Anthropic Announces New “Computer Use” Feature That Allows AI to Control Your Computer Like Moving Cursor, Opening Browser

Anthropic has recently unveiled an innovative feature called Computer Use, integrated into its Claude 3.5 Sonnet model. This capability allows the AI to interact with computers in a manner akin to human users, enabling it to perform tasks such as moving the cursor, opening browsers, and executing code. This development marks a significant leap in AI functionality, particularly for developers and programmers.

Understanding Computer Use

How It Works

The Computer Use feature operates through a dedicated API that developers can leverage to enable Claude to perform various tasks on a computer. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions:

User Prompt: Developers provide Claude with specific tasks via prompts, such as “Save a picture of a cat to my desktop.”
Tool Activation: Claude assesses whether it can assist with the request using predefined tools.
Execution: Once it identifies the necessary actions, Claude constructs a tool use request that is executed in a controlled environment (like a virtual machine).
Task Completion: Claude continues to interact with the computer until the task is completed, returning results back to the user.

Key Features

Coordinate Support: One of the standout features is its ability to understand and manipulate screen coordinates. This allows Claude to provide precise instructions for cursor movements, which was previously a limitation in AI models.
General Computer Skills: Unlike previous models that were limited to specific tasks, Claude is designed to handle a wide range of software applications, making it versatile for various automation needs.

Applications and Benefits

Automation for Developers

The primary audience for this feature is developers who can utilize it for:

Automating Repetitive Tasks: Tasks that require multiple steps can be automated, significantly reducing time and effort.
Building and Testing Software: Developers can instruct Claude to navigate through software interfaces, perform tests, and even debug code.
Conducting Research: The AI can assist in gathering information by navigating web pages and filling out forms based on user data.

Real-World Use Cases

Several companies are already exploring this capability:

Replit is integrating Claude’s Computer Use feature into its platform to enhance app evaluation processes.
Other organizations like Canva and DoorDash are experimenting with automating complex workflows that involve numerous steps.

Safety Considerations

While the potential of this technology is immense, Anthropic has acknowledged the associated risks. The company emphasizes safety measures against potential misuse, such as prompt injection attacks where malicious commands could override user instructions. Developers are encouraged to start with low-risk tasks while the technology matures.

Anthropic’s Computer Use feature represents a groundbreaking advancement in AI capabilities, allowing for more human-like interaction with computers. As this technology evolves, it holds promise not only for enhancing productivity among developers but also for transforming how we approach automation across various industries. With ongoing feedback from early adopters, we can expect rapid improvements in its functionality and safety measures.