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What is a multi-agent system?
A multi-agent system is a group of AI agents that work together, each with its own role, to finish a job.
- Category Agents & tools
- Also called multi-agent, agent swarm
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Multi-agent system, explained simply
A multi-agent system is a team of AI agents. Each one has a role, like planner, writer or checker. They pass work to each other.
It matters because one AI can lose track of a long job. A team can split the job and check each other's work.
For example, one agent might research a topic, a second might write a draft, and a third might look for mistakes.
More agents isn't always better. They can cost more and sometimes confuse each other, so simple jobs often need just one.
On ITG Now, our weekly top GitHub repo lists often include projects that run several AI agents together, and the guides explain how to start them.
Related terms
AI agentSubagentAgentic AIWorkflow automationA2A
Questions people ask about Multi-agent system
Is a multi-agent system better than one agent?
Not always. It helps with big jobs that split into parts, but it can add cost and extra steps.
How do agents in a multi-agent system talk to each other?
They pass messages and results. Some use shared standards, such as A2A, so different tools can connect.
Do I need to code to use a multi-agent system?
Some tools need code. Others let you set up the team with simple settings.