Opera Integrates AI Agent to Automate Web Tasks

Opera is making a bold move in the browser market with the introduction of its AI-powered agent, Browser Operator. This new feature enables the browser to perform automated web-based tasks, marking a shift toward “agentic AI” – where AI actively executes tasks rather than simply generating responses.

Unlike AI features in other browsers, Opera’s Browser Operator is natively integrated, processing commands locally rather than relying on cloud-based AI models. It interacts with web pages using the Document Object Model (DOM), allowing for seamless automation of tasks like price comparisons, news monitoring, and form submissions. If user action is required—such as filling out a form or confirming a purchase—the AI will pause and request input.

According to Opera Senior Vice President Jan Standal, Browser Operator is designed to handle repetitive online tasks, allowing users to focus on more important activities. “Having an AI agent in the browser lets you outsource monotonous tasks while you concentrate on what matters,” said Standal.

Max Vermier, senior director of AI strategy at Abbyy, emphasized the efficiency gains AI agents can bring. “Instead of spending minutes or even hours searching for information, an AI agent can gather and present it within seconds,” he said. Ambuj Kumar, founder of Simbian, echoed this sentiment, describing AI-powered automation as a game-changing productivity tool.

A Unique Approach to AI Integration

Although major browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have incorporated AI features, Opera is the first to natively integrate an AI agent capable of executing web-based tasks autonomously. Sandi Besen, an AI researcher at IBM and Neudesic, highlighted the advantages of Opera’s approach. Unlike AI models that require sending data to the cloud for processing, Browser Operator works locally, enhancing both efficiency and privacy.

“This method eliminates the need for capturing screenshots or sending web interactions to a remote server,” Besen explained. “Instead, the AI directly interacts with the web page’s data, improving speed and keeping sensitive information secure.”

Privacy advocates see this as a significant advantage, particularly when handling login credentials or payment information. Komninos Chatzipapas, founder of HeraHaven AI, pointed out another benefit: since Browser Operator operates locally, users remain logged into their accounts and avoid frequent CAPTCHA challenges, a common issue with cloud-based AI services.

Could AI Give Opera a Competitive Edge?

Opera’s AI innovation comes as the company looks to carve out a larger share of the browser market, where it has long been a niche player. Rob Enderle, president of the Enderle Group, believes this technology could give Opera a competitive advantage.

“Most major browsers are treated as cost centers, with little innovation,” Enderle noted. “If Opera can market this effectively and attract influencers to showcase its benefits, it has the potential to shift market dynamics.”

However, others remain skeptical. Mark N. Vena, an analyst at SmartTech Research, cautioned that Opera’s market impact will depend on user adoption and competition from AI-enhanced browsers like Microsoft Edge with Copilot and Google Chrome with Gemini. Similarly, Ross Rubin of Reticle Research pointed out that AI integration alone hasn’t been enough to drive major shifts in market share.

“The launch of an AI-powered Bing brought significant attention, but it didn’t meaningfully impact Google’s dominance,” Rubin said. “Downloading an entirely new browser is a bigger barrier than switching search engines, so Opera’s AI feature may not dramatically alter its market position.”

The Future of AI-Powered Browsing

Despite skepticism about its market impact, experts agree that AI agents like Browser Operator will soon become standard across all browsers. David Johnston, a contributor to the open-source Morpheus platform, predicts widespread adoption of AI-driven web automation.

“Every browser will eventually integrate AI agents because the productivity gains are too significant to ignore,” Johnston said. “As AI continues to evolve, smart agents will be everywhere, from websites to dedicated apps.”

Standal reinforced this vision, stating that Opera’s Browser Operator is just the beginning of AI’s role in redefining how users interact with the web. “Web browsers exist to empower users and help them manage their online experience efficiently,” he said. “This is just a preview of what AI can achieve when integrated directly into the browsing experience.”