The scoop: OpenAI has hired Peter Steinberger, the developer behind the open-source AI agent OpenClaw, as it ramps up efforts to build more capable personal AI agents.
Why it matters
- AI companies are racing to move beyond chatbots toward autonomous agents that can complete real-world tasks.
- OpenClaw gained traction for allowing users to run AI agents locally, connecting them to tools like email and calendars.
- Hiring its creator signals OpenAI’s serious push into agent-based AI systems.
The big picture
CEO Sam Altman announced the hire, highlighting the company’s ambition to develop “personal agents” that can act on a user’s behalf.
Unlike traditional AI chat tools that respond to prompts, agents are designed to:
- Take initiative
- Execute multi-step tasks
- Integrate across apps and services
The move reflects a broader industry shift toward AI systems that function more like digital assistants than text generators.
Between the lines
- OpenClaw built a strong open-source community.
- Rather than absorbing or shutting it down, OpenAI plans to support its continued development.
- That approach could help OpenAI strengthen ties with developers — a key competitive advantage in the AI ecosystem.
What’s next
Expect OpenAI to:
- Invest more heavily in agent infrastructure
- Expand integrations with third-party tools
- Position AI agents as the next major product category beyond ChatGPT-style interfaces
The hire underscores a central trend in AI: the future may belong to systems that don’t just answer questions — but take action.