OpenAI is rumored to be launching a new intelligent body that can automatically perform tasks for users

U.S. artificial intelligence startup OpenAI is preparing to launch a new type of agent, code-named "Operator," that will allow computers to do tasks such as writing code or booking travel on behalf of users, according to two people familiar with the matter.

At a staff meeting on Wednesday, OpenAI management announced plans to release a research preview of the tool in January and make it available to developers through an API, one of the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private information.

OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The release comes as the industry accelerates the development of intelligent agents, which are artificial intelligence software that can complete multi-step tasks with minimal user supervision. Previously, artificial intelligence company Anthropic launched a similar intelligent agent that can process information on a user's computer in real time and take actions on behalf of the user. Microsoft, an investor in OpenAI, also recently released a set of intelligent tools to help employees send emails and manage records. Google, a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet, is also reportedly preparing to release an intelligent agent.

OpenAI is working on several research projects related to artificial intelligence, according to three people familiar with the matter. The most advanced project will be a general tool that can perform tasks in a web browser.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at the company's move toward artificial intelligence last month in response to a user question in a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session: "We'll develop more and more advanced models, but I think the next big breakthrough will really be the emergence of artificial intelligence."

OpenAI and its competitors have incurred enormous costs to develop more advanced AI models, but the returns on those investments are diminishing.