This paper presents an overview of AI-powered desktop automation and its evolution toward intelligent assistants capable of performing real-time tasks using natural language interaction. COSMO (Conversational Smart Machine Operator) is a lightweight desktop assistant designed to execute system level operations, manage files, interact with external APIs, and enhance user productivity. We review existing intelligent assistants, RPA tools, and NLP-driven automation systems, identify persistent challenges (e.g., UI variability, noise, dependence on cloud APIs), and motivate COSMO’s design choices that favor local execution, privacy, and modularity.