What is AutoGPT?
AutoGPT is an open-source autonomous AI agent framework that chains together large language model (LLM) calls to accomplish complex tasks with minimal human intervention. It was one of the first widely-adopted implementations of the concept of giving an LLM the ability to recursively call itself with new prompts, creating a loop where the model can plan, execute, and reflect on actions autonomously.
The framework gives GPT-4 or other LLMs access to tools like web browsing, file operations, and code execution, along with memory to track progress across multiple iterations. AutoGPT operates by breaking down user-defined goals into sub-tasks, executing them using available tools, evaluating the results, and continuing until the goal is achieved or it determines it cannot proceed. This autonomous operation represents a shift from traditional prompt-response interactions to goal-directed agent behavior.
AutoGPT gained significant attention in 2023 as an early demonstration of how LLMs could be scaffolded into autonomous agents. While it faced challenges with reliability and cost due to the large number of LLM calls required, it inspired numerous similar projects and helped establish many patterns now common in agent frameworks, including explicit planning steps, tool use, and iterative self-improvement loops.