What are software programs that operate in the background to perform repetitive tasks without human intervention called?

Software programs that operate in the background to perform repetitive tasks without human intervention are known as intelligent agents. These agents are designed to autonomously carry out specific functions based on predefined rules or learned behaviors, making them valuable in automating tasks that require minimal human oversight.

Intelligent agents utilize algorithms and logic to function independently, often adapting over time to optimize their performance. They can interact with users and other systems, gathering data and completing tasks efficiently, thus enhancing productivity. By operating autonomously, intelligent agents relieve humans from repetitive work, allowing them to focus on more complex and creative tasks.

In contrast, other options like intelligent techniques, business intelligence, and AI hybrid systems do not specifically refer to programs that automate repetitive tasks in the background. Intelligent techniques typically encompass methods such as neural networks and algorithms for problem-solving but do not imply autonomous operation. Business intelligence pertains to strategies and technologies for analyzing business data to inform decision-making rather than automation of tasks. AI hybrid systems combine different AI approaches or methods but do not specifically define the role of background task automation that intelligent agents embody.