Anthropic, an AI startup founded by former members of OpenAI, has announced the release of a brand-new AI model that can use a computer to carry out complex tasks just like a human would.
An AI tool that can search the internet, move a mouse cursor, or fill out an online form is no longer a futuristic dream, but a reality close at hand thanks to the U.S-based research company Anthropic. Established by former OpenAI executives Daniela and Dario Amodei, the Google and Amazon-backed startup disclosed on Tuesday that it had reached an important milestone for artificial intelligence.
By granting access to the company’s Claude AI model, the Computer Use feature can virtually “use computers in the same way what we do,” according to chief science officer Jared Kaplan. Talking to CNBC, Kaplan added it can perform tasks that involve “tens or hundreds of steps.” This sophisticated AI agent can select buttons on the screen, enter text, and execute tasks in real-time through any software – effectively controlling users’ computers.
Anthropic has released a series of demos to showcase the model’s capability, some of which show the AI agent building a promotional website or planning a sunrise-viewing trip in San Francisco. Basing itself on a user prompt, Claude began searching for locations and sunrise time online before determining the route using the maps application. Later, it created a calendar appointment listing every relevant detail of the trip.
Though simplistic or mundane, such tasks are paving the way for companies looking to automate repetitive and time-consuming menial work in office jobs. Designed as an enabler rather than a threat to workers, amidst growing fears that hundreds of millions of jobs could be lost to AI, the technology is still experimental at this stage. The company has stressed that its latest Claude model could be “cumbersome and error-prone,” partly due to the potential use of unreliable information from the web. Seeking active feedback from developers, the OpenAI competitor remains confident its AI model will improve rapidly. To that effect, early beta testers also include American software company Asana and Australian graphic design platform Canva.
While it has only been made available to developers, this AI agent could soon be compatible with consumer applications like filing expense reports and booking flights. The team at Anthropic hopes to open up use to a broader array of consumers in the coming months to assist people and enterprise clients in a way that beats the limitations of the chatbot setup. And this AI pioneer is not the only one to eye the transformative possibilities of AI agents.
The Anthropic announcement came right after Microsoft made waves by introducing its own artificial intelligence agents. The Redmond-based company has launched AI employees that perform business tasks, such as handling client queries or scheduling follow-up meetings. Early adopters of the product include the consulting company McKinsey. In a similar discourse to Anthropic’s, Microsoft says the agents are meant to do away with the “monotonous aspects of a job.” Going a step beyond mere chatbots, AI agents can even be customized on large-scale AI models to complete tasks on behalf of any user. In the long term, these AI assistants may become bona fide virtual collaborators, which is why tech investors are raising millions of dollars to fund startups in the AI market.
Assuredly, the AI revolution is well underway in an increasing number of sectors, from retail to healthcare. While the AI gold rush is prompting more massive investments than ever, such trailblazing industries as gaming were among the first to bet on its tremendous potential. Helping to streamline game development and enhance immersion through better player sentiment analysis and NPC characterization, artificial intelligence is on the verge of ushering in a new golden age for video games.
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Whether in the entertainment sector or the workplace, AI is on the rise. And pioneers like Anthropic are leading the charge.
