AI agents in 2026: what they can already do instead of humans

Working with a computer

AI agents can already interact with the computer interface: opening websites, clicking buttons, entering text, and executing sequences of actions.

OpenAI introduced the Computer-Using Agent, which is capable of interacting with interfaces just like a human user. This technology became the foundation for Operator.

In 2026, Google is also advancing computer use capabilities in Gemini. The model can analyze interfaces and perform actions in browsers and other environments.

Searching and gathering information

An AI agent can independently carry out several stages of research: finding information, opening sources, comparing data, and preparing results.

Google is developing these capabilities in AI Search. Users can assign more complex tasks, and the system performs the necessary actions instead of requiring sequential manual searches.

For journalists, this could mean automating parts of research: collecting documents, searching for information about companies, and conducting preliminary analysis of materials.

Writing and checking code

AI agents are already capable of working with full projects, not just generating individual code snippets.

They can locate relevant files, modify code, run commands, and verify results. OpenAI has added such capabilities to the Agents SDK.

Anthropic is also advancing Claude Code—an agent-based tool that works directly with codebases and can perform development tasks.

Working with files

An agent can receive multiple documents, find the required information within them, process the data, and create a new file.

Such capabilities are already being used in tools from OpenAI and Anthropic. Agents SDK supports file operations and command execution in an isolated environment.

Claude Code can also work with files, run code, and execute sequences of actions.

Performing tasks across multiple services

AI agents are gradually learning to combine multiple tools into a single workflow.

For example, an agent might receive a task to prepare a report: find data, process a spreadsheet, write text, and save the document.

OpenAI is developing workspace agents for such repetitive workflows. They can use connected tools and perform tasks on behalf of the user.

Performing tasks independently

In 2026, OpenAI introduced the Agents API for creating cloud-based agents. They can work with files, execute code, save intermediate results, and use multiple agents for a single task.

This allows handing over not just individual commands to AI, but entire processes.

For example: find information → analyze data → prepare a document → save the result.

Where humans remain involved

AI agents still cannot fully replace humans in most complex workflows. Key limitations relate to errors, security, and the need to monitor system actions.

Anthropic highlights risks associated with misinterpretation of tasks, unintended actions, and prompt injection attacks.

Therefore, currently AI agents mainly replace individual operations rather than entire professions.

In 2026, they can already search for information, interact with computers and files, write code, and execute multi-step processes. The next step is to combine these capabilities into a fully-fledged digital executor to whom you can assign a task and receive a ready-made result.