> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.polytrader.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.polytrader.ai/overview/editor.md).

# Introduction to AI Agents and Virtuals

<figure><img src="/files/tB8NSkoqsNEWMLiq5Pa7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

An AI agent is a system or program powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that can autonomously perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with its environment, often mimicking human behavior. AI agents are designed to perceive and respond to inputs (such as data or user interactions), learn from experiences, and take actions to achieve specific goals or objectives.

Key features include autonomy, perception of inputs (e.g., text or data), goal-oriented actions, learning capabilities, and user interaction. AI agents are categorized into reactive (rule-based), proactive (anticipating needs), learning (adapting over time), and social agents (interacting with humans). Applications span virtual assistants, recommendation systems, customer service, autonomous vehicles, and financial advising.

Launching an AI agent on Virtuals provides numerous advantages by leveraging blockchain technology and decentralized protocols. With a user-friendly interface and community governance, Virtuals enables users to co-own and interact with AI agents while shaping the platform's future. Combining AI and blockchain, Virtuals offers innovation in cryptocurrency and DeFi.Virtuals is the leading platform for AI agent development in crypto, combining blockchain transparency and AI innovation. It provides seamless integration of AI with crypto markets, enabling automated trading, real-time insights, and 24/7 support. With scalability, security features like smart contract audits, and comprehensive DeFi services, Virtuals ensures efficiency and user empowerment. Its crypto-savvy audience and data-driven insights make it ideal for navigating the dynamic crypto ecosystem.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.polytrader.ai/overview/editor.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.