What is the difference between an AI agent and a copilot?

A copilot works reactively and at human pace: it waits for input, offers a suggestion, and leaves execution to the user. An AI agent, by contrast, pursues a goal over a longer period, decides on intermediate steps itself, and acts even when nobody asks. The difference lies in initiative, time horizon, and scope of action – not in the underlying model.

Why does this matter?

The terms are often used interchangeably in marketing, yet they create entirely different expectations and control requirements. Introducing an agent requires a mandate, boundaries, and logging; introducing a copilot mainly requires good suggestion quality.