AI glossary

Plain-language definitions of the terms behind on-device AI agents.

Local AI agent

An AI assistant that runs on your own device and performs real-world tasks — operating websites, signing in, downloading files, and sending messages — without uploading your data to a remote server.

On-device AI

Artificial intelligence that processes information on your own computer or phone rather than on a company's cloud servers, keeping your data private and local.

AI agent

Software that takes actions to complete a goal, not just answer questions. Unlike a chatbot, an AI agent operates apps and websites to finish a task.

Digital twin

A persistent assistant that learns how you work and acts on your behalf across your devices — the idea behind BackBrain operating as a stand-in operator for your routine tasks.

Autonomous task execution

The ability of an AI assistant to carry out a multi-step task from start to finish, such as logging in, downloading a document, and sending it, with minimal manual input.

Encrypted vault

A secure store on your own device where credentials are kept. BackBrain's built-in encrypted vault never syncs online, so there is no cloud copy of your passwords.

Human-in-the-loop

A safety design where the assistant pauses for a person's approval before any critical or irreversible action. BackBrain uses this before submitting filings or sending files.

Cloud AI assistant

An AI assistant that runs on remote servers and requires your data to be sent to it over the internet in order to help you.

Visual grounding

A technique where an AI identifies on-screen elements — buttons, fields, menus — by perceiving the screen, allowing it to operate websites that have no special integration.