Anthropic Targets Workflow Automation With New Claude Agent

Anthropic has launched a new agent application called Claude Duet, aiming to capture the growing market for AI tools that automate professional tasks for businesses. The application is designed to help users manage their workloads by completing requests in the background, operating through a virtual machine to handle specific assignments while the user attends to other matters. The company positions this tool for professionals and small businesses, explicitly noting that it is not designed for personal errands such as booking tickets or running domestic tasks.

Duet operates on a proactive basis, monitoring ongoing tasks to deliver recommendations and suggestions based on user data. It can generate daily briefings and build dashboards, and it is capable of completing tasks in the background. If the application requires user approval to proceed, it will return to the user for authorization. The tool cannot display its browser activity in real time as it operates.

The application is built on the Claude Opus 5.5 model and is designed to connect to over 6,000 connectors and plug-ins available through the Claude Marketplace. This connectivity allows the agent to assist with various tasks, including making online purchases on a user's behalf via digital wallets like Stripe's Link or Shopify's Shop Pay. Sensitive steps, such as making payments, require user approval.

The release of Claude Duet comes as the market for AI assistants shifts toward tools that can act on a user's behalf. Anthropic is competing with several other agents in this space, including Meta Muse, OpenAI Dots, Hark, Instinct, Grok Bot, and Fo. While some competitors focus on personal assistance, many are also developing tools for business use. For example, Meta offers a version of Muse for small businesses with app connections, and OpenAI's Dots integrates with professional tools.

To address security concerns, Anthropic released a new classifier to check messages and prevent sensitive information from leaking. By default, the agent will decline requests for credit card numbers and government identification. The application will not trade securities or move money between accounts.

Claude Duet is currently available as an app on iOS and Android, and on the web through Claude.ai for Pro and Max customers in a research preview. Users must join a waitlist to access the application.