Microsoft expands Copilot into an autonomous workplace agent

Microsoft has announced an update to Copilot enabling it to build applications, execute multi-step tasks, and act as an autonomous workplace agent.

• Microsoft announced an update featuring new tabs, including a programming tab that turns natural-language descriptions into applications, dashboards, and automations.
• Microsoft introduced an 'Autopilot' agent designed to execute tasks automatically in the background with minimal user intervention.
• Microsoft said its 'Cowork' tool can be delegated full multi-step tasks, including searching institutional data, preparing documents, and arranging meetings, pending user consent on sensitive actions.
• Microsoft is building 'Agent Identities' in its Entra system, giving each agent a digital identity with defined access and permissions that administrators can monitor or revoke.