Core Agent Structure
A reference agent architecture can include a task loop, tool orchestration, optional memory, and human escalation. The task loop interprets a bounded request, selects permitted actions, observes results, and stops when a verified terminal state or escalation condition is reached. The exact components depend on the workflow; hidden chain-of-thought should not be treated as a product feature, control, or audit record.
Tool Orchestration Layer
A tool layer should register each permitted operation with typed inputs and outputs, side effects, authorization requirements, error modes, and timeout behavior. Authentication, retries, circuit breaking, idempotency, and dependency handling are designed per integration. Operational records should capture the minimum metadata needed for debugging and evidence; full payload logging can expose sensitive data and is not a safe default.
Memory Subsystem
Memory is optional and should be divided by purpose. Short-lived state can support the current interaction, workflow state can support an approved multi-step process, and longer-lived knowledge can reference governed source material. Each tier needs provenance, access control, retention, correction, and deletion rules. Semantic or structured retrieval is an implementation choice to validate against the data and risk model.
Escalation Controller
Escalation policy governs the boundary between automated action and human involvement. Thresholds should be derived from representative evaluations and action risk, not copied from generic percentages. Some actions may always require approval regardless of model confidence. An escalation should include relevant request context, source references, attempted actions, verification results, and the unresolved issue without exposing hidden reasoning or unnecessary sensitive data.