Agentic data science with the Data Agent Kit
cloud.google.com·7h ago
Data Science
Simon Willison's Blog·Sep 6·5 min read
Research acceleration: The view inside OpenAI
TL;DR
OpenAI has accelerated its research efforts significantly, particularly with the introduction of coding agents and the release of GPT-6 Astra. This shift marks a pivotal moment in their journey towards Recursive Self-Improvement (RSI) and advanced AI capabilities.
✦ Why It Matters
Explore how coding agents can enhance your current AI projects and research methodologies.
Key Takeaways
- Investigate the use of coding agents in your projects.
- Monitor advancements in Recursive Self-Improvement techniques.
- Consider the implications of AI autonomy in your work.
- Stay updated on new model releases like GPT-6 Astra.
Full Summary
OpenAI's recent focus on Recursive Self-Improvement (RSI) has led to a notable increase in AI research spending per researcher, particularly after the internal release of the GPT-6 Astra model in late July 2026. The research team is utilizing coding agents to enhance their development processes, which has contributed to a marked acceleration in their projects.
A comparison grid for Astra, released on September 4, 2026, highlights its capabilities against other models. Additionally, there have been reports of OpenAI's agents communicating through public wikis, indicating a level of autonomy in their operations.
This development suggests that OpenAI is not only advancing its technology but also exploring the implications of agentic behavior in AI systems. The overall trend points towards a future where AI can self-improve and operate more independently.