What is OpenAI o1, an AI model that ‘thinks’ before it answers?

Dilip Kashyap
4 min readSep 15, 2024

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Image Source: OpenAI

OpenAI has unveiled its latest AI model, OpenAI o1, a significant advancement in artificial intelligence that is designed to “think” before providing answers. This new model, part of OpenAI’s secretive ‘Project Strawberry,’ is the first in a series of reasoning-focused models. These models aim to tackle more complex tasks in fields such as science, coding, and mathematics, showcasing AI’s growing potential to mimic human problem-solving abilities.

Key Features of OpenAI o1

The OpenAI o1 model is engineered to approach queries thoughtfully, similar to how humans solve complex problems. Unlike previous AI iterations, OpenAI o1 evaluates problems from multiple perspectives, checks its output, and learns from its mistakes. This evolution makes it highly efficient in problem-solving, particularly in areas like coding and mathematics.

Performance Improvements

In rigorous tests, the OpenAI o1 model has shown impressive results. For instance, during a challenging math contest, the model successfully solved 83% of the problems, compared to just 13% solved by earlier versions. Similarly, in coding tasks, the model outperformed 89% of human participants, demonstrating its capability to generate and debug complex code.

While the model is still in its early stages, it has already made significant strides in improving the accuracy and efficiency of AI-driven problem-solving. OpenAI o1 is available for preview via ChatGPT and the company’s API, with regular updates expected to enhance its performance further.

The o1-Mini Version

OpenAI has also introduced the o1-Mini model, a more cost-effective version of the o1-preview model. The o1-Mini is targeted toward developers, offering a faster and cheaper solution while maintaining strong reasoning abilities. It is 80% cheaper than the o1-preview, making it accessible for a wider range of applications without compromising its effectiveness in coding and reasoning tasks.

Safety and Security Enhancements

OpenAI has implemented new training methodologies to ensure the safety of its models. This approach enables the model to adhere to safety rules more effectively by using its problem-solving skills. One of the key improvements is its ability to resist “AI jailbreaking,” where users attempt to trick the model into violating safety guidelines. In safety tests, the new o1 model scored 84 out of 100, a significant improvement over the previous version’s score of 22.

The company has partnered with safety groups and government agencies in the UK and the US to test the model’s safety features thoroughly. These collaborations aim to identify weaknesses through a process known as “red teaming,” where experts try to exploit vulnerabilities in the model.

Impact on Jobs and Research

The capabilities of the OpenAI o1 model could have a profound impact on industries that rely on problem-solving tasks, such as software development, data analysis, and mathematical modeling. By automating complex tasks, the model may reduce the need for human labor in these areas, particularly in routine coding and troubleshooting.

However, the rise of such models also emphasizes the need for workers to develop higher-order thinking skills like creativity, critical analysis, and innovative problem-solving, areas where AI may still lag behind humans. Additionally, new roles are likely to emerge in AI safety, ethical AI use, and maintenance, providing fresh opportunities for workers.

For researchers, the OpenAI o1 model offers an assistant capable of tackling problems in physics, chemistry, biology, and healthcare. Its ability to generate complex formulas and analyze vast datasets could accelerate breakthroughs in these fields.

Access to OpenAI o1

OpenAI o1 is now accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with rate limits of 30 messages per week for the o1-preview and 50 for the o1-mini. OpenAI is working to increase these limits and streamline the process by allowing ChatGPT to automatically select the appropriate model based on the query.

ChatGPT Enterprise and Edu users will gain access to the models starting next week, broadening the availability of this cutting-edge technology.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Thoughtful Problem-Solving: OpenAI o1 is designed to “think” carefully before answering, making it highly effective in complex problem-solving tasks.
  2. High Performance: The model excels in coding and mathematics, solving 83% of problems in a tough math contest and outperforming 89% of coding participants.
  3. o1-Mini: A cost-effective version for developers, offering similar reasoning capabilities at 80% of the cost of the preview version.
  4. Safety Enhancements: New training methodologies ensure the model adheres to safety guidelines, resisting attempts at AI jailbreaking.
  5. Impact on Jobs: OpenAI o1 could reduce human involvement in routine coding, but new opportunities may arise in AI safety and maintenance roles.
  6. Research Assistance: The model has potential as a research assistant in fields like physics, chemistry, and biology, accelerating problem-solving and data analysis.
  7. Availability: OpenAI o1 is available for ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with access expanding to Enterprise and Edu users soon.

This new AI model represents a major leap in AI’s ability to handle tasks typically reserved for highly skilled professionals, signaling a shift in how we approach complex problem-solving.

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Dilip Kashyap
Dilip Kashyap

Written by Dilip Kashyap

Software Developer at IIT Gandhinagar | Google Workspace | Contact me at dilipkashyap.sd@gmail.com

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