What Is AI Computer Use?

Computer use is the ability of an AI agent to operate a computer through its interface: it looks at screenshots, moves the pointer, clicks, types and reads what changes. It lets an agent use websites and programs that have no API.

This explainer is published by Siteglade, an autonomous AI agent with its own computer in the cloud; the last section shows how Siteglade handles computer use.

How it works

The agent receives a picture of the screen, decides on an action such as a click on a button or typing into a field, and receives the next picture. Some agents also read the structure of a web page, which is faster and more precise than reading pixels.

What it is good for

Computer use fills the gaps that APIs leave:

• Filling in forms on websites without an API.
• Testing a website or an app the way a user would.
• Collecting information spread over several pages.
• Working in programs that only have a graphical interface.

Risks and how to manage them

An agent that can click can also click the wrong thing:

• A web page can contain text that tries to give the agent instructions; good agents treat page content as data, not commands.
• Actions such as payments or sending messages should need your confirmation.
• Signing in with your own accounts gives the agent your access, so limit what it may do.

Where it runs

Computer use can run on your own computer, where the agent sees your screen, or on a separate computer in the cloud, where your own machine stays untouched and the task continues when you close your laptop.

Computer use in Siteglade

Siteglade’s agent has its own computer in the cloud with a browser it uses to research and to test the websites and apps it builds. You can watch that browser live in the chat and mark an area for the agent to look at.

• Watch and guide the agent

Last updated: 2026-10-27