OpenAI has unveiled a suite of tools designed to simplify the creation of autonomous agents that can complete tasks on behalf of users, following Anthropic's recent launch of its AI agent.
According to an OpenAI spokesperson, "Building agents is harder than it needs to be," as reported by .
To address this challenge, the company behind ChatGPT has introduced five new tools aimed at helping businesses and customers develop and scale agentic AI.
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These tools enable developers to seamlessly integrate OpenAI's advanced models with real-world tools, such as web search, file search, and computer interaction.
OpenAI claims that these tools will empower agents to perform intricate, multi-step tasks.
New AI tools
The new tools include a web search function that allows agents to scour vast datasets and interact with computer systems directly.
Developers have already utilised this feature in early testing to create research assistants and booking agents, as well as to extract insights from public and private datasets quickly and accurately.
The web search tool provides real-time, relevant information with in-line citations to sources.
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Additionally, OpenAI has launched a file search tool that enables AI agents to search large document databases.
Navan, a travel software firm, has leveraged this tool to enhance its AI-powered travel assistant, providing employees with rapid and accurate access to internal knowledge bases.
Vodafone has entered into a decade-long, billion-pound agreement with Microsoft, which will see the telecommunications company utilise Microsoft's generative AI, digital and cloud services.
The tech giant has introduced a 'computer use tool', a third tool that enables agents to carry out tasks traditionally requiring human interaction with a computer, such as data entry.
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has also launched an 'Agents software development kit (SDK)', an open-source framework designed to facilitate the communication between multiple agents.
"These new tools provide developers with an easier path to building and deploying AI agents, enabling applications across various industries", the company stated in a blog post on Tuesday.
"By offering capabilities that were once difficult to integrate into agent systems, OpenAI is reducing barriers for businesses looking to harness the power of autonomous AI in real-world applications."
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These tools follow the launch of two AI agents by the company in January. The first, Operator, was released to independently browse the web for tasks such as booking flights or making online purchases.
The second, Deep Research, is capable of performing more complex internet tasks. The company claimed that this agent can complete tasks in minutes that would take humans hours.
A 'watershed year' for agentic AI
OpenAI's newly released agent-building tools are entering a competitive market, with several companies already offering AI development platforms. It's being hailed as a 'watershed year' for agentic AI.
Anthropic and Google's DeepMind have both launched large language models (LLMs) designed to power intelligent agents.
Anthropic's latest offering is the market's first hybrid reasoning model, aimed at simplifying problem-solving for users and developers that require step-by-step cogitation as well as instinctive output.
The model also includes a 'scratchpad' feature to display its reasoning process. Meanwhile, OpenAI has introduced new tools that stand out by offering an open-ended approach with some guidance for developers.
Unlike competitors providing LLMs with limited integration, OpenAI's strategy focuses on equipping developers with the necessary tools to smoothly integrate AI with real-world actions.
This will enable businesses to create agents capable of generating text while interacting with external systems and browsing through documents.