Sequential Workflows

Pattern

Research Agent Chain

Sequential three-agent chain demonstrating structured outputs flowing between agents. Research Agent 1 gathers research, Expand Agent 2 expands research, Synthesis Agent 3 synthesizes final answer. Uses Exa tools and AI SDK 6's stabilized structured output support.

IntermediateNov 2025View the full pattern on desktop
Research Agent Chain preview

Problems solved

  • Chain research, expand, and synthesis agents in sequence
  • Pass structured previousOutput between agent stages
  • Use Exa tools during multi-phase research
  • Keep each phase focused instead of one monolithic agent

Use cases

  • Multi-phase research reports
  • Competitive research expansion pipelines
  • Synthesis briefs from staged agents
  • Teaching sequential agent workflows

AI SDK APIs

ToolLoopAgentcreateAgentUIStreamResponsetool(Output.objectstepCountIsprepareStepgatewayInferAgentUIMessagevalidateUIMessages

Tags

aiagentschainai-sdkstructured-outputagent-chainexasequential-agentsresearchsynthesis

Requirements

Node.js
24+
Memory
512MB
Other
  • OpenAI API key
  • Exa API key (optional)

Environment variables

External services

openaiexa

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