Powered by the GPT-6 Astra model, the new agents operate independently in the background, marking OpenAI’s push into autonomous workflows.
OpenAI has launched Dots, a new class of always-on artificial intelligence agents designed to operate independently in the background, marking the company’s most significant move into autonomous agent technology.
Unveiled at OpenAI’s DevDay on September 29, Dots run on the GPT-6 Astra model and feature their own dedicated cloud computer and browser. The system connects to more than 4,000 applications, allowing users to assign ongoing goals that the software pursues around the clock. Unlike traditional prompt-response interfaces, Dots are built to manage long-term tasks, adapt to feedback, and maintain progress between user interactions.
“Your dot is an always-on agent in ChatGPT that can take on ongoing responsibility and keep making progress between conversations,” OpenAI stated in its documentation.
During the keynote presentation, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described the product as an assistant designed to handle continuous background operations while maintaining user-defined boundaries. The agents are accessible across desktop, web, and mobile versions of ChatGPT, as well as through workplace communication platforms including Slack and Microsoft Teams. Voice interaction is currently supported, with text messaging scheduled for a future update.
Rollout and Availability
Access to Dots is rolling out gradually to ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium subscribers in eligible regions, excluding the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom for Pro users. Enterprise, Edu, and Healthcare workspaces can access the feature via a beta program if enabled by network administrators.
The service is unavailable to ChatGPT Plus and Free tier users. According to OpenAI, the initial dot is included without extra charges for eligible plans, alongside extended usage limits during the first month of deployment. While dot creation is currently restricted to desktop applications and web browsers, established agents can be managed via mobile devices.
Operational Capabilities and Guardrails
Each dot functions on an independent cloud environment equipped with its own browser, enabling tasks to proceed even when local user devices are disconnected. Users can connect local hardware optionally, though the setting remains disabled by default and requires explicit authorization.
The system is capable of executing proactive background research using read-only access to integrated applications, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and routing complex decisions requiring human oversight back to the user. Security architecture includes custom rules to block or require approval for specific actions, an automated review layer, and mandatory confirmation protocols for sensitive tasks such as credential updates or financial transactions.
Strategic Positioning
The introduction of Dots follows similar autonomous tool releases across the technology sector, competing with Meta’s Muse and Google’s Gemini Spark. OpenAI is also piloting Specialist Dots tailored for organizational roles such as procurement and customer support, integrating enterprise governance controls through a partnership with Microsoft.
Alongside the Dots rollout, OpenAI introduced a higher-tier Pro 500 subscription plan and a cost-efficient model variant designated GPT-6.1 Sol.