OpenAI CEO Predicts Virtual Employees Could Enter the Workforce as Early as This Year

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman anticipates that virtual employees will join the workforce this year, revolutionizing the way companies function. As AI companies aim to recoup significant investments in technology, AI agents capable of performing autonomous tasks are poised to emerge. Microsoft and consulting firm McKinsey are among the pioneers in adopting these technologies.

In a recent blog post, Altman stated, "In 2025, we might witness the first AI agents 'joining' the workforce and significantly altering company outputs." OpenAI is reportedly set to release an AI agent named "Operator" this month, which can perform tasks such as writing code or booking travel on behalf of users. Microsoft's Copilot Studio and Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet AI model have also introduced similar functionalities.

McKinsey is developing an AI agent to manage new client inquiries, including scheduling follow-up meetings. The firm estimates that by 2030, up to 30% of working hours in the U.S. economy could be automated. Microsoft's AI head, Mustafa Suleyman, indicated that AI agents will be able to make independent purchasing decisions within the next few years, although development has encountered challenges.

Altman also mentioned in his blog that OpenAI has mastered the construction of AGI and is now focusing on achieving "superintelligence," a form of intelligence that greatly exceeds human capabilities. He believes that superintelligent tools could accelerate scientific discovery and innovation, leading to substantial increases in prosperity and abundance.

Furthermore, in a Q&A with Bloomberg, Altman stated that he expects Elon Musk to continue legal battles with OpenAI but does not believe Musk will use his influence within the Trump administration to undermine the company. Musk had previously issued a challenge for an MMA-style fight with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in 2023, but it did not materialize.