ExACT: Improving AI agents’ decision-making via test-time compute scaling
![A gradient blue to green background features a white flowchart with rectangular boxes connected by arrows, ending in a hexagonal “STOP” sign and a check mark on the right side.](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2025/01/ExACT-BlogHeroFeature-1400x788-1.png)
Autonomous AI agents are transforming the way we approach multi-step decision-making processes, streamlining tasks like web browsing, video editing, and file management. By applying advanced machine learning, they automate workflows, optimize performance, and reduce the need for human input.
However, these systems struggle in complex, dynamic environments. A key challenge lies in balancing exploitation, using known strategies for immediate gains, with exploration, which involves