Agentic AI Frameworks: The Complete Guide to the Systems Used in Building Autonomous Agents

May 2, 2025
Agentic AI Frameworks: The Complete Guide to the Systems Used in Building Autonomous Agents

AI used to mean typing a prompt and watching it respond.

Now, it means your systems are taking the lead, spotting gaps, making decisions, and AI agents getting things done across tools, without you lifting a finger.

Sounds too good to be true?

The agentic AI framework behind it all makes this possible. It provides the foundation that AI agents need to function independently — an architecture that lets them interact, collaborate, and continuously improve without human input.

AI isn’t limited to executing tasks anymore; rather, it figures out the best way to accomplish things.

This guide breaks down what makes agentic frameworks work, which ones lead the market, and how to implement them in your business today.

What is an agentic AI framework?

Agentic AI framework driving personalized marketing through data analysis
AI agent analyzing purchase history to suggest relevant products

Agentic AI frameworks provide the technical structure for building autonomous AI agents that act without constant human direction. These agents perceive inputs, process them using algorithms or large language models (LLMs), and execute actions like retrieving data, automating workflows, making API calls, or responding to users.

Businesses use agentic frameworks to automate routine operations through pre-built modules, simplifying development and ensuring scalability and efficiency.

What an agentic AI framework is not: An agentic AI framework is not an AI agent builder. While both support autonomous AI agents, their processes differ. Agentic frameworks provide the core architecture for complex AI systems, enabling multiple agents to interact, reason, and adapt within dynamic environments. In contrast, AI agent builders are user-friendly development platforms. They simplify creating and deploying autonomous AI agents with minimal coding and pre-built templates.

The core components that make agentic AI intelligent and autonomous

Agentic AI frameworks rely on interconnected components to enable autonomous decision-making, action, and learning. These modules work together to process inputs, analyze data, execute tasks, and adapt without constant oversight. Here’s a closer look.

Perception module (data ingestion and signal processing)

The perception module collects and processes information from various sources, creating a foundation for all AI decisions. Here’s how it works:

  • Data collection: Uses sensors like cameras, mics, or web scrapers to pull in text, images, or audio.
  • Preprocessing: Normalizes and filters raw data to make it usable.
  • Feature extraction: Extracts key details (like objects or voices) using machine learning (ML) or neural networks.
  • Integration:  Sends processed data to other modules for decisions or complex tasks.

Cognitive module (decision engine and computational core)

The cognitive module processes information and makes decisions based on goals, constraints, and available data. This central component determines the AI's actions. It:

  • Defines goals (say, optimizing workflows or resolving issues).
  • Selects the best course of action to achieve the goals through reinforcement learning.
  • Applies probabilistic reasoning to handle uncertainty and solves problems using logic.
  • Uses meta-learning to adapt strategies over time.

Action Module (execution layer and task orchestration)

The action module turns decisions into results through direct task execution. It connects the AI system to external platforms, allowing it to interact with business systems and implement its decisions.

Here’s what it does:

  • Automates repetitive tasks without human intervention.
  • Controls physical devices when needed (like robotic systems).
  • Monitors execution to track the progress of operations.
  • Maintains control algorithms that direct specific operations.

Learning module (adaptive intelligence and model refinement)

The learning module enables AI to improve through experience and feedback. It examines what worked, what failed, and why, then applies these insights to future operations.

This adaptive capability reduces the need for constant reprogramming as business conditions change. See how it works:

  • Uses reinforcement learning to identify successful approaches through trial and error.
  • Analyzes historical performance data to refine decision-making across the board.
  • Implements continuous optimization to increase precision and effectiveness.
  • Adjusts to new situations and challenges based on past experiences.
  • Self-corrects to improve outcomes over time.

Collaboration module (multi-agent coordination and system integration)

The collaboration module connects AI with humans and other systems to enable teamwork. It ensures that AI works effectively as part of a larger technology ecosystem rather than as an isolated tool. This module:

  • Integrates with business tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
  • Streamlines workflows that span multiple systems.
  • Provides user-friendly interfaces for human interaction.
  • Coordinates communication between different AI agents.
  • Maintains consistency across connected platforms.

Security module (threat mitigation and data protection)

The security module safeguards operations and information from threats. Its protective barrier allows AI systems to access sensitive information without compromising privacy or compliance requirements.

This module:

  • Detects threats like malware or unauthorized access in real time.
  • Encrypts sensitive data to prevent breaches.
  • Protects against cyber attacks.
  • Ensures responsible AI system delivery.

The effectiveness of an agentic framework depends on how well these components integrate and communicate with each other.

Key features of a robust agentic AI framework

Here’s what separates basic AI tools from other powerful autonomous systems: seven core features that enable agentic AI systems to function independently.

Pre-built modules

These building blocks contain defined triggers and actions that control AI agent behavior, like workflow templates, data pattern recognition systems, and application integrations. Instead of programming every function from scratch, your teams can select and configure pre-built modules that handle routine operations, making setup easy.

Memory management

AI agents need to recall past interactions to handle extended tasks.

Memory systems store conversation histories, user preferences, and previous decisions to maintain context across sessions. It lets agents pick up where they left off and build an established knowledge base to create a consistent experience that doesn't require users to repeat information.

Multi-agent AI systems collaboration

Agentic frameworks support multiple AI agents working together on big projects. Instead of relying on a single agent to do everything, these systems use orchestrators to divide tasks among specialized agents.

For example, one agent might handle email account creation while another manages software licensing, improving accuracy since each agent has specific responsibilities to focus on.

Planning and reasoning

AI agent frameworks provide reasoning engines that enable AI to plan and adapt. Using LLMs and extensive datasets, these systems analyze situations, set goals, and develop strategies to achieve them. Unlike traditional AI that follows fixed instructions, these agents adjust to changing circumstances.

Customized decision-making

AI-driven decision-making frameworks tailor interactions by analyzing user preferences and behavior patterns. This personalization creates more relevant experiences for your customers, from product recommendations to support solutions.

Your developers can also adjust response styles, add features, and refine training data to match specific business requirements, helping convert first-time users into repeat customers.

Self-learning

These frameworks learn from results and feedback, constantly refining their performance. For example, your marketing AI agents can review metrics of your campaigns, identify what drove conversions, and apply those insights to future campaigns — all without manual updates from your team.

Contextual awareness

These AI automation frameworks understand context and respond appropriately. They process multiple information streams to grasp what's happening now and what matters most.

For example, agentic AI in healthcare uses this awareness to prioritize emergency cases over routine appointments. In customer service, it helps distinguish between minor inquiries and urgent problems that need immediate escalation.

Why agentic AI frameworks are important

According to Gartner, by 2029, agentic AI will autonomously handle 80% of customer service issues without human involvement, reducing operational costs by 30%.

This growth, you see, isn't just hype. Increases in both academic publications and public interest in agentic AI through 2024 show that this technology is a fundamental shift in how AI operates.

Graph showing rising trends in agentic AI research publications and public interest from 2022-2024
 Growth trends in agentic AI adoption across multiple indicators

Without a proper framework, development teams would need to program each AI agent individually, defining capabilities, monitoring performance, and ensuring consistency across deployments. This process consumes significant resources and creates potential quality variations between agents.

Beyond that, these AI agent frameworks bring the following benefits to the table:

  • They automate complex workflows from order processing to inventory management.
  • AI agents make real-time decisions for fraud detection in finance and solution recommendations in customer service.
  • Natural language interfaces let even non-technical staff operate advanced AI models through conversational commands.
  • Companies can scale operations by quickly deploying additional agents using the same framework template.
  • Agents integrate with existing business systems without disrupting current operations.
Agentic AI frameworks are driving innovations across industries These frameworks now power customer service bots that cut response times, help doctors distill critical patient data, automate coding tasks for developers, and save marketers hours on content creation. They even process visual data through video analytics for insights across sectors. Explore more real-world applications of these autonomous AI systems in our comprehensive guide to (What is Agentic AI)

Top agentic AI frameworks you need to know about

Now that you know why these AI systems for autonomous agents matter, it’s time to pick the right framework. Here’s a rundown of the top agentic AI frameworks in 2025.

Framework Focus Features Best for
Langchain Workflow automation Modular components, integrated memory, multi-LLM compatibility Conversational agents, retrieval systems, and financial chatbots
LangGraph Managing stateful AI workflows Directed acyclic graph (DAG) capabilities, built-in error handling, and API integrations Healthcare applications, supply chain management processes, and multi-step workflows
CrewAI Team collaboration Task planning and delegation mechanisms, conflict resolution systems, and role-based architecture Logistics and resource planning, scientific research assistance, and simulating political strategies
Microsoft AutoGen Multi-agent orchestration Event-driven architecture, API integration, and advanced reasoning IT infrastructure management, cloud automation systems
Microsoft Semantic Kernel Contextual understanding Semantic reasoning, pre-built system connectors, and intent recognition Customer service platforms, building enterprise-level Generative AI applications, and personalized content recommendations
Smolagents Building collaborative multi-agent systems Strong communication protocols, light-weight agent architecture, and context management systems Content generation, customer support, and advanced educational platforms

Agentic frameworks and AI agent builders: which is the best shot?

While we’ve discussed agentic frameworks extensively, you might still wonder how to start creating your productive AI agents, whether you really need a framework, or if an agent builder will suffice.

AI agent builders and agentic frameworks both create intelligent agents, but they fit different needs. Let’s break it down.

Agentic frameworks are like the blueprint for AI systems. They give developers the tools to craft complex setups where multiple agents chat and collaborate. You’ll need coding skills and know-how about system design, and knowledge about distributed system concepts.

But if you want to create and deploy AI agents easily to build and run fast, you need agent builders.

Plivo AI agents offer user-friendly platforms to whip up AI agents for specific tasks like AI chatbots (say, a customer service bot) without sweating code. From no-code options to pro-level platforms, they’re perfect for focused tasks and fast deployment.

Based on framework principles, these agent builders are for speedy, targeted tasks.

How Plivo handles your customer journey

Beyond the technical frameworks and builders lies the implementation question: What can these agents actually do for your business? Plivo's platform answers this with specialized AI agents that transform your entire customer journey.

Agentic AI framework powering customer support chat interface
Customer support agent resolving issues through simple interactions
  • Always on: Digital agents working 24/7, handling anything from cart abandonment campaigns to closing sales deals at 3 a.m.
  • Fully autonomous: Agents manage complete workflows without human intervention.
  • Infinitely scalable: They can handle 1000+ simultaneous customer conversations without staffing concerns.
  • Optimized resources: One Plivo AI agent delivers the output of 50 human support staff members.
  • Relationship builders: Agents maintain personalized interactions across all communication channels.
  • Specialized expertise: You can deploy specialized agents for marketing, sales, and support functions simultaneously.
  • Complete memory: Agents access your entire customer interaction history for contextually perfect and consistent responses.
  • End-to-end issue resolution: They eliminate 100% of support tickets by handling problems from identification to solution.
Plivo helps you deploy AI Agents to convert, engage, and delight your customers via SMS, Voice, Chat, and WhatsApp. Take Campbell, your marketing agent, who times campaigns perfectly based on customer behavior; Jolie, the customer journey agent, who guides buyers through personalized shopping experiences; or Samuel, your Sales agent, who transforms conversations into revenue opportunities — these Plivo AI agents work together to create customer experiences that drive results.

Configure your agentic AI with Plivo

Plivo CX puts you in control of how AI agents represent your brand and solve customer problems. These digital agents handle routine inquiries, process transactions, and build customer relationships while your staff focuses on complex business processes.

Within connected systems, your agents take immediate action, like processing returns, modifying orders, and updating customer records without transferring to human staff. When issues exceed AI capabilities, the platform’s smart escalation passes comprehensive case notes to your team.

Contact us to build an AI-driven ecosystem that works for you.

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