Computer Use API
Definition
Computer Use APIs enable AI models to control computers by viewing screens, moving the mouse, clicking, and typing - allowing autonomous interaction with any software through its visual interface.
Why It Matters
Computer use represents a paradigm shift: instead of building specific integrations for each application, AI can interact with any software through its user interface - just like a human would. This enables automation of legacy systems, desktop applications, and workflows that lack APIs.
How It Works
- Screenshot: Capture current screen state
- Vision: LLM interprets what’s visible
- Decision: Determine next action to take
- Action: Execute mouse/keyboard commands
- Observe: See result and repeat
The AI effectively becomes a “user” of the computer, reasoning about what it sees and acting through standard input devices.
Current Implementations
- Anthropic Computer Use: Claude’s API feature
- OpenAI CUA: Computer-Using Agent
- Open Source: OSWorld, various research projects
Use Cases
Legacy system automation, cross-application workflows, testing and QA, accessibility assistance, and automating tasks in applications without APIs.
Limitations
Slower than direct API integration. Can be brittle with UI changes. Requires careful safety considerations. Higher compute costs for visual processing.