OpenAI Pushes Further into AI Automation with ChatGPT Agent Rollout
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – OpenAI has unveiled a powerful new feature for ChatGPT that enables the AI chatbot to perform complex tasks on behalf of users, intensifying competition among tech giants to dominate the emerging field of intelligent virtual agents.
OpenAI announced Thursday that ChatGPT’s new “agent mode” allows the chatbot to act using its own virtual computer, responding to advanced requests with minimal user input.
The feature is being rolled out to subscribers on the Pro, Plus, and Team plans, and combines existing capabilities from ChatGPT’s Operator and Deep Research tools.
Users can now instruct ChatGPT to carry out multi-step tasks, such as “plan and buy ingredients for Japanese breakfast for four,” or “brief me on client meetings based on my calendar and recent news.”
In a video demonstration, OpenAI showed the agent assisting a user preparing for a wedding — locating appropriate attire, selecting from five outfit suggestions, and booking hotels to cover extra days around the event.
OpenAI stated that the feature is designed to reduce the need for switching between apps, offering a single AI-powered solution to streamline digital tasks.
“Think of this as cutting-edge and experimental — a glimpse into the future,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on X. “But I wouldn’t use it for high-stakes or sensitive tasks yet.”
Altman urged users to be cautious when allowing the agent access to personal information. He noted that while giving calendar access for scheduling group dinners might be practical, granting it access for unrelated shopping tasks is unnecessary.
OpenAI acknowledged the risks involved, noting that the model's access to data is restricted and that certain actions, such as sending emails, require user confirmation. Tasks involving high security, like bank transfers, are currently blocked.
The move comes as rivals accelerate their own AI agent development. Google, during its May developer conference, introduced a Gemini-based assistant capable of making restaurant reservations and purchasing event tickets.
Apple is also working on enhancing Siri to interact with apps independently, though the update is reportedly delayed.
Despite growing capabilities, the AI industry continues to face challenges over reliability, privacy, and bias. OpenAI reiterated that ChatGPT may still hallucinate or behave unpredictably, citing broader concerns across the sector.
Still, the deployment of agent mode underscores OpenAI’s ambition to transform ChatGPT into a universal digital assistant — a direction now being mirrored across the AI landscape.
