OpenAI has introduced Operator, a browser-based AI agent capable of performing a variety of online tasks, such as booking reservations, filling out forms, and managing grocery orders.
Available exclusively to ChatGPT Pro subscribers on the $200 monthly plan, the tool represents OpenAI’s latest step toward AI that actively interacts with digital environments.
By leveraging a newly developed Computer-Using Agent (CUA) model, Operator sets itself apart from traditional AI assistants that rely on text or predefined APIs.
“Operator is one of our first agents, which are AIs capable of doing work for you independently—you give it a task, and it will execute it,” OpenAI explained in its official announcement.
Designed to mimic human interactions with graphical user interfaces (GUIs), Operator interprets and manipulates on-screen elements such as buttons, dropdown menus, and text fields, enabling it to function effectively across a wide range of websites.
How Operator Works
At its core, Operator uses CUA, a model combining OpenAI’s GPT-4o model with advanced reasoning and vision capabilities.
Unlike traditional systems that rely on APIs, CUA allows Operator to “see” and interact with web pages through screenshots. This enables the agent to operate on platforms without requiring specific integrations.
Users provide task instructions through a text interface, and Operator processes them in a remote browser hosted on OpenAI’s servers.
The tool executes actions step-by-step, pausing for user input if it encounters tasks requiring sensitive information, such as login credentials or CAPTCHA verifications.

OpenAI has also incorporated a “takeover mode,” allowing users to assume control of the session at any time.
Additionally, Operator supports multitasking. Users can instruct it to perform multiple actions simultaneously, such as reserving a table on OpenTable while ordering concert tickets through StubHub. OpenAI notes that these capabilities streamline repetitive workflows, saving users considerable time.
Privacy and Safety Measures
To address concerns about privacy and safety, OpenAI has embedded multiple safeguards within Operator. Before executing any action with external consequences, such as completing a purchase, the agent pauses and requests user confirmation. Sensitive tasks, including financial transactions or job application decisions, are deliberately restricted.
“Operator is trained to ensure that the user remains in control at all times,” explained OpenAI researcher Casey Chu.
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The system’s cautious navigation prevents unintended actions, while its privacy settings allow users to delete browsing data and opt out of contributing their data to model training. OpenAI has also built defenses against adversarial websites, such as hidden prompts or malicious code designed to mislead the agent.
Performance Benchmarks and Competitive Edge
Operator enters a growing field of AI automation tools, including Anthropic’s Computer Use and Google DeepMind’s Mariner. These competing models aim to execute browser-based tasks, but OpenAI asserts that Operator’s CUA-powered design provides superior performance.
On WebVoyager, a benchmark assessing browser task execution, Operator scored 87%, outperforming Mariner (83.5%) and Anthropic’s Computer Use feature (56%). In broader system-level evaluations like OSWorld, which tests tasks such as merging PDFs and image editing, Operator achieved 38.1% compared to Computer Use’s 22%.

While human testers still outperform AI in these benchmarks—scoring 72.4% on OSWorld—Operator’s results demonstrate measurable progress in practical AI capabilities.
Anthropic has described its Computer Use model as capable of executing tasks involving “tens or even hundreds of steps,” according to Chief Science Officer Jared Kaplan. However, Operator’s reliance on visual interpretation rather than APIs enables it to interact with a broader range of platforms, extending its versatility.

Applications and Use Cases
In live demonstrations, Operator showcased its ability to automate diverse tasks. OpenAI researcher Yash Kumar demonstrated the tool booking a restaurant reservation on OpenTable, purchasing concert tickets on StubHub, and adding items to an Instacart shopping cart—all concurrently.
Kumar emphasized the time savings provided by Operator, stating, “I have a date night every Thursday,” says Kumar. “So every Thursday morning, I instruct Operator to send me a list of five restaurants that have a table for two that evening. Of course, I could do that, but it takes me 10 minutes. And I often forget to do it. With Operator, I can run the task with one click. There’s no burden of booking.”
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OpenAI is also collaborating with platforms like DoorDash, Uber, and Priceline to refine the tool’s functionality. For example, Operator can recommend preset services for specific tasks, such as choosing preferred airlines on Booking.com or reserving rides through Uber.
A Broader Vision for Artificial General Intelligence
The launch of Operator aligns with OpenAI’s broader ambitions to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI). AGI refers to AI systems capable of human-level reasoning and problem-solving across diverse tasks.
According to Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, tools like Operator represent an essential step toward this goal. “AGI will be defined by systems that can use computers just like humans,” Wang explained, predicting that such advancements could emerge within the next two to four years.
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While Operator remains in its research phase, OpenAI plans to expand its availability to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise users. Additionally, the company aims to release the CUA model as an API, enabling developers to build customized agents tailored to specific industries.
Future Development and Limitations
Despite its promising features, Operator currently struggles with complex workflows, such as managing calendars or creating slideshows. OpenAI acknowledges these limitations, emphasizing that user feedback will be critical to refining the tool. The company also plans to integrate Operator’s capabilities directly into ChatGPT for seamless task execution.
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OpenAI’s long-term vision involves positioning Operator as more than just a productivity tool. By automating intricate workflows, the company hopes to redefine how users interact with digital systems, paving the way for broader applications in business, education, and public services.