The new tool, called Operator, can shop for groceries or book a restaurant reservation. But it still needs help from humans
Jan 24, 2025
OpenAI has launched a tool called Operator that is designed to autonomously perform tasks online, such as shopping for groceries or booking restaurant reservations. This type of technology, often referred to by researchers as an A.I. agent, goes beyond the capabilities of traditional chatbots. While chatbots can answer questions, write poems, or generate images, A.I. agents like Operator can interact with other software on the Internet.
Key takeaways
- During a demonstration with The New York Times, OpenAI’s Mr. Kumar showed how Operator could book a restaurant reservation in San Francisco using the OpenTable website and shop for groceries using Instacart;
- Operator is similar to chatbots like ChatGPT. Users enter requests into a chat window and the system attempts to fulfill them. Users can watch as the tool opens a web browser and navigates to specific websites to complete tasks. Although the operator can make mistakes, sometimes it corrects itself. In other cases, users may need to intervene with additional instructions or adjustments;
- Operator is not completely autonomous and requires user input to correct errors and refine tasks. Services like OpenTable or Instacart require users to provide their credentials. However, OpenAI has clarified that it does not store any private information shared with the tool;
- This innovation represents a significant step forward in the integration of AI into everyday online activities, bridging the gap between passive chatbots and active, task-performing agents.
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