OpenAI has introduced its AI agent, called Operator, which can take control of a web browser to perform tasks independently.
![OpenAI Operator]()
This launch follows OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s prediction that 2025 will be a major year for AI agents, tools that can automate tasks and make decisions on behalf of users. The operator is designed to carry out everyday tasks like booking travel, making restaurant reservations, and shopping online, all without the user’s direct involvement in every action.
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Available to ChatGPT Pro Users in the U.S.
Currently, Operator is only available to U.S. users who subscribe to ChatGPT’s $200 Pro plan. However, OpenAI plans to gradually roll out the feature to other user tiers, including Plus, Team, and Enterprise. While Operator will soon be available to users globally, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned that its launch in Europe may take longer.
Powered by GPT-4 and CUA for Web Interaction
The operator relies on OpenAI’s GPT-4 model and a new Computer-Using Agent (CUA) to function. The CUA allows the AI to interact with websites in a similar way that a human would—by clicking buttons, navigating menus, and filling out forms. This enables the Operator to perform tasks like completing online orders or finding travel accommodations without needing specialized programming interfaces, making it a versatile tool for a variety of services.
Limitations and Security Measures
While the Operator is capable of automating several common tasks, it does have limitations. Currently, it cannot handle complex activities like creating detailed slideshows or managing intricate calendars. For sensitive tasks, such as banking transactions or entering payment details, the Operator requires user supervision to ensure accuracy and security. Additionally, for tasks like sending emails or deleting calendar events, the Operator is restricted for security reasons, though these features may be added in future updates. OpenAI has also incorporated safeguards to prevent misuse of the technology, ensuring that the AI pauses if it detects any suspicious or harmful activities.
Potential Impact on the Future of AI Agents
The release of Operator marks a significant milestone in the development of AI agents—tools that go beyond providing information to actively performing tasks and making decisions. By taking a step into task automation, Operator demonstrates the potential of AI agents to revolutionize the way users interact with the internet, potentially changing how we handle everyday tasks online. This technology could lead to even more advanced AI tools in the future, capable of performing a wide range of automated actions on our behalf, making it an important development in AI’s evolution.
The official link to this news is https://openai.com/index/introducing-operator/