The Agents Group

Founded in 2014 by Dr. Anet Potgieter, The Agents Group (Pty) Ltd builds on over a decade of research and development. Starting with The Agents Laboratory in 2002 and the Robotics and Agents Lab in 2007 at the University of Cape Town, these initiatives laid the foundation for Complex Adaptive Intelligence (CAI)—a technology inspired by biological systems that enables autonomous adaptation in complex environments.

Vision

The Agents Group envisions transforming industries by developing adaptive AI systems that think, learn, understand, and adapt in real-time. Drawing inspiration from Marvin Minsky’s Society of Mind and John Holland’s Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS), we strive to create AI that continuously evolves to meet real-world challenges. Central to this vision is the Artifical Mind Engine (AME), which combines structured reasoning with adaptive learning.

Mission

Our mission is to harness Emergent Intelligence from situated, embodied software agents. Guided by Rodney Brooks’ principles, we ensure that our AI systems interact with and adapt to their environment, integrating physically through sensors and actuators. These elements are essential for emergence, where intelligent behaviour develops from continuous interaction with surroundings.

The Agents Group of Companies

The Agents Group (Pty) Ltd: Holdings entity managing intellectual property (IP) and equity interests

The Agents Laboratory (Pty) Ltd: Dedicated Research and Development (R&D) arm advancing CAI and AME

The Agents Company (Pty) Ltd: Operational hub overseeing commercial ventures and day-to-day activities