SlideShare a Scribd company logo
6
Most read
9
Most read
17
Most read
1/17
Agentic RAG: What it is, its types, applications and
implementation
leewayhertz.com/agentic-rag
Large Language Models (LLMs) have transformed how we interact with information.
However, their reliance solely on internal knowledge can limit the accuracy and depth of
their responses, especially when dealing with complex questions. This is where Retrieval-
Augmented Generation (RAG) steps in. RAG bridges the gap by allowing LLMs to access
and process information from external sources, leading to more grounded and informative
answers.
While standard RAG excels at simple queries across a few documents, agentic RAG
takes it a step further and emerges as a potent solution for question answering. It
introduces a layer of intelligence by employing AI agents. These agents act as
autonomous decision-makers, analyzing initial findings and strategically selecting the
most effective tools for further data retrieval. This multi-step reasoning capability
empowers agentic RAG to tackle intricate research tasks, like summarizing, comparing
information across multiple documents and even formulating follow-up questions -all in an
orchestrated and efficient manner. This newfound agents transform the LLM from a
passive responder to an active investigator, capable of delving deep into complex
information and delivering comprehensive, well-reasoned answers. Agentic RAG holds
immense potential for such applications, empowering users to understand complex topics
comprehensively, gain profound insights and make informed decisions.
Agentic RAG is a powerful tool for research, data analysis, and knowledge exploration. It
represents a significant leap forward in the field of AI-powered research assistants and
virtual assistants. Its ability to reason, adapt, and leverage external knowledge paves the
2/17
way for a new generation of intelligent agents that can significantly enhance our ability to
interact with and analyze information.
In this article, we delve into agentic RAG, exploring its inner workings, applications, and
the benefits it provides to the users. We will unpack what it is, how it differs from
traditional RAG, how agents are integrated into the RAG framework, how they function
within the framework, different functionalities, implementation strategies, real-world use
cases, and finally, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Recent developments with LLM and RAG
Improved Retrieval
Semantic Caching
Multimodel Models
Agentic RAG
Reranking algorithms
Faster answers for recent
questions
Extend to image/text docs
Multi-agent orchestration of
documents
Hybrid search
Reduce LLM calls
Access larger corpus of
Source material
Superior retrieval
Multiple vectors per
document
Consistent answers
Integrate loops between
image/text for better
responses
Scalable
LeewayHertz
In information retrieval and natural language processing, current developments with LLM
and RAG have ushered in a new era of efficiency and sophistication. Amidst recent
developments with LLM and RAG, significant strides have been made in four key areas:
Enhanced retrieval: Optimizing information retrieval within RAG systems is crucial for
performance. Recent advancements focus on reranking algorithms and hybrid search
methodologies to refine search precision. Employing multiple vectors per document
allows for a granular content representation, enhancing relevance identification.
Semantic caching: To mitigate computational costs and ensure response consistency,
semantic caching has emerged as a key strategy. By storing answers to recent queries
alongside their semantic context, similar requests can be efficiently addressed without
repeated LLM calls, facilitating faster response times and consistent information delivery.
Multimodal integration: This expands the capabilities of LLM and RAG beyond text,
integrating images and other modalities. This facilitates access to a broader array of
source materials and enables seamless interactions between textual and visual data,
resulting in more thorough and nuanced responses.
These advancements set the stage for further exploration into the intricacies of agentic
RAG, which will be delved into in detail in the upcoming sections.
3/17
What is agentic RAG?
Agentic RAG= Agent-based RAG implementation
Agentic RAG transforms how we approach question answering by introducing an
innovative agent-based framework. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on large
language models (LLMs), agentic RAG employs intelligent agents to tackle complex
questions requiring intricate planning, multi-step reasoning, and utilization of external
tools. These agents act as skilled researchers, adeptly navigating multiple documents,
comparing information, generating summaries, and delivering comprehensive and
accurate answers. Agentic RAG creates an implementation that easily scales. New
documents can be added, and each new set is managed by a sub-agent.
Think of it as having a team of expert researchers at your disposal, each with unique
skills and capabilities, working collaboratively to address your information needs. Whether
you need to compare perspectives across different documents, delve into the intricacies
of a specific document, or synthesize information from various summaries, agentic RAG
agents are equipped to handle the task with precision and efficiency.
Key features and benefits of agentic RAG:
Orchestrated question answering: Agentic RAG orchestrates the question-
answering process by breaking it down into manageable steps, assigning
appropriate agents to each task, and ensuring seamless coordination for optimal
results.
Goal-driven: These agents can understand and pursue specific goals, allowing for
more complex and meaningful interactions.
Planning and reasoning: The agents within the framework are capable of
sophisticated planning and multi-step reasoning. They can determine the best
strategies for information retrieval, analysis, and synthesis to answer complex
questions effectively.
Tool use and adaptability: Agentic RAG agents can leverage external tools and
resources, such as search engines, databases, and specialized APIs, to enhance
their information-gathering and processing capabilities.
Context-aware: Agentic RAG systems consider the current situation, past
interactions, and user preferences to make informed decisions and take appropriate
actions.
Learning over time: These intelligent agents are designed to learn and improve
over time. As they encounter new challenges and information, their knowledge base
expands, and their ability to tackle complex questions grows.
Flexibility and customization: The Agentic RAG framework provides exceptional
flexibility, allowing customization to suit particular requirements and domains. The
agents and their functionalities can be tailored to suit particular tasks and
information environments.
4/17
Improved accuracy and efficiency: By leveraging the strengths of LLMs and
agent-based systems, Agentic RAG achieves superior accuracy and efficiency in
question answering compared to traditional approaches.
Opening new possibilities: This technology opens doors to innovative applications
in various fields, such as personalized assistants, customer service, and more.
In essence, agentic RAG presents a powerful and adaptable approach to question-
answering. It harnesses the collective intelligence of agents to tackle intricate information
challenges. Its ability to plan, reason, utilize tools, and learn makes it a game-changer in
the quest for comprehensive and reliable knowledge acquisition.
Real-world applications and use cases of agentic RAG
Agentic RAG represents a paradigm shift in information processing, offering a versatile
toolkit for various industries and domains. From enhancing organizational efficiency to
transforming customer experiences, Agentic RAG has diverse applications across
different sectors. Below are some of the applications and use cases highlighting the
transformative potential of agentic RAG:
Enterprise knowledge management:
Agentic RAG optimizes organizational knowledge management by efficiently
accessing and synthesizing information from disparate sources.
Facilitates cross-functional collaboration and breaks down silos by providing
specialized agents for different domains or departments.
Streamlines information retrieval and fosters knowledge sharing, leading to
improved decision-making and organizational efficiency.
Customer service and support:
Agentic RAG transforms customer service by understanding complex inquiries and
retrieving relevant information in real time.
Provides personalized and accurate responses, enhancing the customer experience
and increasing satisfaction levels.
Streamlines support processes by efficiently handling issues spanning multiple
knowledge bases or documentation sources.
Intelligent assistants and conversational AI:
Integrating agentic RAG into intelligent assistants enables more natural and
context-aware interactions.
Enhances conversational experiences by comprehending complex queries and
providing relevant information seamlessly.
Enables virtual assistants to act as knowledgeable companions, offering assistance
and information without missing the context.
Research and scientific exploration:
5/17
Agentic RAG accelerates research and scientific exploration by synthesizing vast
repositories of literature, data, and research findings.
Unveils new insights, generates hypotheses, and facilitates data-driven discoveries
across various scientific domains.
Empowers researchers to navigate through complex information landscapes,
leading to breakthroughs and advancements.
Content generation and creative writing:
Writers and content creators leverage agentic RAG to generate high-quality and
contextually relevant content.
Assists in idea generation, topic research, and content creation, fostering originality
and creativity.
Enhances productivity and efficiency in the creative process while maintaining
authenticity and relevance in content output.
Education and e-learning:
Agentic RAG transforms personalized learning experiences by adapting to
individual learners’ needs and preferences.
Retrieves relevant educational resources, generates tailored study materials and
provides customized explanations.
Enhances engagement, comprehension, and retention, catering to diverse learning
styles and preferences.
Healthcare and medical informatics:
Agentic RAG supports healthcare professionals in accessing and synthesizing
medical knowledge from diverse sources.
Assists in diagnosis, treatment decisions, and patient education while ensuring
privacy and data security.
Improves healthcare outcomes by facilitating evidence-based practices and
informed decision-making.
Legal and regulatory compliance:
Agentic RAG streamlines legal research, case preparation, and compliance
monitoring processes.
Retrieves and analyzes relevant legal information, facilitating understanding and
interpreting complex legal documents.
Ensures compliance with regulations and reduces risks by providing accurate and
up-to-date legal insights.
As the demand for intelligent language generation and information retrieval capabilities
continues to surge, agentic RAG stands ready to expand and evolve across diverse
domains and organizations, driving innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the
6/17
future.
Differences between agentic RAG and traditional RAG
Contrasting agentic RAG with traditional RAG offers valuable insights into the progression
of retrieval-augmented generation systems. Here, we highlight key features where
agentic RAG demonstrates advancements over its traditional counterpart.
Feature Traditional RAG Agentic RAG
Prompt
engineering
Relies heavily on manual
prompt engineering and
optimization techniques.
Can dynamically adjust prompts based on
context and goals, reducing reliance on
manual prompt engineering.
Static
nature
Limited contextual
awareness and static
retrieval decision-making.
Considers conversation history and adapts
retrieval strategies based on context.
Overhead Unoptimized retrievals and
additional text generation
can lead to unnecessary
costs.
Can optimize retrievals and minimize
unnecessary text generation, reducing
costs and improving efficiency.
Multi-step
complexity
Requires additional
classifiers and models for
multi-step reasoning and
tool usage.
Handles multi-step reasoning and tool
usage, eliminating the need for separate
classifiers and models.
Decision
making
Static rules govern
retrieval and response
generation.
Decides when and where to retrieve
information, evaluate retrieved data
quality, and perform post-generation
checks on responses.
Retrieval
process
Relies solely on the initial
query to retrieve relevant
documents.
Perform actions in the environment to
gather additional information before or
during retrieval.
Adaptability Limited ability to adapt to
changing situations or new
information.
Can adjust its approach based on
feedback and real-time observations.
These differences underscore the potential of agentic RAG, which enhances information
retrieval and empowers AI systems to actively engage with and navigate complex
environments, leading to more effective decision-making and task completion.
Various usage patterns of Agentic RAG
7/17
Agents within a RAG framework exhibit various usage patterns, each tailored to specific
tasks and objectives. These usage patterns showcase the versatility and adaptability of
agents in interacting with RAG systems. Below are the key usage patterns of agents
within a RAG context:
1. Utilizing an existing RAG pipeline as a tool:
Agents can employ pre-existing RAG pipelines as tools to accomplish specific tasks
or generate outputs. By utilizing established pipelines, agents can streamline their
operations and leverage the capabilities already present within the RAG framework.
2. Functioning as a standalone RAG tool:
Agents can function autonomously as RAG tools within the framework. This allows
agents to generate responses independently based on input queries without relying
on external tools or pipelines.
3. Dynamic tool retrieval based on query context:
Agents can retrieve relevant tools from the RAG system, such as a vector index,
based on the context provided by the query at query time. This tool retrieval enables
agents to adapt their actions based on the specific requirements of each query.
4. Query planning across existing tools:
Agents are equipped to perform query planning tasks by analyzing input queries
and selecting suitable tools from a predefined set of existing tools within the RAG
system. This allows agents to optimize the selection of tools based on the query
requirements and desired outcomes.
5. Selection of tools from the candidate pool:
In situations where the RAG system offers a wide array of tools, agents can help
choose the most suitable one from the pool of candidate tools retrieved according to
the query. This selection process ensures that the chosen tool aligns closely with
the query context and objectives.
These usage patterns can be combined and customized to create complex RAG
applications tailored to specific use cases and requirements. Through harnessing these
patterns, agents operating within a RAG framework can efficiently accomplish various
tasks, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the system.
Agentic RAG: Extending traditional Retrieval-Augmented
Generation(RAG) pipelines with intelligent agents
Agentic RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) is an extension of the traditional RAG
framework that incorporates the concept of agents to enhance the capabilities and
functionality of the system. In an agentic RAG, agents are used to orchestrate and
manage the various components of the RAG pipeline, as well as to perform additional
tasks and reasoning that go beyond simple information retrieval and generation.
In a traditional RAG system, the pipeline typically consists of the following components:
1. Query/Prompt: The user’s input query or prompt.
8/17
2. Retriever: A component that searches through a knowledge base to retrieve
relevant information related to the query.
3. Knowledge base: The external data source containing the information to be
retrieved.
4. Large Language Model (LLM): A powerful language model that generates an
output based on the query and the retrieved information.
In an agentic RAG, agents are introduced to enhance and extend the functionality of this
pipeline. Here’s a detailed explanation of how agents are integrated into the RAG
framework:
1. Query understanding and decomposition
Agents can be used to understand the user’s query or prompt better, identify its
intent, and decompose it into sub-tasks or sub-queries that can be more effectively
handled by the RAG pipeline.
For example, a complex query like “Provide a summary of the latest developments
in quantum computing and their potential impact on cybersecurity” could be broken
down into sub-queries like “Retrieve information on recent advancements in
quantum computing” and “Retrieve information on the implications of quantum
computing for cybersecurity.”
2. Knowledge base management
Agents can curate and manage the knowledge base used by the RAG system.
This includes identifying relevant sources of information, extracting and structuring
data from these sources, and updating the knowledge base with new or revised
information.
Agents can also select the most appropriate knowledge base or subset of the
knowledge base for a given query or task.
3. Retrieval strategy selection and optimization
Agents can select the most suitable retrieval strategy (for example, keyword
matching, semantic similarity, neural retrieval) based on the query or task at hand.
They can also fine-tune and optimize the retrieval process for better performance,
considering factors like query complexity, domain-specific knowledge requirements,
and available computational resources.
4. Result synthesis and post-processing
After the RAG pipeline generates an initial output, agents can synthesize and post-
process the result.
This may involve combining information from multiple retrieved sources, resolving
inconsistencies, and ensuring the final output is coherent, accurate, and well-
structured.
9/17
Agents can also apply additional reasoning, decision-making, or domain-specific
knowledge to enhance the output further.
5. Iterative querying and feedback loop
Agents can facilitate an iterative querying process, where users can provide
feedback, clarify their queries, or request additional information.
Based on this feedback, agents can refine the RAG pipeline, update the knowledge
base, or adjust the retrieval and generation strategies accordingly.
6. Task orchestration and coordination
For complex tasks that require multiple steps or sub-tasks, agents can orchestrate
and coordinate the execution of these sub-tasks through the RAG pipeline.
Agents can manage the flow of information, distribute sub-tasks to different
components or models, and combine the intermediate results into a final output.
7. Multimodal integration
Agents can facilitate the integration of multimodal data sources (e.g., images,
videos, audio) into the RAG pipeline.
This allows for more comprehensive information retrieval and generation
capabilities, enabling the system to handle queries or tasks that involve multiple
modalities.
8. Continuous learning and adaptation
Agents can monitor the RAG system’s performance, identify areas for improvement,
and facilitate continuous learning and adaptation.
This may involve updating the knowledge base, fine-tuning retrieval strategies, or
adjusting other components of the RAG pipeline based on user feedback,
performance metrics, or changes in the underlying data or domain.
By integrating agents into the RAG framework, agentic RAG systems can become more
flexible and adaptable and capable of handling complex tasks that require reasoning,
decision-making, and coordination across multiple components and modalities. Agents
act as intelligent orchestrators and facilitators, enhancing the overall functionality and
performance of the RAG pipeline.
Types of agentic RAG based on function
RAG agents can be categorized based on their function, offering a spectrum of
capabilities ranging from simple to complex, with varying costs and latency. They can
serve purposes like routing, one-shot query planning, utilizing tools, employing reason +
act (ReAct) methodology, and orchestrating dynamic planning and execution.
Routing agent
10/17
The routing agent employs a Large Language Model (LLM) to determine which
downstream RAG pipeline to select. This process constitutes agentic reasoning, wherein
the LLM analyzes the input query to make an informed decision about selecting the most
suitable RAG pipeline. This represents the fundamental and simple form of agentic
reasoning.
Query
Agent
Router Response
RAG : Query Engine A
RAG : Query Engine B
Tools
LLM
LeewayHertz
An alternative routing involves choosing between summarization and question-answering
RAG pipelines. The agent evaluates the input query to decide whether to direct it to the
summary query engine or the vector query engine, both configured as tools.
Query
Agent
Router Response
RAG : Summary Query
Engine
RAG : Vector Query
Engine
Tools
LeewayHertz
LLM
One-shot query planning agent
The query planning agent divides a complex query into parallelizable subqueries, each of
which can be executed across various RAG pipelines based on different data sources.
The responses from these pipelines are then amalgamated into the final response.
Basically, in query planning, the initial step involves breaking down the query into
subqueries, executing each one across suitable RAG pipelines, and synthesizing the
results into a comprehensive response.
11/17
LeewayHertz
Agent
Synthesis Response
RAG : Query Engine A
RAG : Query Engine 2
Tools
Query
Planner
Query
LLM
Tool use agent
In a typical RAG, a query is submitted to retrieve the most relevant documents that
semantically match the query. However, there are instances where additional data is
required from external sources such as an API, an SQL database, or an application with
an API interface. This additional data serves as context to enhance the input query before
it is processed by the LLM. In such cases, the agent can utilize a RAG too spec.
Agent
Synthesizer Response
External
API
Vector DB
SQL DB
Open
Weather
Map
Tools
Query
LeewayHertz
LLM
ReAct agent
ReAct = Reason + Act with LLMs
Moving to a higher level involves incorporating reasoning and actions that are executed
iteratively over a complex query. Essentially, this encompasses a combination of routing,
query planning, and tool use into a single entity. A ReAct agent is capable of handling
12/17
sequential multi-part queries while maintaining state (in memory). The process involves
the following steps:
1. Upon receiving a user input query, the agent determines the appropriate tool to
utilize, if necessary, and gathers the requisite input for the tool.
2. The tool is invoked with the necessary input, and its output is stored.
3. The agent then receives the tool’s history, including both input and output and,
based on this information, determines the subsequent course of action.
4. This process iterates until the agent completes tasks and responds to the user.
LeewayHertz
LM Reasoning
Traces
Reasoning
Traces
LM LM
Env Env
Actions Actions
Observations Observations
(Reason + Act)
ReAct
Reason Only Act Only
Dynamic planning & execution agent
ReAct currently stands as the most widely adopted agent; however, there’s a growing
necessity to address more intricate user intents. As the deployment of agents in
production environments increases, there’s a heightened demand for enhanced reliability,
observability, parallelization, control, and separation of concerns. Essentially, there’s a
requirement for long-term planning, execution insight, efficiency optimization, and latency
reduction.
At a fundamental level, these efforts aim to segregate higher-level planning from short-
term execution. The rationale behind such agents involves:
1. Outlining the necessary steps to fulfill an input query plan, essentially creating the
entire computational graph or directed acyclic graph (DAG).
2. Determine the tools, if any, required for executing each step in the plan and perform
them with the necessary inputs.
This necessitates the presence of both a planner and an executor. The planner typically
utilizes a large language model (LLM) to craft a step-by-step plan based on the user
query. Thereupon, the executor executes each step, identifying the tools needed to
accomplish the tasks outlined in the plan. This iterative process continues until the entire
plan is executed, resulting in the presentation of the final response.
13/17
LeewayHertz
Plan&Execute
Synthesis Response
Query
Planner
Plan with
Steps (DAG)
Chain
Executor
Query
RAG : Query Engine A
RAG : Query Engine 2
Tools
LLM
How to implement agentic RAG?
Building an agentic RAG requires specific frameworks and tools that facilitate the creation
and coordination of multiple agents. While building such a system from scratch can be
complex, several existing options can simplify the implementation process. Let’s explore
some potential avenues:
Llamalndex
LlamaIndex is a robust foundation for constructing agentic systems, offering a
comprehensive suite of functionalities. It empowers developers to create document
agents, oversee agent interactions, and implement advanced reasoning mechanisms
such as Chain-of-Thought. The framework provides many pre-built tools facilitating
interaction with diverse data sources, including popular search engines like Google and
repositories like Wikipedia. It seamlessly integrates with various databases, including
SQL and vector databases, and supports code execution through Python REPL.
LlamaIndex’s Chains feature enables the seamless chaining of different tools and LLMs,
fostering the creation of intricate workflows. Moreover, its memory component aids in
tracking agent actions and dialogue history, fostering context-aware decision-making. The
inclusion of specialized toolkits tailored to specific use cases, such as chatbots and
question-answering systems, further enhances its utility. However, proficiency in coding
and understanding the underlying architecture may be necessary to leverage its full
potential.
LangChain
14/17
Like LlamaIndex, LangChain provides a comprehensive toolkit for constructing agent-
based systems and orchestrating interactions between them. Its array of tools seamlessly
integrates with external resources within LangChain’s ecosystem, enabling agents to
access a wide range of functionalities, including search, database management, and
code execution. LangChain’s composability feature empowers developers to combine
diverse data structures and query engines, facilitating the creation of sophisticated agents
capable of accessing and manipulating information from various sources. Its flexible
framework can be easily adapted to accommodate the complexities inherent in agentic
RAG implementations.
Limitations of current frameworks: LlamaIndex and LangChain offer powerful
capabilities, but they may present a steep learning curve for developers due to their
coding requirements. Developers should be ready to dedicate time and effort to fully
grasp these frameworks to unlock their complete potential.
Introducing ZBrain- a low-code platform for building agentic RAG
LeewayHertz’s GenAI platform, ZBrain, presents an innovative no-code solution tailored
for constructing agentic RAG systems utilizing proprietary data. This platform offers a
comprehensive suite for developing, deploying, and managing agentic RAG securely and
efficiently. With its robust architecture and adaptable integrations, ZBrain empowers
enterprises to harness the capabilities of AI across diverse domains and applications.
Here’s an overview of how ZBrain streamlines agentic RAG development:
Advanced knowledge base:
Aggregates data from over 80 sources.
Implements chunk-level optimization for streamlined processing.
Autonomously identifies optimal retrieval strategies.
Supports multiple vector stores for flexible data storage, remaining agnostic to
underlying storage providers.
Application builder:
Provides powerful prompt engineering capabilities.
Includes features like Prompt Auto-correct, Chain of Thought prompting, and Self-
reflection.
Establishes guardrails to ensure AI outputs conform to specified boundaries.
Offers a ready-made chat interface with APIs and SDKs for seamless integration.
Low code platform with Flow:
Empowers the construction of intricate business workflows through a user-friendly
drag-and-drop interface.
Enables dynamic content integration from various sources, including real-time data
fetch from third-party systems.
Provides pre-built components for accelerated development.
15/17
Human-centric feedback loop:
Solicits feedback from end-users on the agentic RAG’s outputs and performance.
Facilitates operators in offering corrections and guidance to refine AI models.
Leverages human feedback for enhanced retrieval optimization.
Expanded database capabilities:
Allows for data expansion at the chunk or file level with supplementary information.
Facilitates updating of meta-information associated with data entries.
Offers summarization capabilities for files and documents.
Model flexibility:
Enables seamless integration with proprietary models like GPT-4, Claude, and
Gemini.
Supports integration with open-source models such as Llama-3 and Mistral.
Facilitates intelligent routing and switching between different LLMs based on
specific requirements.
While alternatives like LlamaIndex and LangChain provide flexibility, ZBrain distinguishes
itself by simplifying agentic RAG development through its pre-built components,
automated retrieval strategies, and user-friendly low-code environment. This makes
ZBrain an attractive choice for constructing and deploying agentic RAG systems without
needing extensive coding expertise.
Looking ahead: Challenges and opportunities in agentic RAG
As the field of AI advances, agentic RAG systems have emerged as powerful tools for
retrieving and processing information from diverse sources to generate intelligent
responses. However, as with any evolving technology, there are both challenges and
opportunities on the horizon for agentic RAG. In this section, we explore some of these
challenges and how they can be addressed, as well as the exciting opportunities that lie
ahead.
Challenges and considerations
Data quality and curation
Challenge: The performance of agentic RAG agents heavily relies on the quality
and curation of the underlying data sources.
Consideration: Ensuring data completeness, accuracy, and relevance is crucial for
generating reliable and trustworthy outputs. Effective data management strategies
and quality assurance mechanisms must be implemented to maintain data integrity.
Scalability and efficiency
16/17
Challenge: Managing system resources, optimizing retrieval processes, and
facilitating seamless communication between agents become increasingly complex
as the system scales.
Consideration: Effective scalability and efficiency management are essential to
prevent system slowdowns and maintain responsiveness, particularly as the
number of agents, tools, and data sources grows. Proper resource allocation and
optimization techniques are necessary to ensure smooth operation.
Interpretability and explainability
Challenge: While agentic RAG agents can provide intelligent responses, ensuring
transparency and explainability in their decision-making processes is challenging.
Consideration: Developing interpretable models and techniques that can explain
the agent’s reasoning and the sources of information used is crucial for building
trust and accountability. Users need to understand how the system arrived at its
conclusions to trust its recommendations.
Privacy and security
Challenge: Agentic RAG systems may handle sensitive or confidential data, raising
privacy and security concerns.
Consideration: Robust data protection measures, access controls, and secure
communication protocols must be implemented to safeguard sensitive information
and maintain user privacy. Preventing unauthorized access and protecting against
data breaches is essential to upholding user trust and compliance with regulations.
Ethical considerations
Challenge: The development and deployment of agentic RAG agents raise ethical
questions regarding bias, fairness, and potential misuse.
Consideration: Establishing ethical guidelines, conducting thorough testing, and
implementing safeguards against unintended consequences are crucial for
responsible adoption. Prioritizing fairness, transparency, and accountability in the
design and operation of agentic RAG systems is essential to mitigate ethical risks
and ensure ethical AI practices.
Opportunities
Innovation and growth
Continued research and development in areas such as multi-agent coordination,
reinforcement learning, and natural language understanding can enhance the
capabilities and adaptability of agentic RAG systems.
Integration with other emerging technologies, such as knowledge graphs and
semantic web technologies, can open new avenues for knowledge representation
and reasoning.
Context-aware intelligence
17/17
Agentic RAG systems have the potential to become more context-aware, leveraging
vast knowledge graphs to make sophisticated connections and inferences.
This capability opens up possibilities for more personalized and tailored responses,
enhancing user experiences and productivity.
Collaborative ecosystem
Collaboration among researchers, developers, and practitioners is essential for
driving widespread adoption and addressing common challenges in agentic RAG.
By fostering a community focused on knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-
solving, the ecosystem can thrive, leading to groundbreaking applications and
solutions.
Although agentic RAG systems encounter numerous hurdles, they also present
advantageous prospects for innovation and advancement. By confronting these
challenges head-on and seizing opportunities for creative solutions and collaboration, we
can fully unleash the potential of agentic RAG and transform our methods of interacting
with and utilizing information in the future.
Endnote
In summary, the emergence of agentic RAG represents a significant advancement in
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology, transcending conventional question-
answering systems. By integrating agentic capabilities, researchers are forging intelligent
systems capable of reasoning over retrieved information, executing multi-step actions,
and synthesizing insights from diverse sources. This transformative approach lays the
foundation for the development of sophisticated research assistants and virtual tools
adept at autonomously navigating complex information landscapes.
The adaptive nature of these systems, which dynamically select tools and tailor
responses based on initial findings, opens avenues for diverse applications. From
enhancing chatbots and virtual assistants to empowering users in conducting
comprehensive research, the potential impact is vast. As research progresses in this
domain, we anticipate the emergence of even more refined agents, blurring the
boundaries between human and machine intelligence and propelling us toward deeper
knowledge and understanding. The promise held by this technology for the future of
information retrieval and analysis is truly profound.
Intrigued by the potential of Agentic RAG to transform your business’s information
retrieval capabilities? Contact LeewayHertz’s AI experts today to build and deploy Agentic
RAG customized to your unique requirements, empowering your research and knowledge
teams to gain comprehensive insights and achieve unparalleled efficiency.

More Related Content

PDF
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐈: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
PDF
A comprehensive guide to Agentic AI Systems
PDF
Gearing to the new Future of Work: Embracing Agentic AI.
PDF
Agentic RAG: What It Is, Its Types, Applications And Implementationpdf
PDF
Unlocking the Power of Generative AI An Executive's Guide.pdf
PDF
Devoxx Morocco 2024 - The Future Beyond LLMs: Exploring Agentic AI
PDF
Agentic AI - The Dawn of Autonomous Intelligence1.pdf
PDF
Jeff Maruschek: How does RAG REALLY work?
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐈: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
A comprehensive guide to Agentic AI Systems
Gearing to the new Future of Work: Embracing Agentic AI.
Agentic RAG: What It Is, Its Types, Applications And Implementationpdf
Unlocking the Power of Generative AI An Executive's Guide.pdf
Devoxx Morocco 2024 - The Future Beyond LLMs: Exploring Agentic AI
Agentic AI - The Dawn of Autonomous Intelligence1.pdf
Jeff Maruschek: How does RAG REALLY work?

What's hot (20)

PPTX
Introduction to RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) and its application
PDF
AI presentation and introduction - Retrieval Augmented Generation RAG 101
PDF
Architect’s Open-Source Guide for a Data Mesh Architecture
PDF
Introduction to Open Source RAG and RAG Evaluation
PDF
generative-ai-fundamentals and Large language models
PPTX
Amazon SageMaker for MLOps Presentation.
PDF
All in AI: LLM Landscape & RAG in 2024 with Mark Ryan (Google) & Jerry Liu (L...
PDF
Generative AI at the edge.pdf
PDF
Generative AI con Amazon Bedrock.pdf
PDF
End to end Machine Learning using Kubeflow - Build, Train, Deploy and Manage
PPTX
IoT Agents (Introduction)
PPTX
What Is Apache Spark? | Introduction To Apache Spark | Apache Spark Tutorial ...
PDF
Building Robust ETL Pipelines with Apache Spark
PDF
How Does Generative AI Actually Work? (a quick semi-technical introduction to...
PPTX
MLOps and Data Quality: Deploying Reliable ML Models in Production
PDF
Seldon: Deploying Models at Scale
PDF
Suresh Poopandi_Generative AI On AWS-MidWestCommunityDay-Final.pdf
PDF
Use Case Patterns for LLM Applications (1).pdf
PDF
An Introduction to Generative AI
PDF
AI 3-in-1: Agents, RAG, and Local Models - Brent Laster
Introduction to RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) and its application
AI presentation and introduction - Retrieval Augmented Generation RAG 101
Architect’s Open-Source Guide for a Data Mesh Architecture
Introduction to Open Source RAG and RAG Evaluation
generative-ai-fundamentals and Large language models
Amazon SageMaker for MLOps Presentation.
All in AI: LLM Landscape & RAG in 2024 with Mark Ryan (Google) & Jerry Liu (L...
Generative AI at the edge.pdf
Generative AI con Amazon Bedrock.pdf
End to end Machine Learning using Kubeflow - Build, Train, Deploy and Manage
IoT Agents (Introduction)
What Is Apache Spark? | Introduction To Apache Spark | Apache Spark Tutorial ...
Building Robust ETL Pipelines with Apache Spark
How Does Generative AI Actually Work? (a quick semi-technical introduction to...
MLOps and Data Quality: Deploying Reliable ML Models in Production
Seldon: Deploying Models at Scale
Suresh Poopandi_Generative AI On AWS-MidWestCommunityDay-Final.pdf
Use Case Patterns for LLM Applications (1).pdf
An Introduction to Generative AI
AI 3-in-1: Agents, RAG, and Local Models - Brent Laster
Ad

Similar to Agentic RAG What it is its types applications and implementation.pdf (20)

PDF
Agentic RAG What It Is, Its Types, Applications And Implementation.pdf
PDF
What It Is Its Types Applications- agentic rag.pdf
PDF
Maximizing AI Performance with Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG).pdf
PDF
introduction_to_rag_report_eng-233956390.pdf
PDF
RAG App Development and Its Applications in AI.pdf
PDF
RAG App Development and Its Applications in AI.pdf
PDF
How can we use LangChain for Data Analysis_ A Detailed Perspective.pdf
PDF
Retrieval Augmented Generation A Complete Guide.pdf
PPTX
RAG Scaling Cost Efficiency - Ansi ByteCode LLP
PDF
RAG Scaling Cost Efficiency - Ansi ByteCode LLP
PDF
Google’s 76-Page Whitepaper Delves Deep into Agentic RAG, Assessment Framewor...
PDF
introductiontoragretrievalaugmentedgenerationanditsapplication-240312101523-6...
PDF
Blending AI in Enterprise Architecture.pdf
PDF
Data mining for_java_and_dot_net 2016-17
PPTX
[DSC Europe 23] Djordje Grozdic - Transforming Business Process Automation wi...
PDF
LLM Fine-Tuning vs RAG A Complete Comparison.pdf
PDF
Navigating the Era of Big Data Analytics: A Roadmap for Data Analyst Courses ...
PPTX
Natural Language Processing (NLP), RAG and its applications .pptx
PDF
Dynamic Multi-Agent Orchestration and Retrieval for Multi-Source Question-Ans...
PDF
Transform unstructured e&p information
Agentic RAG What It Is, Its Types, Applications And Implementation.pdf
What It Is Its Types Applications- agentic rag.pdf
Maximizing AI Performance with Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG).pdf
introduction_to_rag_report_eng-233956390.pdf
RAG App Development and Its Applications in AI.pdf
RAG App Development and Its Applications in AI.pdf
How can we use LangChain for Data Analysis_ A Detailed Perspective.pdf
Retrieval Augmented Generation A Complete Guide.pdf
RAG Scaling Cost Efficiency - Ansi ByteCode LLP
RAG Scaling Cost Efficiency - Ansi ByteCode LLP
Google’s 76-Page Whitepaper Delves Deep into Agentic RAG, Assessment Framewor...
introductiontoragretrievalaugmentedgenerationanditsapplication-240312101523-6...
Blending AI in Enterprise Architecture.pdf
Data mining for_java_and_dot_net 2016-17
[DSC Europe 23] Djordje Grozdic - Transforming Business Process Automation wi...
LLM Fine-Tuning vs RAG A Complete Comparison.pdf
Navigating the Era of Big Data Analytics: A Roadmap for Data Analyst Courses ...
Natural Language Processing (NLP), RAG and its applications .pptx
Dynamic Multi-Agent Orchestration and Retrieval for Multi-Source Question-Ans...
Transform unstructured e&p information
Ad

More from ChristopherTHyatt (20)

PDF
Applications Architecture ZBrains Role.pdf
PDF
How ZBrain Accelerates AI Deployment.pdf
PDF
How to build AI agents with ZBrain: Introduction, agent types, development an...
PDF
How ZBrain Enhances Knowledge Retrieval With Reranking.pdf
PDF
Monitoring ZBrain AI Agents Exploring Key Metrics.pdf
PDF
How ZBrains Multi-agent Systems Work.pdf
PDF
Building blocks of AI ZBrains modular stack for custom AI solutions.pdf
PDF
Generative AI in IT Scope, market dynamics, use cases, challenges, ROI and fu...
PDF
AI in case management: Scope, integration, use cases, challenges and future o...
PDF
What is vibe coding AI-powered software development explained.pdf
PDF
AI for plan-to-deliver P2D Scope integration use cases challenges and future ...
PDF
AI for control and risk management Scope, integration, use cases, challenges ...
PDF
AI for HR planning and strategy Scope integration use cases challenges and fu...
PDF
AI in project and capital expenditure management CapEx Scope integration use ...
PDF
AI in record-to-report Scope integration use cases challenges and future outl...
PDF
Generative AI for billing: Scope, integration approaches, use cases, challeng...
PDF
Computer-using agent (CUA) models Redefining digital task automation.pdf
PDF
AI in account-to-report Scope integration use cases challenges and future out...
PDF
Generative AI for contracts management Use cases development integration and ...
PDF
Generative AI for regulatory compliance: Scope, integration approaches, use c...
Applications Architecture ZBrains Role.pdf
How ZBrain Accelerates AI Deployment.pdf
How to build AI agents with ZBrain: Introduction, agent types, development an...
How ZBrain Enhances Knowledge Retrieval With Reranking.pdf
Monitoring ZBrain AI Agents Exploring Key Metrics.pdf
How ZBrains Multi-agent Systems Work.pdf
Building blocks of AI ZBrains modular stack for custom AI solutions.pdf
Generative AI in IT Scope, market dynamics, use cases, challenges, ROI and fu...
AI in case management: Scope, integration, use cases, challenges and future o...
What is vibe coding AI-powered software development explained.pdf
AI for plan-to-deliver P2D Scope integration use cases challenges and future ...
AI for control and risk management Scope, integration, use cases, challenges ...
AI for HR planning and strategy Scope integration use cases challenges and fu...
AI in project and capital expenditure management CapEx Scope integration use ...
AI in record-to-report Scope integration use cases challenges and future outl...
Generative AI for billing: Scope, integration approaches, use cases, challeng...
Computer-using agent (CUA) models Redefining digital task automation.pdf
AI in account-to-report Scope integration use cases challenges and future out...
Generative AI for contracts management Use cases development integration and ...
Generative AI for regulatory compliance: Scope, integration approaches, use c...

Recently uploaded (20)

PPTX
Programs and apps: productivity, graphics, security and other tools
PDF
Approach and Philosophy of On baking technology
PPTX
Detection-First SIEM: Rule Types, Dashboards, and Threat-Informed Strategy
PDF
Blue Purple Modern Animated Computer Science Presentation.pdf.pdf
PPTX
Understanding_Digital_Forensics_Presentation.pptx
PDF
Review of recent advances in non-invasive hemoglobin estimation
PPTX
ACSFv1EN-58255 AWS Academy Cloud Security Foundations.pptx
PDF
NewMind AI Weekly Chronicles - August'25 Week I
PDF
Machine learning based COVID-19 study performance prediction
PDF
Optimiser vos workloads AI/ML sur Amazon EC2 et AWS Graviton
PDF
Encapsulation_ Review paper, used for researhc scholars
PDF
Build a system with the filesystem maintained by OSTree @ COSCUP 2025
PDF
Agricultural_Statistics_at_a_Glance_2022_0.pdf
PDF
Dropbox Q2 2025 Financial Results & Investor Presentation
PDF
Reach Out and Touch Someone: Haptics and Empathic Computing
PDF
Empathic Computing: Creating Shared Understanding
PDF
The Rise and Fall of 3GPP – Time for a Sabbatical?
PDF
MIND Revenue Release Quarter 2 2025 Press Release
PDF
Unlocking AI with Model Context Protocol (MCP)
PDF
Mobile App Security Testing_ A Comprehensive Guide.pdf
Programs and apps: productivity, graphics, security and other tools
Approach and Philosophy of On baking technology
Detection-First SIEM: Rule Types, Dashboards, and Threat-Informed Strategy
Blue Purple Modern Animated Computer Science Presentation.pdf.pdf
Understanding_Digital_Forensics_Presentation.pptx
Review of recent advances in non-invasive hemoglobin estimation
ACSFv1EN-58255 AWS Academy Cloud Security Foundations.pptx
NewMind AI Weekly Chronicles - August'25 Week I
Machine learning based COVID-19 study performance prediction
Optimiser vos workloads AI/ML sur Amazon EC2 et AWS Graviton
Encapsulation_ Review paper, used for researhc scholars
Build a system with the filesystem maintained by OSTree @ COSCUP 2025
Agricultural_Statistics_at_a_Glance_2022_0.pdf
Dropbox Q2 2025 Financial Results & Investor Presentation
Reach Out and Touch Someone: Haptics and Empathic Computing
Empathic Computing: Creating Shared Understanding
The Rise and Fall of 3GPP – Time for a Sabbatical?
MIND Revenue Release Quarter 2 2025 Press Release
Unlocking AI with Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Mobile App Security Testing_ A Comprehensive Guide.pdf

Agentic RAG What it is its types applications and implementation.pdf

  • 1. 1/17 Agentic RAG: What it is, its types, applications and implementation leewayhertz.com/agentic-rag Large Language Models (LLMs) have transformed how we interact with information. However, their reliance solely on internal knowledge can limit the accuracy and depth of their responses, especially when dealing with complex questions. This is where Retrieval- Augmented Generation (RAG) steps in. RAG bridges the gap by allowing LLMs to access and process information from external sources, leading to more grounded and informative answers. While standard RAG excels at simple queries across a few documents, agentic RAG takes it a step further and emerges as a potent solution for question answering. It introduces a layer of intelligence by employing AI agents. These agents act as autonomous decision-makers, analyzing initial findings and strategically selecting the most effective tools for further data retrieval. This multi-step reasoning capability empowers agentic RAG to tackle intricate research tasks, like summarizing, comparing information across multiple documents and even formulating follow-up questions -all in an orchestrated and efficient manner. This newfound agents transform the LLM from a passive responder to an active investigator, capable of delving deep into complex information and delivering comprehensive, well-reasoned answers. Agentic RAG holds immense potential for such applications, empowering users to understand complex topics comprehensively, gain profound insights and make informed decisions. Agentic RAG is a powerful tool for research, data analysis, and knowledge exploration. It represents a significant leap forward in the field of AI-powered research assistants and virtual assistants. Its ability to reason, adapt, and leverage external knowledge paves the
  • 2. 2/17 way for a new generation of intelligent agents that can significantly enhance our ability to interact with and analyze information. In this article, we delve into agentic RAG, exploring its inner workings, applications, and the benefits it provides to the users. We will unpack what it is, how it differs from traditional RAG, how agents are integrated into the RAG framework, how they function within the framework, different functionalities, implementation strategies, real-world use cases, and finally, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Recent developments with LLM and RAG Improved Retrieval Semantic Caching Multimodel Models Agentic RAG Reranking algorithms Faster answers for recent questions Extend to image/text docs Multi-agent orchestration of documents Hybrid search Reduce LLM calls Access larger corpus of Source material Superior retrieval Multiple vectors per document Consistent answers Integrate loops between image/text for better responses Scalable LeewayHertz In information retrieval and natural language processing, current developments with LLM and RAG have ushered in a new era of efficiency and sophistication. Amidst recent developments with LLM and RAG, significant strides have been made in four key areas: Enhanced retrieval: Optimizing information retrieval within RAG systems is crucial for performance. Recent advancements focus on reranking algorithms and hybrid search methodologies to refine search precision. Employing multiple vectors per document allows for a granular content representation, enhancing relevance identification. Semantic caching: To mitigate computational costs and ensure response consistency, semantic caching has emerged as a key strategy. By storing answers to recent queries alongside their semantic context, similar requests can be efficiently addressed without repeated LLM calls, facilitating faster response times and consistent information delivery. Multimodal integration: This expands the capabilities of LLM and RAG beyond text, integrating images and other modalities. This facilitates access to a broader array of source materials and enables seamless interactions between textual and visual data, resulting in more thorough and nuanced responses. These advancements set the stage for further exploration into the intricacies of agentic RAG, which will be delved into in detail in the upcoming sections.
  • 3. 3/17 What is agentic RAG? Agentic RAG= Agent-based RAG implementation Agentic RAG transforms how we approach question answering by introducing an innovative agent-based framework. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on large language models (LLMs), agentic RAG employs intelligent agents to tackle complex questions requiring intricate planning, multi-step reasoning, and utilization of external tools. These agents act as skilled researchers, adeptly navigating multiple documents, comparing information, generating summaries, and delivering comprehensive and accurate answers. Agentic RAG creates an implementation that easily scales. New documents can be added, and each new set is managed by a sub-agent. Think of it as having a team of expert researchers at your disposal, each with unique skills and capabilities, working collaboratively to address your information needs. Whether you need to compare perspectives across different documents, delve into the intricacies of a specific document, or synthesize information from various summaries, agentic RAG agents are equipped to handle the task with precision and efficiency. Key features and benefits of agentic RAG: Orchestrated question answering: Agentic RAG orchestrates the question- answering process by breaking it down into manageable steps, assigning appropriate agents to each task, and ensuring seamless coordination for optimal results. Goal-driven: These agents can understand and pursue specific goals, allowing for more complex and meaningful interactions. Planning and reasoning: The agents within the framework are capable of sophisticated planning and multi-step reasoning. They can determine the best strategies for information retrieval, analysis, and synthesis to answer complex questions effectively. Tool use and adaptability: Agentic RAG agents can leverage external tools and resources, such as search engines, databases, and specialized APIs, to enhance their information-gathering and processing capabilities. Context-aware: Agentic RAG systems consider the current situation, past interactions, and user preferences to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions. Learning over time: These intelligent agents are designed to learn and improve over time. As they encounter new challenges and information, their knowledge base expands, and their ability to tackle complex questions grows. Flexibility and customization: The Agentic RAG framework provides exceptional flexibility, allowing customization to suit particular requirements and domains. The agents and their functionalities can be tailored to suit particular tasks and information environments.
  • 4. 4/17 Improved accuracy and efficiency: By leveraging the strengths of LLMs and agent-based systems, Agentic RAG achieves superior accuracy and efficiency in question answering compared to traditional approaches. Opening new possibilities: This technology opens doors to innovative applications in various fields, such as personalized assistants, customer service, and more. In essence, agentic RAG presents a powerful and adaptable approach to question- answering. It harnesses the collective intelligence of agents to tackle intricate information challenges. Its ability to plan, reason, utilize tools, and learn makes it a game-changer in the quest for comprehensive and reliable knowledge acquisition. Real-world applications and use cases of agentic RAG Agentic RAG represents a paradigm shift in information processing, offering a versatile toolkit for various industries and domains. From enhancing organizational efficiency to transforming customer experiences, Agentic RAG has diverse applications across different sectors. Below are some of the applications and use cases highlighting the transformative potential of agentic RAG: Enterprise knowledge management: Agentic RAG optimizes organizational knowledge management by efficiently accessing and synthesizing information from disparate sources. Facilitates cross-functional collaboration and breaks down silos by providing specialized agents for different domains or departments. Streamlines information retrieval and fosters knowledge sharing, leading to improved decision-making and organizational efficiency. Customer service and support: Agentic RAG transforms customer service by understanding complex inquiries and retrieving relevant information in real time. Provides personalized and accurate responses, enhancing the customer experience and increasing satisfaction levels. Streamlines support processes by efficiently handling issues spanning multiple knowledge bases or documentation sources. Intelligent assistants and conversational AI: Integrating agentic RAG into intelligent assistants enables more natural and context-aware interactions. Enhances conversational experiences by comprehending complex queries and providing relevant information seamlessly. Enables virtual assistants to act as knowledgeable companions, offering assistance and information without missing the context. Research and scientific exploration:
  • 5. 5/17 Agentic RAG accelerates research and scientific exploration by synthesizing vast repositories of literature, data, and research findings. Unveils new insights, generates hypotheses, and facilitates data-driven discoveries across various scientific domains. Empowers researchers to navigate through complex information landscapes, leading to breakthroughs and advancements. Content generation and creative writing: Writers and content creators leverage agentic RAG to generate high-quality and contextually relevant content. Assists in idea generation, topic research, and content creation, fostering originality and creativity. Enhances productivity and efficiency in the creative process while maintaining authenticity and relevance in content output. Education and e-learning: Agentic RAG transforms personalized learning experiences by adapting to individual learners’ needs and preferences. Retrieves relevant educational resources, generates tailored study materials and provides customized explanations. Enhances engagement, comprehension, and retention, catering to diverse learning styles and preferences. Healthcare and medical informatics: Agentic RAG supports healthcare professionals in accessing and synthesizing medical knowledge from diverse sources. Assists in diagnosis, treatment decisions, and patient education while ensuring privacy and data security. Improves healthcare outcomes by facilitating evidence-based practices and informed decision-making. Legal and regulatory compliance: Agentic RAG streamlines legal research, case preparation, and compliance monitoring processes. Retrieves and analyzes relevant legal information, facilitating understanding and interpreting complex legal documents. Ensures compliance with regulations and reduces risks by providing accurate and up-to-date legal insights. As the demand for intelligent language generation and information retrieval capabilities continues to surge, agentic RAG stands ready to expand and evolve across diverse domains and organizations, driving innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the
  • 6. 6/17 future. Differences between agentic RAG and traditional RAG Contrasting agentic RAG with traditional RAG offers valuable insights into the progression of retrieval-augmented generation systems. Here, we highlight key features where agentic RAG demonstrates advancements over its traditional counterpart. Feature Traditional RAG Agentic RAG Prompt engineering Relies heavily on manual prompt engineering and optimization techniques. Can dynamically adjust prompts based on context and goals, reducing reliance on manual prompt engineering. Static nature Limited contextual awareness and static retrieval decision-making. Considers conversation history and adapts retrieval strategies based on context. Overhead Unoptimized retrievals and additional text generation can lead to unnecessary costs. Can optimize retrievals and minimize unnecessary text generation, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Multi-step complexity Requires additional classifiers and models for multi-step reasoning and tool usage. Handles multi-step reasoning and tool usage, eliminating the need for separate classifiers and models. Decision making Static rules govern retrieval and response generation. Decides when and where to retrieve information, evaluate retrieved data quality, and perform post-generation checks on responses. Retrieval process Relies solely on the initial query to retrieve relevant documents. Perform actions in the environment to gather additional information before or during retrieval. Adaptability Limited ability to adapt to changing situations or new information. Can adjust its approach based on feedback and real-time observations. These differences underscore the potential of agentic RAG, which enhances information retrieval and empowers AI systems to actively engage with and navigate complex environments, leading to more effective decision-making and task completion. Various usage patterns of Agentic RAG
  • 7. 7/17 Agents within a RAG framework exhibit various usage patterns, each tailored to specific tasks and objectives. These usage patterns showcase the versatility and adaptability of agents in interacting with RAG systems. Below are the key usage patterns of agents within a RAG context: 1. Utilizing an existing RAG pipeline as a tool: Agents can employ pre-existing RAG pipelines as tools to accomplish specific tasks or generate outputs. By utilizing established pipelines, agents can streamline their operations and leverage the capabilities already present within the RAG framework. 2. Functioning as a standalone RAG tool: Agents can function autonomously as RAG tools within the framework. This allows agents to generate responses independently based on input queries without relying on external tools or pipelines. 3. Dynamic tool retrieval based on query context: Agents can retrieve relevant tools from the RAG system, such as a vector index, based on the context provided by the query at query time. This tool retrieval enables agents to adapt their actions based on the specific requirements of each query. 4. Query planning across existing tools: Agents are equipped to perform query planning tasks by analyzing input queries and selecting suitable tools from a predefined set of existing tools within the RAG system. This allows agents to optimize the selection of tools based on the query requirements and desired outcomes. 5. Selection of tools from the candidate pool: In situations where the RAG system offers a wide array of tools, agents can help choose the most suitable one from the pool of candidate tools retrieved according to the query. This selection process ensures that the chosen tool aligns closely with the query context and objectives. These usage patterns can be combined and customized to create complex RAG applications tailored to specific use cases and requirements. Through harnessing these patterns, agents operating within a RAG framework can efficiently accomplish various tasks, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the system. Agentic RAG: Extending traditional Retrieval-Augmented Generation(RAG) pipelines with intelligent agents Agentic RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) is an extension of the traditional RAG framework that incorporates the concept of agents to enhance the capabilities and functionality of the system. In an agentic RAG, agents are used to orchestrate and manage the various components of the RAG pipeline, as well as to perform additional tasks and reasoning that go beyond simple information retrieval and generation. In a traditional RAG system, the pipeline typically consists of the following components: 1. Query/Prompt: The user’s input query or prompt.
  • 8. 8/17 2. Retriever: A component that searches through a knowledge base to retrieve relevant information related to the query. 3. Knowledge base: The external data source containing the information to be retrieved. 4. Large Language Model (LLM): A powerful language model that generates an output based on the query and the retrieved information. In an agentic RAG, agents are introduced to enhance and extend the functionality of this pipeline. Here’s a detailed explanation of how agents are integrated into the RAG framework: 1. Query understanding and decomposition Agents can be used to understand the user’s query or prompt better, identify its intent, and decompose it into sub-tasks or sub-queries that can be more effectively handled by the RAG pipeline. For example, a complex query like “Provide a summary of the latest developments in quantum computing and their potential impact on cybersecurity” could be broken down into sub-queries like “Retrieve information on recent advancements in quantum computing” and “Retrieve information on the implications of quantum computing for cybersecurity.” 2. Knowledge base management Agents can curate and manage the knowledge base used by the RAG system. This includes identifying relevant sources of information, extracting and structuring data from these sources, and updating the knowledge base with new or revised information. Agents can also select the most appropriate knowledge base or subset of the knowledge base for a given query or task. 3. Retrieval strategy selection and optimization Agents can select the most suitable retrieval strategy (for example, keyword matching, semantic similarity, neural retrieval) based on the query or task at hand. They can also fine-tune and optimize the retrieval process for better performance, considering factors like query complexity, domain-specific knowledge requirements, and available computational resources. 4. Result synthesis and post-processing After the RAG pipeline generates an initial output, agents can synthesize and post- process the result. This may involve combining information from multiple retrieved sources, resolving inconsistencies, and ensuring the final output is coherent, accurate, and well- structured.
  • 9. 9/17 Agents can also apply additional reasoning, decision-making, or domain-specific knowledge to enhance the output further. 5. Iterative querying and feedback loop Agents can facilitate an iterative querying process, where users can provide feedback, clarify their queries, or request additional information. Based on this feedback, agents can refine the RAG pipeline, update the knowledge base, or adjust the retrieval and generation strategies accordingly. 6. Task orchestration and coordination For complex tasks that require multiple steps or sub-tasks, agents can orchestrate and coordinate the execution of these sub-tasks through the RAG pipeline. Agents can manage the flow of information, distribute sub-tasks to different components or models, and combine the intermediate results into a final output. 7. Multimodal integration Agents can facilitate the integration of multimodal data sources (e.g., images, videos, audio) into the RAG pipeline. This allows for more comprehensive information retrieval and generation capabilities, enabling the system to handle queries or tasks that involve multiple modalities. 8. Continuous learning and adaptation Agents can monitor the RAG system’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and facilitate continuous learning and adaptation. This may involve updating the knowledge base, fine-tuning retrieval strategies, or adjusting other components of the RAG pipeline based on user feedback, performance metrics, or changes in the underlying data or domain. By integrating agents into the RAG framework, agentic RAG systems can become more flexible and adaptable and capable of handling complex tasks that require reasoning, decision-making, and coordination across multiple components and modalities. Agents act as intelligent orchestrators and facilitators, enhancing the overall functionality and performance of the RAG pipeline. Types of agentic RAG based on function RAG agents can be categorized based on their function, offering a spectrum of capabilities ranging from simple to complex, with varying costs and latency. They can serve purposes like routing, one-shot query planning, utilizing tools, employing reason + act (ReAct) methodology, and orchestrating dynamic planning and execution. Routing agent
  • 10. 10/17 The routing agent employs a Large Language Model (LLM) to determine which downstream RAG pipeline to select. This process constitutes agentic reasoning, wherein the LLM analyzes the input query to make an informed decision about selecting the most suitable RAG pipeline. This represents the fundamental and simple form of agentic reasoning. Query Agent Router Response RAG : Query Engine A RAG : Query Engine B Tools LLM LeewayHertz An alternative routing involves choosing between summarization and question-answering RAG pipelines. The agent evaluates the input query to decide whether to direct it to the summary query engine or the vector query engine, both configured as tools. Query Agent Router Response RAG : Summary Query Engine RAG : Vector Query Engine Tools LeewayHertz LLM One-shot query planning agent The query planning agent divides a complex query into parallelizable subqueries, each of which can be executed across various RAG pipelines based on different data sources. The responses from these pipelines are then amalgamated into the final response. Basically, in query planning, the initial step involves breaking down the query into subqueries, executing each one across suitable RAG pipelines, and synthesizing the results into a comprehensive response.
  • 11. 11/17 LeewayHertz Agent Synthesis Response RAG : Query Engine A RAG : Query Engine 2 Tools Query Planner Query LLM Tool use agent In a typical RAG, a query is submitted to retrieve the most relevant documents that semantically match the query. However, there are instances where additional data is required from external sources such as an API, an SQL database, or an application with an API interface. This additional data serves as context to enhance the input query before it is processed by the LLM. In such cases, the agent can utilize a RAG too spec. Agent Synthesizer Response External API Vector DB SQL DB Open Weather Map Tools Query LeewayHertz LLM ReAct agent ReAct = Reason + Act with LLMs Moving to a higher level involves incorporating reasoning and actions that are executed iteratively over a complex query. Essentially, this encompasses a combination of routing, query planning, and tool use into a single entity. A ReAct agent is capable of handling
  • 12. 12/17 sequential multi-part queries while maintaining state (in memory). The process involves the following steps: 1. Upon receiving a user input query, the agent determines the appropriate tool to utilize, if necessary, and gathers the requisite input for the tool. 2. The tool is invoked with the necessary input, and its output is stored. 3. The agent then receives the tool’s history, including both input and output and, based on this information, determines the subsequent course of action. 4. This process iterates until the agent completes tasks and responds to the user. LeewayHertz LM Reasoning Traces Reasoning Traces LM LM Env Env Actions Actions Observations Observations (Reason + Act) ReAct Reason Only Act Only Dynamic planning & execution agent ReAct currently stands as the most widely adopted agent; however, there’s a growing necessity to address more intricate user intents. As the deployment of agents in production environments increases, there’s a heightened demand for enhanced reliability, observability, parallelization, control, and separation of concerns. Essentially, there’s a requirement for long-term planning, execution insight, efficiency optimization, and latency reduction. At a fundamental level, these efforts aim to segregate higher-level planning from short- term execution. The rationale behind such agents involves: 1. Outlining the necessary steps to fulfill an input query plan, essentially creating the entire computational graph or directed acyclic graph (DAG). 2. Determine the tools, if any, required for executing each step in the plan and perform them with the necessary inputs. This necessitates the presence of both a planner and an executor. The planner typically utilizes a large language model (LLM) to craft a step-by-step plan based on the user query. Thereupon, the executor executes each step, identifying the tools needed to accomplish the tasks outlined in the plan. This iterative process continues until the entire plan is executed, resulting in the presentation of the final response.
  • 13. 13/17 LeewayHertz Plan&Execute Synthesis Response Query Planner Plan with Steps (DAG) Chain Executor Query RAG : Query Engine A RAG : Query Engine 2 Tools LLM How to implement agentic RAG? Building an agentic RAG requires specific frameworks and tools that facilitate the creation and coordination of multiple agents. While building such a system from scratch can be complex, several existing options can simplify the implementation process. Let’s explore some potential avenues: Llamalndex LlamaIndex is a robust foundation for constructing agentic systems, offering a comprehensive suite of functionalities. It empowers developers to create document agents, oversee agent interactions, and implement advanced reasoning mechanisms such as Chain-of-Thought. The framework provides many pre-built tools facilitating interaction with diverse data sources, including popular search engines like Google and repositories like Wikipedia. It seamlessly integrates with various databases, including SQL and vector databases, and supports code execution through Python REPL. LlamaIndex’s Chains feature enables the seamless chaining of different tools and LLMs, fostering the creation of intricate workflows. Moreover, its memory component aids in tracking agent actions and dialogue history, fostering context-aware decision-making. The inclusion of specialized toolkits tailored to specific use cases, such as chatbots and question-answering systems, further enhances its utility. However, proficiency in coding and understanding the underlying architecture may be necessary to leverage its full potential. LangChain
  • 14. 14/17 Like LlamaIndex, LangChain provides a comprehensive toolkit for constructing agent- based systems and orchestrating interactions between them. Its array of tools seamlessly integrates with external resources within LangChain’s ecosystem, enabling agents to access a wide range of functionalities, including search, database management, and code execution. LangChain’s composability feature empowers developers to combine diverse data structures and query engines, facilitating the creation of sophisticated agents capable of accessing and manipulating information from various sources. Its flexible framework can be easily adapted to accommodate the complexities inherent in agentic RAG implementations. Limitations of current frameworks: LlamaIndex and LangChain offer powerful capabilities, but they may present a steep learning curve for developers due to their coding requirements. Developers should be ready to dedicate time and effort to fully grasp these frameworks to unlock their complete potential. Introducing ZBrain- a low-code platform for building agentic RAG LeewayHertz’s GenAI platform, ZBrain, presents an innovative no-code solution tailored for constructing agentic RAG systems utilizing proprietary data. This platform offers a comprehensive suite for developing, deploying, and managing agentic RAG securely and efficiently. With its robust architecture and adaptable integrations, ZBrain empowers enterprises to harness the capabilities of AI across diverse domains and applications. Here’s an overview of how ZBrain streamlines agentic RAG development: Advanced knowledge base: Aggregates data from over 80 sources. Implements chunk-level optimization for streamlined processing. Autonomously identifies optimal retrieval strategies. Supports multiple vector stores for flexible data storage, remaining agnostic to underlying storage providers. Application builder: Provides powerful prompt engineering capabilities. Includes features like Prompt Auto-correct, Chain of Thought prompting, and Self- reflection. Establishes guardrails to ensure AI outputs conform to specified boundaries. Offers a ready-made chat interface with APIs and SDKs for seamless integration. Low code platform with Flow: Empowers the construction of intricate business workflows through a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. Enables dynamic content integration from various sources, including real-time data fetch from third-party systems. Provides pre-built components for accelerated development.
  • 15. 15/17 Human-centric feedback loop: Solicits feedback from end-users on the agentic RAG’s outputs and performance. Facilitates operators in offering corrections and guidance to refine AI models. Leverages human feedback for enhanced retrieval optimization. Expanded database capabilities: Allows for data expansion at the chunk or file level with supplementary information. Facilitates updating of meta-information associated with data entries. Offers summarization capabilities for files and documents. Model flexibility: Enables seamless integration with proprietary models like GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini. Supports integration with open-source models such as Llama-3 and Mistral. Facilitates intelligent routing and switching between different LLMs based on specific requirements. While alternatives like LlamaIndex and LangChain provide flexibility, ZBrain distinguishes itself by simplifying agentic RAG development through its pre-built components, automated retrieval strategies, and user-friendly low-code environment. This makes ZBrain an attractive choice for constructing and deploying agentic RAG systems without needing extensive coding expertise. Looking ahead: Challenges and opportunities in agentic RAG As the field of AI advances, agentic RAG systems have emerged as powerful tools for retrieving and processing information from diverse sources to generate intelligent responses. However, as with any evolving technology, there are both challenges and opportunities on the horizon for agentic RAG. In this section, we explore some of these challenges and how they can be addressed, as well as the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Challenges and considerations Data quality and curation Challenge: The performance of agentic RAG agents heavily relies on the quality and curation of the underlying data sources. Consideration: Ensuring data completeness, accuracy, and relevance is crucial for generating reliable and trustworthy outputs. Effective data management strategies and quality assurance mechanisms must be implemented to maintain data integrity. Scalability and efficiency
  • 16. 16/17 Challenge: Managing system resources, optimizing retrieval processes, and facilitating seamless communication between agents become increasingly complex as the system scales. Consideration: Effective scalability and efficiency management are essential to prevent system slowdowns and maintain responsiveness, particularly as the number of agents, tools, and data sources grows. Proper resource allocation and optimization techniques are necessary to ensure smooth operation. Interpretability and explainability Challenge: While agentic RAG agents can provide intelligent responses, ensuring transparency and explainability in their decision-making processes is challenging. Consideration: Developing interpretable models and techniques that can explain the agent’s reasoning and the sources of information used is crucial for building trust and accountability. Users need to understand how the system arrived at its conclusions to trust its recommendations. Privacy and security Challenge: Agentic RAG systems may handle sensitive or confidential data, raising privacy and security concerns. Consideration: Robust data protection measures, access controls, and secure communication protocols must be implemented to safeguard sensitive information and maintain user privacy. Preventing unauthorized access and protecting against data breaches is essential to upholding user trust and compliance with regulations. Ethical considerations Challenge: The development and deployment of agentic RAG agents raise ethical questions regarding bias, fairness, and potential misuse. Consideration: Establishing ethical guidelines, conducting thorough testing, and implementing safeguards against unintended consequences are crucial for responsible adoption. Prioritizing fairness, transparency, and accountability in the design and operation of agentic RAG systems is essential to mitigate ethical risks and ensure ethical AI practices. Opportunities Innovation and growth Continued research and development in areas such as multi-agent coordination, reinforcement learning, and natural language understanding can enhance the capabilities and adaptability of agentic RAG systems. Integration with other emerging technologies, such as knowledge graphs and semantic web technologies, can open new avenues for knowledge representation and reasoning. Context-aware intelligence
  • 17. 17/17 Agentic RAG systems have the potential to become more context-aware, leveraging vast knowledge graphs to make sophisticated connections and inferences. This capability opens up possibilities for more personalized and tailored responses, enhancing user experiences and productivity. Collaborative ecosystem Collaboration among researchers, developers, and practitioners is essential for driving widespread adoption and addressing common challenges in agentic RAG. By fostering a community focused on knowledge sharing and collaborative problem- solving, the ecosystem can thrive, leading to groundbreaking applications and solutions. Although agentic RAG systems encounter numerous hurdles, they also present advantageous prospects for innovation and advancement. By confronting these challenges head-on and seizing opportunities for creative solutions and collaboration, we can fully unleash the potential of agentic RAG and transform our methods of interacting with and utilizing information in the future. Endnote In summary, the emergence of agentic RAG represents a significant advancement in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology, transcending conventional question- answering systems. By integrating agentic capabilities, researchers are forging intelligent systems capable of reasoning over retrieved information, executing multi-step actions, and synthesizing insights from diverse sources. This transformative approach lays the foundation for the development of sophisticated research assistants and virtual tools adept at autonomously navigating complex information landscapes. The adaptive nature of these systems, which dynamically select tools and tailor responses based on initial findings, opens avenues for diverse applications. From enhancing chatbots and virtual assistants to empowering users in conducting comprehensive research, the potential impact is vast. As research progresses in this domain, we anticipate the emergence of even more refined agents, blurring the boundaries between human and machine intelligence and propelling us toward deeper knowledge and understanding. The promise held by this technology for the future of information retrieval and analysis is truly profound. Intrigued by the potential of Agentic RAG to transform your business’s information retrieval capabilities? Contact LeewayHertz’s AI experts today to build and deploy Agentic RAG customized to your unique requirements, empowering your research and knowledge teams to gain comprehensive insights and achieve unparalleled efficiency.