The different types of AI: comparison

An analysis of the three main artificial intelligence models and their applications

I/O Models

(Input/Output)

Definition

The simplest models in their operation. They receive an input and directly produce an output without a visible intermediate step.

Operation

Question → Direct Answer

Prediction of the most probable words based on the provided input, without explicit intermediate reasoning.

Model Examples

  • GPT-3.5
  • GPT-4 (standard versions)

Optimal Use Cases

  • Simple questions requiring direct answers
  • Basic and repetitive tasks
  • Simple information retrieval
  • Summaries of short texts

Chain of Thought Models

(Chain of thought)

Definition

Models that add an intermediate step of reflection between input and output, allowing for more elaborate reasoning.

Operation

Question → Reasoning → Answer

The AI analyzes the request, defines reasoning steps, and then produces an answer based on this process.

Model Examples

  • Earlier versions of O1
  • O3 Mini (early versions)

Optimal Use Cases

  • Tasks requiring reasoning
  • Interpretation of complex intents
  • Logical problem solving
  • Data analysis with context

AI Agents

(Agentic COT)

Definition

The most advanced models, capable not only of reasoning but also of using external tools and executing actions autonomously.

Operation

Question → Reasoning → Tool Use → Answer

The AI thinks, activates, and uses specific tools autonomously to accomplish complex tasks.

Model Examples

  • O3
  • O4 Mini
  • O4 Mini High
  • Frameworks: CrewAI, Autogen

Optimal Use Cases

  • Complex multiple tasks (more than 2 actions)
  • Workflow automation
  • Projects requiring research and analysis
  • Customer support, email management
  • Coding and complex visual reasoning

Capabilities Comparison

Capability I/O Models Chain of Thought AI Agents
Simple Answers
Visible Reasoning
Tool Use
Complex Tasks Limited
Autonomy Limited

Evolution of Capabilities

I/O Models

Simple and direct

Chain of Thought

Added reasoning

AI Agents

Tool use and autonomy