Microsoft is adding AI agents to Copilot for data analysis

Microsoft has introduced two "deeply analytical" agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot, the first of their kind, named Researcher and Analyst, as well as new capabilities for custom AI agents.

Researcher relies on OpenAI's deep research AI model to conduct "complex multi-step research," as well as access to third-party data through connector integrations with sources such as Salesforce or ServiceNow, enabling business customers to obtain analytics from various tools.

Analyst is based on OpenAI's o3-mini reasoning model. Using chain-of-thought reasoning, it can transform raw data into spreadsheets, run Python code that can be viewed during execution, and operate at the level of a qualified data processing specialist, generating reports.

These tools are scheduled to begin deployment in April for Microsoft 365 Copilot license holders as part of the early access program, along with new autonomous agent capabilities already being rolled out in Copilot Studio.

The new agent flows in Copilot are powerful enough to "automate any task you can imagine," using rule-based workflows that include AI actions.

Source: The Verge