Generative AI may feel like a recent breakthrough, but its roots stretch back to the 1960s with the advent of chatbots. Today, this branch of artificial intelligence can produce high-quality text, images, videos, audio, and even synthetic data within seconds. The real turning point came in 2014 with the introduction of generative adversarial networks (GANs), which enabled AI to create visuals, videos, and audio that convincingly mimic real-world recordings and experiences.

Source: https://www.beautiful.ai/blog/what-is-generative-ai-and-how-your-business-can-use-it