AI Agents in Action Foundations for Evaluation and Governance 2025

CASE STUDY 1 Robot vacuum cleaner – classification Agent characteristics 1. Function 3. Predictability 4. Autonomy 5. AuthorityAutonomous indoor navigation and cleaning floors Deterministic Non-deterministic2. Role Specialist Generalist Low High Low HighOperational context 6. Use case A home vacuum robot operates in the household services domain, autonomously navigating a residential environment to clean floors for occupants. 7. Environment Simple ComplexRobot vacuum cleaner Robot vacuum cleaner – classification –Function: The primary function is autonomous indoor navigation and cleaning, interpreting spatial layouts, avoiding obstacles and adapting to changing floor conditions. While it operates autonomously within mapped areas and schedules , it does not make decisions that affect other systems or safety-critical outcomes. –Role: Specialist – it only does one specific job, vacuuming the floors. –Predictability: Deterministic – it follows specific instructions and task planning but may follow unspecified routes. –Autonomy: Medium – it operates independently within mapped areas of the home’s floorplan. –Authority: Low – it is limited to sensing, movement and vacuuming. Operational context Use case: Home vacuuming Environment: Moderate – the environment is primarily household environments with occasional dynamic obstacles. AI Agents in Action: Foundations for Evaluation and Governance 16