The company behind ChatGPT is unveiling a new way to use AI. OpenAI has just announced Operator, an AI agent that can perform tasks for you autonomously.
Operator Available Only for Pro Subscribers
The AI agent is designed to go to the web and accomplish tasks for you. Some of the tasks it can currently take care of include making a dinner reservation, shop for an item, filling out a form, and more.
OpenAI is collaborating with a number of companies, including DoorDash, Instacart, OpenTable, Priceline, StubHub, Thumbtack, and Uber.
In a blog post, OpenAI described more on how Operator works:
Operator can “see” (through screenshots) and “interact” (using all the actions a mouse and keyboard allow) with a browser, enabling it to take action on the web without requiring custom API integrations.
If it encounters challenges or makes mistakes, Operator can leverage its reasoning capabilities to self-correct. When it gets stuck and needs assistance, it simply hands control back to the user, ensuring a smooth and collaborative experience.
Along with some preset prompts, users can also add their own custom instructions. Operator can also run multiple tasks simultaneously.
The agent is far from perfect, though. OpenAI said that Agent currently has problems with complex interfaces, like managing a calendar.
Operator is available on a separate site. For now, Operator is only available as a “research preview” for anyone who subscribes to the $200 monthly Pro tier launched in December 2024.
In the future, the tool will arrive to Plus, Team, and Enterprise users. Operator will also be integrated directly into ChatGPT.
The Next Generation of AI
While ChatGPT, and other chatbots, have previously been passive and required users to lead the interaction, Operator is a new breed of AI. Putting AI to work to do tasks around the web can make the technology even more useful in everyday life.
OpenAI is betting heavily on AI agents. In a blog post in late 2024, CEO Sam Altman said AI agents might enter the workforce in 2025.
