OpenAI Introduces Operator: A Tool to Automate Web Tasks

OpenAI has unveiled a new AI-powered tool called Operator, designed to carry out tasks on the web for users.

This innovation aims to enhance OpenAI’s chatbot capabilities amid growing competition in the AI space.

Operator operates using a model that interacts seamlessly with on-screen elements such as buttons, menus, and text fields. “This capability marks the next step in AI development, allowing models to use the same tools humans rely on daily and opening the door to a vast range of new applications,” OpenAI stated in a blog post.

The tool is versatile, handling tasks like creating to-do lists and assisting with vacation planning.

OpenAI Introduces Operator also seeks user confirmation for specific tasks, such as entering login credentials on websites, ensuring added security and reliability.

Currently, Operator is available to Pro users in the United States as a research preview, according to OpenAI.

This release reflects a broader industry trend towards developing AI agents—systems capable of performing actions like scheduling meetings and making purchases without direct human input.

On the same day, OpenAI rival Perplexity launched an agent-based assistant for Android devices.

This assistant is equipped to perform tasks such as booking dinner reservations, setting reminders, and hailing rides through apps.

Meanwhile, Apple has integrated its Apple Intelligence system into Siri, and through a partnership with OpenAI, it has enabled the use of ChatGPT for iPhone users with their consent.

OpenAI Introduces Operator Historically, creating such agents posed challenges for researchers.

However, advancements in step-by-step reasoning techniques, such as those used in OpenAI’s o1 model, are now making these sophisticated tasks achievable, industry executives noted in December.