Block launches proactive AI agent for sellers

Block has unveiled Managerbot, an AI agent integrated into its Square platform designed to proactively monitor small businesses, identify potential issues, and suggest solutions without user prompts. This represents a significant evolution from reactive chatbots to a proactive system that forecasts inventory, optimizes employee schedules, and creates marketing campaigns. Managerbot utilizes advanced AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, with Block's innovation lying in its proprietary 'agent harness' framework. While it requires seller approval for any business changes, its introduction aligns with Block's broader strategy of leveraging AI to reshape its operations and product offerings, potentially driving more business onto the Square ecosystem.