Hugging Face has launched a new experimental AI tool that’s generating buzz across the tech community. Dubbed Open Computer Agent, this cloud-hosted assistant can use a virtual computer — just like a human — to complete tasks online. It’s not perfect yet, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of agentic AI.
Once you land on the platform, Open Computer Agent runs on a Linux virtual machine with pre-installed apps like Firefox. Users can simply type in a request, such as “Look up the Hugging Face HQ on Google Maps,” and the AI will take over — clicking, typing, and navigating the virtual desktop as if it were a human user. It’s similar in concept to OpenAI’s Operator, but Hugging Face is making its version freely available to the public.
However, it’s not without hiccups. The agent handles straightforward tasks reasonably well, but it falters with more complex workflows — like booking flights or dealing with CAPTCHA forms. Users also have to wait in a virtual queue, which can range from a few seconds to several minutes depending on demand.
According to Hugging Face’s Aymeric Roucher, the goal isn’t to compete with commercial-grade AI agents. Instead, the release showcases how rapidly open-source AI tools are evolving. “As vision models become more capable, they’re starting to power full agentic workflows,” Roucher shared on X. He emphasized the role of Qwen-VL models, which can visually ground elements in an image — a key capability that allows the agent to identify and interact with on-screen objects.
Despite its quirks, the Open Computer Agent marks a major step forward for accessible, open AI. With demand rising, this technology could soon reshape how businesses and individuals interact with computers.
Enterprises are already taking note. A KPMG survey recently found that 65% of companies are experimenting with AI agents to automate workflows and improve productivity. Meanwhile, Markets and Markets forecasts the AI agent industry will skyrocket from $7.84 billion in 2025 to $52.62 billion by 2030 — a sign of the immense potential ahead.
