Microsoft says AI tools for businesses will aid human workers, not replace them

Microsoft is gearing up to launch its AI tools for businesses next month, which will enable users to create 'agents' designed to handle specific work tasks.

These ‘agents’ are essentially pared-down versions of AI assistants, programmed for singular tasks or a tight focus area, capable of operating on their own steam. Earlier this year, announced it was introducing the ability to create agents within its Copilot AI assistant, and the tech giant has now confirmed these tools will enter public preview next month inside its Copilot Studio tool.

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The firm is also rolling out an array of 10 ready-made autonomous agents that promise to turbo charge teams across sales, service, finance, and supply chain domains by creating business value. These ready-to-go agents are trainable on a company’s unique data sets and records, ready to deliver tailor-made support.

Jared Spataro, who directs AI marketing at work for Microsoft, said: "Copilot is your AI assistant— it works for you — and Copilot Studio enables you to easily create, manage and connect agents to Copilot."

"Think of agents as the new apps for an AI-powered . Every organisation will have a constellation of agents — ranging from simple prompt-and-response to fully autonomous. They will work on behalf of an individual, team or function to execute and orchestrate businesses process."

"Copilot is how you’ll interact with these agents, and they’ll do everything from accelerating lead generation and processing sales orders to automating your supply chain."

Microsoft has announced that over half of the Fortune 500 companies in the US are already integrating Copilot tools into their operations. Amidst a surge in AI , major global tech players are launching AI-driven tools for users, vying for dominance in the burgeoning market.

While some critics voice concerns about AI's impact on employment, Microsoft positions its offerings as collaborative aids for human workers, not replacements. "New autonomous agents enable customers to move from legacy lines of business applications to AI-first business process," Mr Spataro explained.

"These new agents are designed to help every sales, service, finance and supply chain team drive business value — and are just the start." He further promised the creation of numerous additional agents within the next year to provide customers with the edge needed to future-proof their organisations.