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OpenAI launches unified ChatGPT Agent for autonomous task execution

System combines web interaction, research capabilities with conversational AI to handle multi-step workflows

OpenAI on July 17 launched ChatGPT Agent, a unified artificial intelligence system that transforms the popular chatbot into an autonomous agent capable of executing complex, multi-step tasks independently. The release marks OpenAI's most ambitious attempt at creating a truly agentic product that can perform actions rather than merely responding to queries.

The new system integrates capabilities from three existing OpenAI tools: Operator's website interaction features, Deep Research's information synthesis abilities, and ChatGPT's conversational intelligence. This combination allows the agent to handle sophisticated requests such as analysing calendars to brief users on upcoming meetings based on current news, planning and purchasing ingredients for specific meals, or creating presentation decks after competitive analysis.

ChatGPT Agent can navigate websites autonomously, filter search results, prompt users for secure authentication when required, execute code, and deliver editable documents including slideshows and spreadsheets. The system represents a significant advancement over previous AI agents that typically struggled with real-world, multi-step task execution.

The launch addresses a key limitation in current AI assistants, which often require users to break down complex requests into smaller, manageable parts. ChatGPT Agent aims to handle entire workflows from initial request to final deliverable, potentially reducing the cognitive load on users for routine tasks.

For developers, this release signals OpenAI's strategic shift towards building AI systems that can operate more independently within existing software environments. The agent's ability to interact with web interfaces and generate structured outputs could influence how AI integration is approached in enterprise applications.

The system includes safety measures outlined in OpenAI's accompanying system card, though specific technical details about the underlying architecture remain limited. Early access appears restricted, with broader availability expected in coming months.

Industry observers note that ChatGPT Agent's success will largely depend on its reliability in handling diverse real-world scenarios and its ability to maintain context across extended task sequences. The development comes as competition intensifies among AI companies to create more capable autonomous systems.

The launch positions OpenAI directly against emerging competitors in the AI agent space, potentially reshaping expectations for what conversational AI systems can accomplish independently.

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