OpenAI is working on a AI agent that can do tasks for you, like booking flights

The rise of generative AI (gen AI) has allowed people to implement the technology into their everyday workflow to replace menial, repetitive tasks. However, what if the AI could do all the tasks for you? OpenAI is reportedly working on new models that can do just that. 

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According to a Bloomberg report citing insider sources, OpenAI is working on an AI agent codenamed “Operator” that will perform tasks from beginning to end, such as writing code or booking travel. 

Although this sounds like a futuristic and very advanced application of gen AI, OpenAI leaders shared that the agent could be released as early as January as a research preview for developers in a staff meeting, according to one of the insider sources cited in the report. 

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Agents refer to AI technology capable of performing autonomously without human intervention or oversight. They offer the possibility of significantly optimizing human workflows by allowing users to delegate tasks to AI, creating a team of assistants available whenever you need them with little to no supervision. 

The concept represents a new industry frontier, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman even describing it as the “next giant breakthrough” in an As Me Anything Reddit session. As a result, many other companies have attempted to develop capable agents both in hardware and software. 

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One of the most tangible examples is the Rabbit R1, a handheld device meant to perform tasks such as booking an Uber or ordering food without having to open individual apps. However, most reviews found that it fell short, not being able to perform tasks that were more advanced than promised.  

OpenAI is in a unique position to enter the market and popularize the concept of AI agents, making it more accessible to the general population, as they did with the concept of gen AI. Although it existed much before ChatGPT, didn’t reach mainstream popularity until the launch of the chatbot.