The Challenge of Building an AI Agent

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 6 views

Do any Models other than OpenAI work? I have found zero.

As the world of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, the demand for reliable and efficient AI models has never been higher. One of the most popular platforms for building and deploying AI models is OpenAI, which has gained significant attention in recent years. However, with the rise of alternative models, the question remains: do any models other than OpenAI work? In this article, we will delve into the world of AI models, exploring the capabilities and limitations of various models, including OpenAI, Ollama, and OpenRouter.

The Challenge of Building an AI Agent

Building an AI agent that can search the web with the Brave API is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of AI models, programming languages, and web development. The example provided by OpenRouter, "Build me an AI agent that can search the web with the Brave API," is a great starting point for developers looking to build their own AI agents. However, as you've experienced firsthand, getting this example to work can be a daunting task.

The Frustration of Failing Models

As you've mentioned, you've tried various models all night with OpenRouter, but every single one throws an error. The errors you've encountered, including openai.NotFoundError, TypeError, and pydantic_ai.exceptions.UnexpectedModelBehavior, are just a few examples of the many challenges that developers face when working with AI models.

OpenAI: The Gold Standard of AI Models

OpenAI is one of the most popular and widely used AI models available today. Its capabilities are vast, and its applications are numerous. However, as you've experienced, even OpenAI can be finicky at times. The error message you received, "No endpoints found that support tool use," suggests that the model is not configured correctly or that there is an issue with the provider routing.

Ollama: A Promising but Flawed Model

Ollama is another AI model that has gained significant attention in recent years. Its capabilities are impressive, and its applications are diverse. However, as you've experienced, Ollama can be a bit temperamental at times. The error message you received, "TypeError: 'NoneType' object cannot be interpreted as an integer," suggests that there is an issue with the model's response or that the model is not configured correctly.

OpenRouter: A Platform for Building AI Agents

OpenRouter is a platform that allows developers to build and deploy AI agents. Its capabilities are vast, and its applications are numerous. However, as you've experienced, OpenRouter can be a bit challenging to work with at times. The error message you received, "pydantic_ai.exceptions.UnexpectedModelBehavior: Received empty model response," suggests that there is an issue with the model's response or that the model is not configured correctly.

In conclusion, while there are many AI models available today, not all of them work as expected. OpenAI, Ollama, and OpenRouter are just a few examples of the many models that can be finicky at times. However, with the right configuration and setup, these models can be incredibly powerful and efficient. As developers, it's essential to understand the capabilities and limitations of each model and to be patient and persistent when working with them.

Recommendations for Developers

If you're a developer looking to build an AI agent that can search the web with the Brave API, here are a few recommendations:

Start with OpenAI: OpenAI is a great starting point for developers looking to build their own AI agents. Its capabilities are vast, and its applications are numerous.
Configure the model correctly: Make sure to configure the model correctly and to follow the provider routing guidelines.
Be patient and persistent: Building an AI agent can be a challenging task, and it's essential to be patient and persistent when working with AI models.
Explore alternative models: While OpenAI is a great model, there are many other models available today that can be used for building AI agents.

As the world of AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see many new and exciting models emerge. Some of the future directions for AI models include:

Improved provider routing: Provider routing is a critical component of AI models, and improved provider routing can help to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
Increased model diversity: With the rise of alternative models, we can expect to see increased model diversity in the future.
Better model configuration: Better model configuration can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of AI models.

Q: What is the difference between OpenAI and Ollama?

A: OpenAI and Ollama are both AI models, but they have different capabilities and applications. OpenAI is a more general-purpose model that can be used for a wide range of tasks, while Ollama is a more specialized model that is designed for specific tasks such as text generation and conversation.

Q: Why do I keep getting errors when using OpenRouter?

A: There are several reasons why you may be getting errors when using OpenRouter. Some common issues include:

Incorrect model configuration: Make sure that you have configured the model correctly and followed the provider routing guidelines.
Model not supported: Some models may not be supported by OpenRouter, so make sure to check the documentation before using a particular model.
Server-side issues: Sometimes, server-side issues can cause errors when using OpenRouter. Try restarting the server or checking the status of the OpenRouter API.

Q: Can I use multiple AI models together?

A: Yes, you can use multiple AI models together to create a more complex and powerful AI system. This is known as a "hybrid" approach, where you combine the strengths of multiple models to achieve a specific goal.

Q: How do I troubleshoot errors when using AI models?

A: Troubleshooting errors when using AI models can be challenging, but here are some steps you can follow:

Check the documentation: Make sure that you have read and understood the documentation for the AI model you are using.
Check the error message: The error message can often provide clues about what is going wrong.
Try a different model: If one model is not working, try using a different model to see if the issue is specific to that model.
Contact the developer community: If you are still having trouble, try contacting the developer community for the AI model you are using.

Q: Are AI models secure?

A: AI models can be secure, but they can also be vulnerable to certain types of attacks. Some common security concerns when using AI models include:

Data poisoning: This is when an attacker tries to manipulate the data used to train the AI model in order to make it produce incorrect results.
Model hijacking: This is when an attacker tries to steal or modify the AI model in order to use it for malicious purposes.
Data leakage: This is when an attacker tries to access sensitive data that is used to train the AI model.

Q: Can I use AI models for commercial purposes?

A: Yes, you can use AI models for commercial purposes, but you will need to ensure that you have the necessary licenses and permissions to do so. Some AI models may have specific restrictions on their use, so make sure to check the documentation before using a particular model for commercial purposes.

Q: How do I stay up-to-date with the latest developments in AI models?

A: There are several ways to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in AI models, including:

Following AI model developers on social media: Many AI model developers are active on social media and share updates about their models and projects.
Attending AI conferences and meetups: Attending conferences and meetups is a great way to learn about the latest developments in AI models and network with other developers.
Reading AI blogs and news sites: There are many blogs and news sites that cover the latest developments in AI models, including new releases, updates, and breakthroughs.

Q: Can I contribute to the development of AI models?

A: Yes, you can contribute to the development of AI models by:

Reporting bugs and issues: If you find a bug or issue with an AI model, you can report it to the developer community.
Suggesting new features: If you have an idea for a new feature or improvement to an AI model, you can suggest it to the developer community.
Participating in open-source projects: Many AI models are open-source, and you can participate in their development by contributing code, testing, and documentation.