Google has announced a major advancement in AI capabilities by integrating Project Mariner's computer use functionality into the Gemini API and Vertex AI platforms. This integration represents a significant evolution in how AI can interact with digital environments, particularly web browsers and computer systems.
Project Mariner, first unveiled in late 2024 as a research prototype from Google DeepMind, has been significantly enhanced to become a powerful AI agent system. The updated version can now handle up to ten different tasks simultaneously, operating through cloud-based virtual machines rather than directly in the user's browser. This allows users to continue working while the AI completes tasks in the background.
The technology enables AI to observe what's displayed on screen, interpret complex goals, plan actionable steps, and execute them by interacting with websites and applications. It can perform a wide range of tasks including researching information, making bookings, filling out forms, and even completing purchases with user confirmation.
Several companies are already exploring the potential of this technology. Automation Anywhere and UiPath are leveraging it for business process automation, while newer players like Browserbase, Autotab, The Interaction Company, and Cartwheel are developing innovative applications. Google plans to make these capabilities more broadly available to developers this summer.
"Computer use is part of a broader set of tools we'll need to build for an agent ecosystem to flourish," said Google CEO Sundar Pichai during the Google I/O 2025 keynote. The company is also working on complementary technologies like the Agent2Agent Protocol to enable agents to communicate with each other.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching. For businesses, it promises enhanced productivity through automation of repetitive tasks. For developers, it opens new possibilities for creating AI-assisted workflows and applications that can interact with existing software. For end users, it could eventually transform how they accomplish everyday digital tasks, with AI handling much of the tedious work.
Currently, access to Project Mariner is limited to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US, who pay $249.99 per month for the service. However, as the technology matures and becomes integrated into more Google products throughout 2025, its impact is likely to be felt across the digital landscape.