Azure AI Foundry Introduces Powerful New Agent-Building Capabilities

Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation with two major updates to Azure AI Foundry: the release of the Responses API and the debut of the Computer-Using Agent (CUA). These advancements significantly expand the platform’s ability to build sophisticated AI agents, driving new levels of automation and usability across enterprise environments.

Unlocking New Potential with the Responses API

Now generally available, the Responses API is designed to be a core enabler for AI-driven workflows. It empowers developers to:

• Automate complex processes

• Invoke functions and chain logic dynamically

• Integrate external AI tools seamlessly

• Retrieve and reason over data

• Interact with files and systems intelligently

In short, the Responses API fuses retrieval, reasoning, and action execution into a single, powerful interface—making it dramatically easier to build AI agents that are capable, responsive, and highly customizable.

Introducing the Computer-Using Agent (CUA)

The Computer-Using Agent marks a significant leap forward in how AI interacts with digital systems. Unlike traditional RPA solutions that rely on rigid, pre-scripted workflows, CUA can see, interpret, and interact with user interfaces in real time—using natural language instructions.

This means CUAs can perform multi-step tasks across software applications without requiring custom scripts, and they can adapt to changing interfaces or workflows. It’s AI-powered automation that’s far more flexible and intuitive than anything seen in legacy systems.

Why These Updates Matter

• Microsoft’s AI Vision: These updates align with Microsoft’s broader goal to establish Azure AI Foundry as the industry standard for building AI solutions—with a comprehensive catalog, built-in safety tools, and now enhanced agent capabilities.

• Streamlined Automation: The Responses API simplifies the development of intelligent apps and agents, allowing organizations to implement advanced automation more quickly and efficiently.

• RPA Reimagined: Enterprises that have heavily invested in robotic process automation (RPA) tools can now leverage those efforts while evolving beyond them. The CUA enables a new generation of automation—more adaptable, more intelligent, and more impactful across a wide range of roles and industries.

For more technical details and use cases, visit the official Microsoft announcement:
Announcing the Responses API and Computer-Using Agent in Azure AI Foundry