Anthropic Introduces Computer Use Capability: What You Need to Know

Yesterday, October 22, 2024, Anthropic announced a groundbreaking new capability in public beta: computer use.

Per the announcement, this feature allows Claude to “interact with computers the way humans do—by perceiving screen content, moving a cursor, clicking buttons, and typing text.” Available now through the API, this advancement opens up new possibilities for automation and assistance.

What Is Computer Use?

Unlike traditional AI interactions that rely on text exchanges or specific API integrations, computer use enables Claude to directly interact with what's on your screen. This means it can:

• Navigate through applications and websites

• Click buttons and interact with UI elements

• Type text where needed

• Process and respond to visual information on screen

This is part of a broader concept around AI Agents.

Computer Use (the new Anthropic feature):

• A specific capability that lets AI interact with computer interfaces visually

• Focuses on direct interaction with screens, like moving cursors and clicking buttons

• Limited to performing actions on computer screens, similar to how a human would use a computer

AI Agents (broader concept):

• More general term for autonomous AI systems that can perceive, decide, and take actions

• Can include various capabilities beyond just computer interaction

• Examples range from simple chatbots to complex systems used in different industries

• May involve different types of automation and decision-making capabilities

Real-World Applications

The computer use feature can simplify various daily tasks, e.g.:

Digital Organization

• Sort files into appropriate folders

• Set up shortcuts for frequently used applications

• Customize system settings for optimal productivity

Travel Planning

• Research destinations across multiple sites

• Compare flight options

• Book accommodations

• Compile comprehensive travel itineraries

Calendar and Email Management

• Schedule meetings

• Draft and send emails

• Organize messages into folders

• Navigate between different calendar views

Current Limitations and Best Practices

Developers should note that this is a beta release with some limitations. Anthropic recommends:

• Starting with simple, low-risk tasks

• Being aware that some actions (like scrolling and dragging) have limitations

• Testing thoroughly before implementing more complex operations

Safety and Testing

Anthropic has prioritized safety in developing this feature, collaborating with both the US and UK AI Safety Institutes for pre-deployment testing. The feature has been evaluated under the ASL-2 standard, which indicates that while the technology is powerful, its capabilities are appropriately constrained for safe public use.

What This Means

Think about how a lot of the more accessible AI works today…kind of like having a really smart friend who you can only talk to through text messages. They can give you great advice and write things for you, but they can't actually help you DO things on your computer. If you want them to help you book a flight, they can tell you the steps, but you have to do all the clicking and typing yourself.

OK, now imagine that friend can suddenly “see” your computer screen and control your mouse and keyboard. They can actually DO things for you: click buttons, fill out forms, move between different websites, and type information where it needs to go.

The big deal is that this works with any program or website that shows up on your screen - no special connections or setups needed. It's like giving AI the ability to use a computer the same way you do.

To reiterate, this feature is still in testing and has limitations, but it's a big step forward from AI that can only give you advice or instructions.

You can watch a demonstration from Anthropic here: