At its special Wave 2 event today, Microsoft announced Copilot agents for Microsoft 365, introducing a new way for organizations to create custom AI assistants without coding. These agents, built using Microsoft Copilot Studio, can automate and execute business processes by interacting with users and performing tasks on their behalf.
Copilot agents, first introduced at Microsoft's Build 2024 event in May, are designed to automate tasks and boost productivity for teams and organizations. Agents can perform a range of functions, from simple prompt-and-response interactions to handling repetitive tasks and even operating autonomously.
With today's update, copilot agents can be published to Microsoft 365 Copilot, appearing in Teams, SharePoint, and Business Chat. This integration allows the agents to tap into an organization's specific knowledge bases and data sources, making Copilot more attuned to individual business needs and processes. Users can simply @ metion an agent in a chat to interact with it.
Microsoft is also rolling out a simplified "lightweight" Copilot Studio experience, that makes it easy for users of any skill level to build Copilot agents directly within BizChat and SharePoint. Check out how easy it is to build agents in the video below!
The new agents can be discovered through a dedicated store in Microsoft 365 applications, with IT admins able to curate and manage the available catalog.
Copilot Studio is available as an add-on priced at $200 per month, requiring a Microsoft 365 Copilot plan subscription, which costs $30 per user per month with an annual commitment. This package allows for up to 25,000 messages per month and enables users to build agents that can assist employees and customers across multiple channels.
Over 50,000 organizations have already adopted Copilot Studio, highlighting strong early interest in customizable AI assistants. The rollout of Copilot Agents and the agent builder in Business Chat will begin over the coming weeks, with the SharePoint integration entering preview in early October.
Microsoft emphasizes that Copilot agents operate within the company's existing security framework, adhering to organizational data policies and Microsoft's standards for responsible AI use.
As AI continues to reshape workplace dynamics, Microsoft's latest offering positions Copilot agents as a bridge between advanced AI capabilities and the specific needs of individual businesses, potentially transforming how organizations leverage AI in their day-to-day operations.