OpenAI unveils 'automated research intern' as part of its roadmap to full AI autonomy

OpenAI has officially reached a key milestone in its roadmap toward developing a fully autonomous AI researcher, scheduled for release in March 2028. The company has introduced an 'automated research intern' capable of executing well-defined research tasks that would typically require several days of human effort. This system is designed to operate under human direction, accelerating complex research workflows. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized that this development is a critical step in the company's long-term strategy to enhance human welfare through AI. Furthermore, the company addressed safety concerns by distancing itself from recursive self-improvement models, citing current technical limitations. This update follows recent internal shifts in safety monitoring and development protocols, particularly in response to previous security incidents. As OpenAI continues to refine its agentic tools, the 'intern' serves as a practical demonstration of how AI can handle labor-intensive, multi-day research processes.