OpenAI is preparing to launch an autonomous AI agent capable of controlling computers and performing tasks independently, named “Operator”. The company plans to launch it as a research and development tool in January, according to Bloomberg.

The move intensifies competition between tech giants developing AI agents: Anthropic recently introduced its capacity for “computer use”, while Google is would have is preparing its own version for release in December. The timing of Operator’s final release remains secret, but its development signals a crucial shift toward AI systems that can actively engage with computer interfaces rather than simply process text and images.

All major AI companies have promised autonomous AI agents, and OpenAI recently discussed the possibility. In an “Ask Me Anything” Reddit forum a few weeks ago, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said “we’ll have better models,” but “I think what the next breakthrough will look like giant, these will be the agents.” At an OpenAI press event ahead of the company’s annual Dev Day last month, chief product officer Kevin Weil said: “I think 2025 will be the year that agentic systems finally enter the mainstream.” »

AI labs face growing pressure to monetize their expensive models, especially as incremental improvements does not justify higher prices for users. The hope is that autonomous agents are the next breakthrough product – a ChatGPT-scale innovation that validates the massive investment in AI development.