AI Assistant (Copilot)
An AI that works alongside you inside a tool, suggesting, drafting, and helping in real time rather than running fully on its own.
It is the most common way AI shows up at work today, a helper at your elbow instead of an autonomous worker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a copilot and an AI agent?
A copilot works alongside you inside a tool, suggesting and drafting while you stay in control, whereas an agent can run a task on its own from start to finish. Think of the copilot as a helper at your elbow and the agent as a worker you hand a job to.
Where would I actually run into an AI assistant at work?
You most likely already have. It is the AI that drafts email replies, suggests the next line in a document, or helps clean up a spreadsheet inside the software you use every day. It shows up as a helper built into your existing tools.
Does an AI assistant replace my job or just help with it?
By design it helps rather than replaces, because it makes suggestions and drafts that you review and approve in real time. You stay the decision-maker; the assistant just speeds up the parts that are tedious.
New to all this? Start with what an AI agent really is, browse the full glossary, or explore the learning hub.
← Back to the glossary