OpenAI is allowing some users to test the new ChatGPT feature that uses artificial intelligence to operate web browsers to travel, buy groceries, find deals, and perform many other online tasks. The new tool called Operator, is an AI agent: It relies on AI models trained on text and images to interpret commands and determine how to use a web browser to execute them. OpenAI claims to have the potential to automate many everyday tasks and mundane tasks. AI agents are generally seen as the next evolutionary stage for AI after chatbots, and many companies are jumping on the hype train by mentioning it. In most cases, these capabilities are very limited and only use language models to automate things that are normally done with regular software. , doing complex multi-step workflows,” said Peter Welinder, VP of products at OpenAI. “We’re going to see a lot of impact on people’s productivity—but also the quality of work that people can do.” OpenAI admits that giving ChatGPT access to web browsers makes new risks, and said that the Operator may be misbehaving. . He said that it has implemented various new safeguards and plans to extend the Operator’s capabilities gradually. said the plan is to learn from how people use the tool. He admits that the tool can make unwanted orders or purchases but adds that a lot of work is done to make sure that they ask before doing anything risky confirm before taking steps that may be irreversible,” said Kumar. This includes the potential to misunderstand the command or diverge from what the user asked; to be misused by the user; or will be targeted by cybercriminals. “This also poses an extraordinary number of safety challenges,” says Kumar. “Because the area of the attack vector and the area of the risk vector have increased significantly.” The carrier will initially be available as a “research preview” to ChatGPT users with a Pro account, which costs $200 per month. The company says it will expand access while rolling out the tool slowly, as it will inevitably make some mistakes along the way. In several demonstrations, Operator showed the potential of AI to take a more active role as a web helper. The tool has a remote web browser and a chat window to interact with the user. At WIRED’s request, Carrier was asked to book Amtrak train travel from New Haven, Connecticut, to Washington, DC. It goes to the correct website and correctly enters the necessary information to open the schedule, and then asks for further instructions. If the user is logged into Amtrak’s website or into a browser profile with credit card information saved, the Operator will be able to go ahead and book a ticket—even though it’s designed to ask for permission first. Kumar asked the Operator to book a table at Beretta, a restaurant in San Francisco. The program goes to the OpenTable website, finds the right restaurant, and searches for availability before asking what to do next. OpenAI says it has partnered with a number of popular sites, including OpenTable, to ensure Operators can run smoothly. . The tool incorporates additional exercises designed to help you understand how to perform online tasks. OpenAI will also provide a Computer Use Agent through an API.
