An unattended AI agent can continue a task after the user leaves the active interface. It may work on a schedule, respond to events or operate in a remote computer environment until it completes, fails or requires input.
Useful autonomy needs durable state, limits, observability and safe failure handling. Approval gates protect consequential actions but should be placed deliberately so ordinary low-risk work does not stall without warning.
ELI5
An unattended AI agent keeps working after the user leaves the active conversation or interface. It may run on a schedule, respond to events, or continue in a remote environment until it finishes or needs help.
For example, an agent can process a batch of documents overnight and present a report in the morning. Durable state, clear limits, progress visibility, and deliberate approval points keep background work from becoming invisible or unsafe.
How does an unattended AI agent continue working?
It runs in a persistent local or remote environment with stored task state, tools and stopping conditions.
Why can approvals interrupt unattended tasks?
The runtime pauses when an action exceeds the agent's authority and requires a person to review it.
