Hugging Face Releases Free Open Computer Agent
Hugging Face has introduced Open Computer Agent, a free, cloud-based AI tool designed to automate tasks within a virtual machine. Accessible through the web, this agent utilizes a pre-loaded Linux environment with applications like Firefox.
Similar to OpenAI's Operator
Much like OpenAI's Operator, Open Computer Agent responds to user prompts. For example, asking it to "find the Hugging Face HQ in Paris using Google Maps" will trigger the agent to open the necessary applications and execute the required steps.
Early Stages and Limitations
While capable of handling simple requests, Open Computer Agent struggles with more complex tasks, such as booking flights. It also encounters difficulties with CAPTCHAs and users may experience wait times due to demand.
We're launching Computer Use in smolagents! [...] As vision models become more capable, they become able to power complex agentic workflows. [...] [Some of these models] support built-in grounding [...] thus [can] click any item [in a virtual machine].
Aymeric Roucher on X (formerly Twitter)
Focus on Open Source Potential
The primary goal for Hugging Face isn't to create a cutting-edge AI agent, but rather to demonstrate the growing capabilities and affordability of open-source AI models on cloud infrastructure. As vision models improve, they can power more complex agentic workflows, according to Hugging Face team member Aymeric Roucher.
Growing Interest in Agentic AI
Despite its current limitations, agentic AI is attracting significant investment. Businesses are exploring its potential to enhance productivity. A recent KPMG survey indicates 65% of companies are experimenting with AI agents. Markets and Markets projects the AI agent market to grow substantially, from $7.84 billion in 2025 to $52.62 billion by 2030.
