Types of AI Agents: Definitions, Roles, and Examples

🤖 AI agents are evolving to execute real actions, moving beyond simple predictions. These agents adapt using reflex, model-based, goal-based, utility-based, and learning approaches, balancing predictability and adaptability. The choice of agent depends on task complexity; simple tasks need basic agents, while dynamic tasks require planning. Successful AI agents combine reflexes, planning, and learning, with gradual scaling. As AI stakes rise, they demand early consideration of autonomy, control, and governance to prevent cascading errors in workflows.

💻 Amsterdam-based Mews has secured €255 million ($300 million) in Series D funding, valuing the company at $2.5 billion. Founded in 2012 by Richard Valtr and Matt Welle, Mews supports over 15,000 properties across 85 countries, processing 42.3 million check-ins and nearly $20 billion in transactions in 2025. The investment aims to advance AI and automation in its hotel management platform, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experience. The round is led by EQT Growth, with participation from Atomico and HarbourVest Partners.

💸 Shopify merchants will incur a 4% fee on sales via ChatGPT’s checkout. Meanwhile, Google and Microsoft chatbot checkouts remain fee-free. This decision could potentially impact merchants' preferences for AI checkout tools. Additionally, this 4% fee is in addition to standard Shopify transaction fees, including payment processing costs.