Agent Systems: Router Pattern

Intent

Select the smallest capable specialist for each request.

Outline

1. Recurring problem: a single agent receives tasks with different tools, formats, or standards of evidence.
2. Structure: request → classifier → specialist → common response.
3. Stable interface: the request and response contract.
4. Variable implementation: the classifier and specialist selected for the request.
5. Strength: separates classification from execution.
6. Risks: misclassification, routing drift, and policy complexity.
7. Example: route a proof-checking task to retrieval, calculation, or exposition support.

Suggested figure

03-router.svg in the Agent design pattern illustration folder.