Most things sold as agents in 2026 are bots

Most things sold as "agents" in 2026 are bots.My friend Martin Nørgaard Gregersen sent me the cleanest test I have seen for telling them apart:

What's the difference between an agent and a bot?

-Decision-making.Bot: scriptedAgent: reasoned

-Adaptability.Bot: branchingAgent: dynamic

-Goal orientation.Bot: commandAgent: objective

-Failure handling.Bot: fallback scriptAgent: self-corrects

-Tool use.Bot: predefinedAgent: self-selected

-The test:Can it surprise you with how it achieved the goal?Bot: noAgent: yes

I find this simple test very useful.

It also maps to operational risk. If a system can surprise you on the path, it can surprise you on the cost and on the side effects. That is why most production "agents" are actually bots, and that is often the right call.

Save this post and be ready for the next "agent" pitch.