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OpenAI has launched “Dots”, a new generation of always-on AI agents designed to work autonomously on users’ behalf and handle tasks across multiple applications.
CEO Sam Altman introduced Dots at OpenAI’s annual Developer Day in San Francisco on Tuesday. The company describes them as agents that can pursue user-defined goals in the background rather than waiting for instructions at every step.
The launch marks a shift from conventional chatbots towards AI systems capable of independently carrying out multistep tasks.
Dots are represented as colourful, customisable characters that users can name and assign specific responsibilities. Each Dot has its own cloud computer and browser and can use connected tools to carry out recurring work and follow up through services including ChatGPT, email and Slack.
OpenAI says Dots can work across connected applications and handle tasks such as research, data analysis, document preparation and software development. Users can set boundaries and approval requirements for actions the agents are allowed to take.
The launch comes as the technology industry races to develop AI agents that can operate with greater independence. OpenAI’s Dots directly enters competition with Meta’s Muse, another personal AI agent designed to perform tasks on behalf of users.
The growing autonomy of AI agents has also raised concerns about safety and unintended actions.
OpenAI’s recent safety disclosures include evaluations of agentic systems designed to assess how models behave when given access to tools and external systems. The company says Dots include safeguards that allow users to control their actions and prevent unauthorised changes.
The development reflects a broader shift in AI from systems that primarily answer questions to agents that can execute tasks, manage workflows and continue working with limited human supervision.
