Perplexity Launches Autonomous AI System
AI startup Perplexity just introduced "Perplexity Computer," a multi-model AI system that can autonomously create and execute entire workflows. The platform is aimed at enterprise clients, signaling a shift in the AI race from single models to fully integrated, automated business process solutions.
Founded in August 2022 by former researchers from OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Databricks, Perplexity AI has rapidly grown, reaching a valuation of over $9 billion with more than $1.22 billion in total funding. The company's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, previously held research positions at OpenAI, Google Brain, and DeepMind. Perplexity Computer is not a single AI model but an orchestration platform that coordinates 19 different specialized AI models. It uses Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.6 for core reasoning and task delegation, while leveraging models like Google's Gemini for deep research. This multi-model approach allows it to break down a user's goal into sub-tasks and assign the best AI for each specific job. The system operates as a "general-purpose digital worker" within a secure cloud environment, capable of performing tasks that run asynchronously for hours or even months. Beyond answering questions, it can execute full workflows, including coding applications, performing web research, generating documents, and integrating with services via API calls. This launch signals a broader industry trend away from simple AI chatbots and toward autonomous "agentic" systems that can manage entire processes. Companies like ServiceNow are also introducing an "Autonomous Workforce" to handle enterprise tasks, indicating a market shift toward AI as an active collaborator rather than a passive tool. Initially, Perplexity Computer is available exclusively to "Perplexity Max" subscribers for $200 per month. The service operates on a credit-based system, reflecting the high computational cost of running multiple advanced AI models in parallel for complex projects. A wider rollout to Pro and Enterprise users is planned for the coming weeks.
