Anthropic, a leading AI startup, introduces a new ‘tool use’ feature for its chatbot, Claude, enhancing workplace utility by enabling access to external services and software. The feature empowers Claude to perform complex tasks beyond text-based interactions, heralding a new era of AI integration in business environments.
Anthropic Introduces “Tool Use” Feature for AI Chatbots to Enhance Workplace Utility
Business
By Will Knight
May 30, 2024
Leading AI startup Anthropic announced the launch of a significant product feature today, called “tool use,” aimed at extending the capabilities of its chatbot, Claude. This feature enables the chatbot to access external services and software, enhancing its functionality in workplace settings.
The function allows Claude to perform tasks beyond simple text-based interactions. For example, Claude can now use a calculator to solve complex math problems, access databases to retrieve customer information, and utilize various programs on a user’s computer. This advancement is geared towards making AI more integrated and useful in business contexts.
Online tutoring company Study Fetch has already integrated Claude’s new abilities to modify their user interface and syllabus content, showing one early application of this technology.
Anthropic’s announcement coincides with other AI advancements from companies like Google, which showcased prototype AI agents at its I/O developer conference for tasks such as managing online shopping returns.
Despite these developments, companies like Google and Anthropic are proceeding cautiously, mindful of potential reliability issues. Limiting AI agents to specific tasks within controlled workflows could mitigate errors and enhance reliability.
Additionally, the market for robotic process automation (RPA) is poised for growth, with AI-driven enhancements projected to escalate the market value from $29 billion to $65 billion by 2027, according to IDC.
Adept AI, another competitor in the AI space founded by ex-OpenAI VP David Luan, emphasizes the need for AI agents to understand task objectives and execution steps to improve their reliability and flexibility across various workplaces.
The introduction of “tool use” represents a step towards creating more intelligent and competent AI systems suitable for diverse business applications.
Tech
By Kylie Robison
May 30, 2024
Anthropic also revealed that the “tool use” feature will allow users to create personalized assistants for tasks such as purchasing shoes or managing emails. This feature integrates with external APIs and is available through Anthropic’s Messages API, Amazon Bedrock, and Google Vertex AI. Pricing is based on the number of tokens processed.
The company has been beta-testing this feature since April with several customers, including Study Fetch, which developed an AI tutor named Spark.E. This aligns with similar developments by Google and OpenAI in creating personalized AI assistants for various tasks.
Anthropic’s new tool expands the possibilities for users to develop customized AI solutions, positioning the company as a significant player in the evolving AI landscape.
