On Tuesday, Microsoft unveiled two new artificial intelligence (AI) agents designed to enhance its 365 Copilot suite, specifically catering to enterprise users. Named Researcher and Analyst, these tools are engineered to handle intricate research and data analysis tasks. Constructed using OpenAI’s models and further refined by Microsoft, they promise improved capabilities for businesses. Additionally, the tech company introduced new features in Copilot Studio aimed at simplifying the process of creating AI agents and incorporating autonomous functionalities.
Microsoft Unveils New AI Agents
This latest announcement positions Microsoft alongside major tech firms such as Adobe, Alibaba, Google, and Nvidia in the race to develop advanced AI agents. In a blog post, the company detailed how Researcher and Analyst will support enterprise clients in their research and analytical endeavors, with availability for clients set to begin in April.
The Researcher agent utilizes OpenAI’s advanced research framework, combined with Microsoft 365 Copilot’s orchestration and search capabilities. It is designed to manage complex, multi-step research projects, assisting with tasks such as product development and the preparation of quarterly client presentations. Equipped to access both internal work data and online information, it can connect to external data sources like SalesForce and ServiceNow, effectively breaking down information silos.
Complementing this is the Analyst agent, which leverages OpenAI’s o3-mini model. This AI tool specializes in processing raw data to deliver insights that are accessible and actionable for businesses. Microsoft describes Analyst as a digital counterpart to a skilled data scientist, using a chain-of-thought approach that mirrors human reasoning. Furthermore, it has the capability to execute Python code, allowing it to tackle complex data queries.
In addition, Microsoft announced enhancements to Copilot Studio through a LinkedIn post, introducing two features: deep reasoning and agent flows. The deep reasoning capability allows agents to undertake analysis that necessitates detailed understanding and structured thinking. By accessing only internal data sources, this feature enables enterprises to generate comprehensive reports on market demand forecasts or improve supply chain efficiency.
The agent flows feature introduced in Copilot Studio equips businesses with the ability to implement structured, rule-based workflows involving multi-step tasks. This functionality is particularly suitable for repetitive processes like document handling, financial approvals, and compliance monitoring.
Finally, Microsoft has rolled out the possibility for fully autonomous agents within Copilot Studio. These agents can independently react to predefined triggers, such as specific client emails, and manage tasks without requiring human oversight. The initiative includes over 50 pre-installed triggers that cover various business processes, including engagement management, supplier discovery, and fraud prevention.
