OpenAI has announced a suite of new APIs and tools designed to streamline the creation of AI agents, addressing the challenges faced by software developers in building production-ready applications.
According to OpenAI, “we’re releasing the first set of building blocks that will help developers and enterprises build useful and reliable agents.” These agents are defined as “systems that independently accomplish tasks on behalf of users.”
The announcement follows a period where OpenAI introduced enhanced model capabilities, including advanced reasoning, multimodal interactions, and new safety techniques. However, feedback from developers highlighted the difficulties in translating these capabilities into practical applications.
“Customers have shared that turning these capabilities into production-ready agents can be challenging, often requiring extensive prompt iteration and custom orchestration logic without sufficient visibility or built-in support,” OpenAI stated.
To tackle these issues, OpenAI is launching:
- Responses API: This new API combines the simplicity of the Chat Completions API with the tool-use capabilities of the Assistants API, designed to simplify agent development.
- Built-in tools: Including web search, file search, and computer use, these tools aim to connect models to real-world information and actions.
- Agents SDK: An open-source SDK designed to orchestrate both single-agent and multi-agent workflows.
- Integrated observability tools: Providing tracing and inspection of agent workflow execution for debugging and optimisation.
The Responses API is positioned as a “new API primitive for leveraging OpenAI’s built-in tools to build agents.” It aims to provide a more flexible foundation for developers, allowing them to “solve increasingly complex tasks using multiple tools and model turns” with a single API call.
Initially, the API will support built-in tools such as web search, file search, and computer use. It also introduces usability improvements, including a unified item-based design and simpler polymorphism.
OpenAI emphasises that the API is designed for developers who want to “easily combine OpenAI models and built-in tools into their apps, without the complexity of integrating multiple APIs or external vendors.”
Alongside the new addition, OpenAI has clarified the future of its existing APIs:
- Chat Completions API: This will remain a core offering, particularly for developers who do not require built-in tools. “Developers who don’t require built-in tools can confidently continue using Chat Completions.”
- Assistants API: Based on developer feedback, key improvements have been incorporated into the Responses API. OpenAI plans to “formally announce the deprecation of the Assistants API with a target sunset date in mid-2026.” A migration guide will be provided to ensure a smooth transition.
The new built-in tools significantly expand the capabilities of AI agents:
- Web search: Developers can now integrate real-time web search into their applications, providing up-to-date information. “Developers can now get fast, up-to-date answers with clear and relevant citations from the web.” This tool is powered by the same model used for ChatGPT search.
- File search: This tool allows developers to retrieve information from large volumes of documents, with support for various file types and advanced search capabilities.
- Computer use: This tool enables agents to perform tasks on a computer, automating workflows through captured mouse and keyboard actions.
The open-source Agents SDK simplifies the orchestration of agentic workflows, offering improvements over the previous Swarm SDK. Key features include configurable agents, intelligent handoffs, guardrails, and tracing and observability tools. This SDK is designed to support various applications, from customer support automation to multi-step research.
OpenAI envisions agents becoming “integral to the workforce,” enhancing productivity across industries. The company says it’s committed to “providing the building blocks that enable developers and enterprises to effectively create autonomous systems that deliver real-world impact.”
With these new tools, OpenAI aims to provide a “seamless platform experience for building agents that can help with a variety of tasks across any industry.”
See also: AI model Claude fully automates Arduino development in demo
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