Opera’s new Browser Operator turns web browsers into AI-powered autonomous agents

It’ll shop ’til you drop it.

Opera’s Browser Operator represents a significant leap in browser technology, introducing AI-powered autonomous task completion that could fundamentally change how users interact with the web. This advancement shifts browsers from passive display engines to active agents capable of executing complex tasks, marking a potential transformation in how people navigate and complete online activities.

The big picture: Opera has unveiled Browser Operator, an AI agent that runs natively within the browser to autonomously complete user-requested tasks.

• EVP Krystian Kolondra describes this as the first step in transforming browsers from display engines to agentic applications that actively work for users.
• The system operates entirely client-side, protecting user privacy while leveraging the browser’s native capabilities for enhanced performance.

Key capabilities: Browser Operator functions as an autonomous agent with sophisticated abilities to understand and execute user commands.

• The AI can perform complex tasks like purchasing specific items when given natural language instructions (e.g., buying size 8.5 pink Nike running shoes).
• Users maintain control by monitoring the agent’s actions throughout the process.

Technical innovation: The system’s architecture represents a significant advancement in browser-based AI implementation.

• Browser Operator accesses the DOM Tree and layout data directly, eliminating the need for pixel-based screen understanding or mouse pointer navigation.
• The agent can process entire pages instantly without scrolling, reducing overhead and processing time.

Why this matters: By eliminating the need for virtual machines or cloud servers, Opera’s approach could set a new standard for efficient, privacy-conscious AI integration in web browsers.

What’s next: The feature is currently in preview status and will be released through Opera’s Feature Drop program, with demonstrations available on Opera’s official YouTube channel.