What Is a Harness?

A harness is equipment with straps and belts designed to control, hold, or support a person, animal, or object. In the context of AI, an agent harness is software that provides an operating environment for AI models, enabling them to function as AI agents through system prompts, available tools, and user interfaces like terminals, chat apps, or email. Like climbing harnesses that are adaptable and personalized, agent harnesses allow users to own and customize their AI tools depending on their needs.