OpenAI has officially entered the agentic AI race with Operator, a groundbreaking AI assistant that moves beyond simple conversation to actively complete tasks across the web.
Launched in January 2025 and recently upgraded with OpenAI's more powerful o3 reasoning model, Operator represents a significant advancement in AI capabilities. Unlike traditional virtual assistants that merely provide information, Operator can independently navigate websites, fill out forms, and execute complex workflows through its dedicated cloud-based browser.
"Operator transforms AI from a passive tool to an active participant in the digital ecosystem," OpenAI stated in its announcement. The assistant can handle diverse tasks including booking travel accommodations, ordering groceries from Instacart, purchasing event tickets through StubHub, and making restaurant reservations via OpenTable.
The technology behind Operator, called Computer-Using Agent (CUA), combines GPT-4o's vision capabilities with advanced reasoning abilities. This allows it to interpret visual elements on websites and interact with them through virtual mouse clicks and keyboard inputs. When encountering challenges, Operator can self-correct or hand control back to the user.
Safety remains a priority, with OpenAI implementing multiple safeguards. Operator enters "takeover mode" when sensitive information like passwords or payment details are needed, requires explicit user confirmation before finalizing actions, and restricts access to potentially harmful websites. The system also declines certain high-stakes tasks like banking transactions.
Currently available to US-based ChatGPT Pro subscribers ($200/month), OpenAI plans to expand access to Plus, Team, and Enterprise tiers. The company is collaborating with partners including DoorDash, eBay, Instacart, Priceline, and Uber to ensure Operator respects established business norms while delivering innovative customer experiences.