AI Assistants Poised to Become Virtual Coworkers
Key Takeaway
Large language models like chatbots will evolve from just answering questions to becoming virtual agents capable of performing actions on your computer, essentially becoming AI coworkers that can help automate tasks.
Summary
- Companies are building AI assistants that can connect to APIs and software to execute administrative tasks, like scheduling meetings or filing expenses.
- Other startups are teaching agents to recognize UI elements and make keyboard/mouse inputs to interact with apps directly.
- In the short term, assistants will focus on simple, repetitive tasks. Over 4-8 years, they'll handle more complex workflows.
- Experts believe AI coworkers will boost productivity but won't eliminate jobs. Humans may work less and focus more on creative, social tasks.
- Some optimistic forecasts see AI enabling a 4-day work week in 5 years. But middle-income jobs may decline as bots take over routine duties.
- As capabilities improve, AI will reshape industries: nurses, paralegals, researchers, and programmers will take on more high-level work aided by AI.
- OpenAI and Anthropic are already connecting LLMs to external APIs and apps to teach assistants new skills.