Use a background agent with inbox-style approvals
They used a desktop app to run agents in the background and review results later in separate inboxes for finished work and decisions.
Custom agent
Agent Uses · 1,321 real examples
Custom agent use cases
Real examples of people putting Custom agent to work: the task, how it went, what to watch out for, and a prompt you can adapt.
The day's AI news plus 3 agent uses you can try, with ready-to-paste prompts. Free; unsubscribe anytime.
Run coding agents in parallel with tmux and Markdown specs
Manuel Schipper uses separate tmux panes and numbered Markdown specs to keep several coding agents moving at once.
Custom agent
Turn Gmail threads into a clean to-do list
A Chrome extension read Gmail and pulled action items from emails, invites, and follow-ups into a prioritized list.
Custom agent
Revive old apps and sketch new ones with a coding agent
Terence Tao used a coding agent to port old Java applets to JavaScript and to build two new math visualizations in conversation.
Custom agent
Set up a node-based video editing workflow
A mosaic-style canvas can automate video edits, generate variations, and then hand off to a timeline for manual tweaks.
Custom agent
Use your agent to get umbrella coverage estimates
Coverage Cat lets a personal agent collect details, size umbrella protection, and surface carrier quotes through its API and MCP setup.
Custom agent
Set up a car helper that works without internet
A Raspberry Pi in a car used a local model to answer manual questions and read live diagnostics, while some vehicle controls ran through Home Assistant.
Custom agent
Build a no-purchase agent for delivered prices and coupons
Have an agent total the landed cost, test coupons, and check buyer feedback before it reaches checkout.
Custom agent
Set up a voice agent for calls and simple support
A team used a voice agent for after-hours support, FAQs, and order-status checks, then pushed structured call details into their internal tools.
Custom agent
Profile and tune a CUDA kernel with an agent
They used a LangGraph agent to test CUDA kernel tweaks, verify results, and profile candidates with Nsight.
Custom agent
Use parallel agents to build a database engine
They split a SQLite implementation across several coding agents working in separate branches, then merged the pieces after repeated test-and-fix loops.
Custom agent
Screen supplier invoices for duplicates and GST gaps
An AP workflow checks incoming supplier bills against past records so a person can review problems before approval.
Custom agent
Use an agent to inspect and explain COBOL on z/OS
A desktop agent connected to a mainframe to read COBOL, submit jobs, and summarize failures from spool output.
Custom agent
Let an agent help run a small business
Andon Labs used a persistent agent to operate real businesses with company tools and oversight.
Custom agent
Use an agent to draft parametric geometry systems
A Rhino plugin let a coding agent turn a brief into editable geometry logic stored alongside the project files.
Custom agent
Research your competitors with a self-directed agent
A developer had a custom agent scan public discussions and review pages, then turn the findings into a cited competitor brief and outreach plan.
Custom agent
Set up an email chase agent for overdue invoices
A small-firm owner used an email agent to follow up on unpaid invoices and missing paperwork until there was a clear answer or payment.
Custom agent
Use an agent to review course materials and draft fixes
A student used an AI agent to work through online class tasks inside Canvas or Blackboard while they did other things.
Custom agent
Use Canvas to tidy modules, dates, and course pages
An in-Canvas agent helps instructors rename modules, update due dates in bulk, and rebuild pages from simple requests.
Custom agent
Use AI to speed up multifamily deal research
A multifamily broker uses AI to gather comps, draft property writeups, and flag missing details before outreach and early diligence.
Custom agent
Use an MCP to edit Word docs with tracked changes
An agent can revise .docx files by editing HTML first, then translating the result back into Word’s file format.
Custom agent
Let AI handle routine tenant messages and requests
A landlord used AI to answer common renter questions, collect maintenance details, and draft paperwork, while a person handled exceptions.
Custom agent
Turn raw footage into a first edit from a description
Cardboard can assemble an editable cut from footage and a plain-language brief, then let you fine-tune the result in chat or on the timeline.
Custom agent
Build a staged agent pipeline for PRs
Create a multi-step system that assigns issues, tests changes, and leaves the final merge to a person.
Custom agent