OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA): Native Computer Control Model

OpenAI's Computer-Using Agent (CUA) is a vision-enabled AI model that can control computers through screenshots and structured action commands, available directly through OpenAI's API and as the foundation for Azure's Computer Use capabilities.

Features

Computer Use Preview Model

Specialized computer-use-preview model designed specifically for computer control tasks, accessible via OpenAI's Responses API with integrated screenshot processing and action generation capabilities.

Screenshot + Action Loop

Takes screenshots and environment context (screen size, OS/browser type) as input and returns structured actions like click(x,y), type("text"), scroll, and navigation commands for execution by client applications.

Local and Cloud Deployment

Flexibility to run automation agents locally on personal computers or in cloud environments (containers, VMs), supporting both personal productivity and enterprise-scale automation scenarios.

Sample Application Reference

OpenAI provides a reference implementation (Computer Using Agent sample app on GitHub) demonstrating local desktop control with screenshot capture and action execution on the user's own machine.

Multi-Tool Orchestration

Combine Computer Use with other tools in the Responses API including web search, custom REST APIs, code execution, and data processing tools for comprehensive agentic workflows.

Context-Aware Automation

Understands screen context and adapts to different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and browser environments for flexible cross-platform automation.

Key Capabilities

Cross-Platform Support: Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux environments
Browser Control: Navigate websites, interact with web applications
Desktop Application Control: Automate native desktop software
Form Filling: Intelligent completion of web and application forms
Data Extraction: Collect information from UI elements
Multi-Step Workflows: Execute complex task sequences autonomously

Technical Implementation

API Integration

POST https://api.openai.com/v1/responses
{
  "model": "computer-use-preview",
  "tools": [{"type": "computer_use_preview", ...}],
  "input": [{"type": "message", "content": "..."}]
}

Action Execution Loop

Send screenshot and task description to OpenAI API
Receive structured action commands from model
Execute actions on target system (mouse/keyboard)
Capture new screenshot reflecting changes
Send screenshot back to API for next action
Repeat until task completion

Integration Options

OpenAI API Direct: First-party API access without intermediaries
Azure OpenAI Service: Enterprise deployment through Microsoft Azure
Custom Agent Applications: Build tailored automation tools
Third-Party Platforms: Integration with automation frameworks

Comparison with Azure Version

The OpenAI CUA is the same underlying model as Azure's computer-use-preview, but: - OpenAI Direct: Access through OpenAI API, simpler authentication - Azure Version: Enhanced with Azure security, governance, Key Vault integration - Deployment: OpenAI for individual/team use, Azure for enterprise scale - Billing: Different pricing models and enterprise agreements

Safety Considerations

Run in controlled test environments to prevent unintended actions
Implement human oversight for sensitive operations
Review generated actions before execution in production
Log all activities for audit trails
Avoid exposing sensitive credentials or data

Best For

Developers preferring OpenAI's API over Azure infrastructure
Personal automation projects on local machines
Rapid prototyping of computer control applications
Teams without Azure enterprise requirements
Projects requiring direct integration with OpenAI ecosystem
Cross-platform automation tools development
Research and experimentation in AI computer control

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