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The New Stack Podcast

AI Agents are Dumb Robots, Calling LLMs

Mar 20, 2025
Mark Hinkle, CEO of Peripety Labs and a veteran in serverless technologies, discusses the intriguing role of AI agents in software development. He describes these agents as 'dumb robots' that automate tasks but rely on large language models for real intelligence. Hinkle highlights the transformative potential of AI in creating bespoke tools on-the-fly and emphasizes the necessity of effective management practices. The conversation also spans his three-decade journey through technological evolution and the shift towards innovative GPU utilization in AI.
28:31

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Quick takeaways

  • AI agents are evolving as 'dumb robots' capable of automating software tasks while the intelligence lies in large language models.
  • The management of AI agents requires a shift towards treating them like virtual employees, emphasizing clear goals and collaborative engagement.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Computational Entities

Serverless functions and AI agents represent a shift in how computational entities are perceived and utilized. Traditionally, computation has been tied to resource consumption, but serverless architectures enable resource usage only during execution, optimizing efficiency and cost. AI agents, on the other hand, are designed to operate with specific goals, performing complex tasks without needing constant resource allocation. This evolution indicates a movement towards a more dynamic and flexible computational environment, where both serverless functions and AI agents can operate efficiently and effectively.

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