Skip to content
, home

#17AI agentsPublished

Role.

What happens when we delegate a role rather than a task?

ThenewB drawing #17, “Role”. Before, the human gives a task to AI, which returns a result and stops. Now, the human gives a role to an agent that observes, decides and acts in a loop.

In ten seconds

In September 2026, OpenAI introduced Dots: agents that receive a role and loop through observing, deciding and acting, instead of performing a task and stopping.

Signal

In September 2026, OpenAI introduced Dots: agents that receive a role and loop through observing, deciding and acting, instead of performing a task and stopping.

Paradox

A task has an end. A role does not, and nobody approves each step.

Implication

Delegating a role requires a written mandate, with a scope, limits and stop conditions. Without it, accountability blurs.

Sources

  • OpenAI, Introducing Dots, September 2026

Domains concerned

Related analyses

All perspectives

Ready to think differently?

Talk to us