OpenAI has launched Deep Research, a cutting-edge tool designed to conduct multi-step internet research, analyze data, and produce comprehensive reports in record time. The company claims this AI-driven agent can match the output of a human research analyst in mere minutes, significantly streamlining knowledge work across various industries.
What is Deep Research?
Deep Research is an advanced AI agent that can independently search, analyze, and synthesize information from hundreds of online sources. Unlike previous AI tools, which required more manual input, this new agent operates autonomously once given a prompt.
Powered by a specialized version of OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, Deep Research is optimized for data analysis and web browsing, enabling it to process vast amounts of text, images, and PDFs with high-level reasoning. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman describes the tool as a major leap toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), as it enables AI to consolidate and generate knowledge, a core component of human-level intelligence.
How Deep Research Works
OpenAI trained Deep Research using reinforcement learning, allowing it to execute multi-step research tasks, react dynamically to new information, and even backtrack when necessary. The AI can analyze complex real-world challenges, making it invaluable for professionals in:
- Science and Engineering – Researching cutting-edge developments
- Finance and Business – Analyzing market trends and risk factors
- Healthcare and Medicine – Processing vast medical literature for insights
- Linguistics and Social Sciences – Synthesizing knowledge across disciplines
The tool cites sources for every claim, ensuring transparency and credibility. Each research task takes between five and 30 minutes, delivering insights much faster than traditional research methods.
Deep Research in Action
OpenAI released a demo video showcasing Deep Research at work within global consulting firm Bain & Company. In the clip, Bain’s Director of Research & Data Services, Reem Anchassi, highlights how the tool efficiently analyzed the global semiconductor shortage, identifying root causes and impacted industries.
Anchassi noted that Deep Research accelerates analysts’ productivity by handling time-consuming data synthesis, allowing researchers to focus on higher-level strategic tasks.
Beyond Professional Use—AI for Smart Shopping
Beyond business and research applications, OpenAI claims Deep Research can assist consumers in making well-informed purchasing decisions. The tool can curate personalized recommendations for complex purchases like cars, appliances, and furniture, offering expert-level insights to shoppers.
Availability and Future Developments
Deep Research is currently available in ChatGPT’s web interface, with plans to roll it out on mobile and desktop apps over the next month. OpenAI also envisions integrating Deep Research with its Operator AI, which can take real-world actions. This would allow ChatGPT to not only research but also execute tasks asynchronously, marking a major step toward autonomous AI agents.
With its ability to synthesize and create knowledge at scale, Deep Research is set to revolutionize the way professionals, businesses, and individuals access and interpret information.
