OpenAI Developing AI Agent to Replace Software Engineers CFO Says
OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar said the startup is building an artificial intelligence AI agent that can do all the work of software engineers not just augment
OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar revealed at the Goldman Sachs Disruptive Technology Symposium in London that the company is developing an AI agent named A-SWE (Agentic Software Engineer) capable of fully replacing human software engineers. Unlike current tools like GitHub Copilot, which augment engineers, A-SWE can independently build apps, handle quality assurance, bug testing, and documentation—tasks engineers often dislike.
Key Highlights
- A-SWE: OpenAI's third agentic AI tool, following Deep Research (comprehensive reports) and Operator (web-based tasks like booking travel).
- Beyond Augmentation: Unlike Copilot, A-SWE is designed to replace engineers, not just assist them.
- Precedent: Last year, Cognition AI launched Devin, the first AI software engineer.
GPT-4.5: More Human-Like
Friar also discussed GPT-4.5, OpenAI's latest model, which emphasizes emotional intelligence (EQ). "We spent a lot more time training it to have what Silicon Valley loves to call vibes," she said. The model excels in creative tasks like design and writing, feeling "very human."
OpenAI's Vertical Expansion
Friar compared OpenAI's infrastructure investments to Amazon's AWS strategy. The $500 billion Stargate project—a collaboration with SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX—aims to build AI-optimized data centers. Partners include:
Stargate will address OpenAI's compute shortages, which delayed projects like the video-generation model Sora by nearly a year. The project aims to deliver 10 gigawatts—surpassing Ireland’s total electricity consumption.
Growth and IPO Prospects
- Revenue: Tripled annually for three consecutive years.
- Users: 400 million weekly active users.
- IPO: Not imminent but "good hygiene" for the future, Friar noted.
Workforce Concerns
A PYMNTS Intelligence report found over 50% of respondents fear AI could cause "significant job displacement." Read more: GenAI: A Generational Look at AI Usage and Attitudes.
External Links
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About the Author
Dr. Emily Wang
AI Product Strategy Expert
Former Google AI Product Manager with 10 years of experience in AI product development and strategy formulation. Led multiple successful AI products from 0 to 1 development process, now provides product strategy consulting for AI startups while writing AI product analysis articles for various tech media outlets.