OpenAI Launches Dots: Always-On AI Agents for Background Tasks
OpenAI’s new Dots are persistent AI agents designed to work independently in the background, using connected apps and cloud computers to complete ongoing tasks while adapting to users’ preferences...
OpenAI has launched Dots, a new class of always-on AI agents designed to work on users’ behalf even when they are not actively interacting with ChatGPT. Announced at DevDay 2026, Dots are powered by GPT-6 Astra and each gets its own cloud computer and browser.
Unlike traditional chatbots that wait for a prompt, Dots can pursue ongoing goals, handle recurring work and follow up across connected services. OpenAI says they can connect to more than 4,000 apps through its plugin ecosystem and communicate through ChatGPT, Slack and Microsoft Teams.
For marketers and businesses, this could make AI more useful for tasks such as monitoring projects, researching information, preparing documents and managing workflows without constant supervision.
However, greater autonomy also creates new risks. OpenAI has built controls for permissions, action approvals and sensitive operations, while reports from early demonstrations highlighted technical issues.
The bigger shift is clear: AI assistants are increasingly moving from answering requests to continuously working toward goals.
