- The Upload
- Posts
- OpenAI’s Big AI Agent Play
OpenAI’s Big AI Agent Play
Autonomous Workflows Are Here
OpenAI is making a major move into autonomous AI agents, Meta is doubling down on AI-powered search, and IBM just revealed that nearly all developers are interested in AI agents—setting the stage for a shift in how businesses use AI. Meanwhile, a stealth startup is letting AI run its own lab experiments, and China’s Manus AI just struck a deal that could make it a global player.
In Today’s Upload:
🤖 OpenAI’s new platform helps developers build autonomous AI agents
🔍 Meta integrates AI-powered search directly into its platforms
🏭 A stealth startup is letting AI conduct real-world lab experiments
🌍 China’s Manus AI just partnered with Alibaba—here’s what it means
Let’s get into it.

Image source: OpenAI
🤖 OpenAI’s launches new tools for building agents
OpenAI is rolling out new tools that let developers build their own AI agents, aiming to make autonomous AI a reality in business workflows.
Key Details:
The Responses API combines web search, file analysis, and workflow automation in one platform.
The Agents SDK lets developers build multi-agent AI systems that can collaborate and self-monitor.
Companies like Stripe and Box are already using OpenAI’s tools to create invoice-handling and document-processing agents.
Why it matters:
This is OpenAI’s biggest push yet into AI that can do real work, not just answer questions. With smaller companies like Manus and Convergence gaining ground in AI automation, OpenAI is positioning itself as the go-to platform for businesses deploying AI agents.
What it means for you:
If AI agents can now search, manage files, and perform workflows independently, they’re about to become an integral part of business operations. Expect companies to start automating entire workflows, from sales outreach to customer service.

Image source: Dima Solomin / Unsplash
🔍 Meta integrates AI-powered search directly into its platforms
Meta is rolling out a new AI-powered search experience across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—turning its social platforms into intelligent information hubs.
Key Details:
The AI system answers questions inside the platform using Meta’s Llama models.
AI search will help users find posts, reels, and conversations faster without needing manual keyword searches.
Meta is testing this feature in select markets before a full rollout.
Why it matters:
Social media isn’t just about content anymore—it’s becoming an AI-driven knowledge network. Instead of scrolling endlessly, users will be able to ask Meta’s AI and get direct, personalized answers.
What it means for you:
If you create content or run a business on Meta’s platforms, optimizing for AI search will be just as important as traditional SEO. Brands will need to adjust their content strategies to stay visible in AI-generated results.

Image source: Lila
🏭 A stealth startup is letting AI conduct real-world lab experiments
Lila Sciences just emerged from stealth, revealing an AI model that can run its own lab experiments—already leading to scientific breakthroughs.
Key Details:
AI has already generated new disease-fighting antibodies and identified a potential carbon capture breakthrough.
Unlike traditional AI used for data analysis, this AI is actually controlling lab experiments with minimal human input.
The startup secured $200M in funding to expand its AI-driven research.
Why it matters:
AI is no longer just analyzing results—it’s creating scientific discoveries. This could dramatically accelerate drug discovery, climate research, and materials science.
What it means for you:
AI-driven R&D could replace years of trial-and-error experiments with rapid, automated discoveries—leading to faster medical and technological breakthroughs.

Image Source: Manus
🌍 China’s Manus AI partners with Alibaba
Manus AI, the Chinese autonomous AI agent that’s been making waves, just struck a major partnership with Alibaba’s Qwen AI team—expanding its capabilities to millions of new users.
Key Details:
The partnership will integrate Manus’s AI agents with Qwen’s open-source language models.
This move positions Manus as China’s leading AI automation platform.
Manus already outperformed OpenAI’s Deep Research tool in recent benchmarks.
Why it matters:
China is rapidly advancing AI agent technology, and this deal could push Manus to global prominence. While OpenAI dominates in the U.S., China’s AI industry is building its own ecosystem at an aggressive pace.
What it means for you:
Expect China’s AI tools to become more competitive globally. If you work with AI automation, keeping an eye on Chinese AI advancements will be crucial.
🎯 Key Takeaways
OpenAI is all-in on AI agents – Its new platform gives businesses the tools to build autonomous AI.
Meta is turning social media into AI-powered search – Content creators will need to adapt to AI-driven visibility.
AI is now performing real-world science experiments – This could revolutionize R&D across industries.
China’s AI industry is expanding fast – Manus AI’s deal with Alibaba cements its dominance in AI automation.
AI tools are becoming essential – If you’re not using AI-powered productivity tools yet, you’re falling behind.