Always-on agent – Definition & Meaning

Definition of always-on agent

: an AI agent that remains continuously available in a persistent cloud environment, retains project context, and can monitor events or continue authorized work even when the user closes the app
- The always-on agent watched the support queue overnight and prepared replies for approval.
- Each project gave the agent a persistent cloud computer, files, and a schedule rather than a one-time chat session.

Origin & history

first known use2026

The phrase became a product category in 2026 as systems including Meta Muse and OpenAI dots were described as persistent agents with their own cloud workspaces that could keep working outside an active chat session.

Test yourself

Which of these is the meaning of always-on agent?

Related terms

background agent an AI agent that works on a task by itself in the cloud while you do something else, then… personal agent an AI agent that works for one person over the long term: it remembers their preferences… AI agent an AI system that can pursue a goal over many steps on its own, deciding what to do next… memory a feature that lets an AI keep information about a user or task across separate conversations… long-horizon model an AI model designed to work autonomously on a goal through many steps and repeated attempts… computer use the ability of an AI agent to operate a computer or web browser like a person, by looking at…

Cite this entry

"Always-on agent." AI Dictionary, Dadgogo, https://dadgogo.com/dictionary/always-on-agent/. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.