Perplexity Unveils AI Workflow Automation
AI developer Perplexity just launched "Computer," a multi-model AI system designed to autonomously create and execute entire business workflows. The platform aims to automate complex knowledge work, potentially representing a major step forward in how enterprise tasks are managed.
Founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, Perplexity has rapidly achieved a valuation of $20 billion as of September 2025. The company has secured $1.22 billion in total funding from prominent investors including Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2. Perplexity's "Computer" is designed to function as a "digital employee," moving beyond single-task AI agents to manage and execute complex, long-running workflows that can last for hours or even months. The system operates by breaking down a user's described outcome into subtasks and assigning specialized sub-agents to execute them, including research, coding, and data analysis. Unlike single-model chatbots, "Computer" orchestrates 19 different AI models, assigning each to the task it's best suited for. At launch, this includes using Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.6 for core reasoning, Google's Gemini for in-depth research, and OpenAI's ChatGPT 5.2 for tasks requiring long-context recall. This move into workflow automation positions Perplexity against a market projected to reach $78 billion by 2030, with established players like UiPath and a growing number of AI-native solutions. The workflow automation market was valued at over $20 billion in 2023, with forecasts expecting it to reach $40.77 billion by 2031. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas envisions AI evolving from simple tools to managing entire workflows, stating that "The AI is the Computer." He has previously discussed how Perplexity's AI browser, Comet, could automate roles like recruiters and administrative assistants by integrating with applications like Gmail and LinkedIn. Initially, Perplexity Computer is available to Max subscribers, who receive monthly credits for the usage-based system. The company plans to roll out access to Pro and Enterprise users soon after the initial launch phase.
