Peter Steinberger, the Austrian developer behind the rapidly growing AI assistant platform OpenClaw, is now working with OpenAI to develop the next generation of AI agents. This move signals a significant push towards more capable and autonomous AI systems.
From Open Source to OpenAI
Steinberger initially built OpenClaw as an open-source project focused on creating AI assistants that could perform real-world tasks without constant human intervention. The platform allows agents to manage schedules, book travel, and even participate in AI-driven social networks—such as Moltbook, a platform specifically for AI bots.
Steinberger’s decision to join OpenAI stems from his goal of creating AI agents accessible to everyone. “That’ll need a much broader change, a lot more thought on how to do it safely, and access to the very latest models and research,” he explained on his website. He believes OpenAI offers the ideal environment to pursue this vision.
OpenClaw Foundation
Rather than commercializing OpenClaw, Steinberger is transitioning the project into a foundation. This ensures that the underlying technology remains open source and can continue to evolve independently. “I could totally see how OpenClaw could become a huge company, and no, it’s not really exciting for me,” he stated. “What I want is to change the world, not build a large company.”
OpenAI’s Focus on Agents
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed enthusiasm for Steinberger’s addition, calling him a “genius” with groundbreaking ideas for AI agents. Altman highlighted the company’s commitment to integrating these advanced agents into its core offerings. “Agents will quickly become core to what OpenAI offers,” he said. OpenAI will also provide support for the newly established OpenClaw foundation.
This announcement follows OpenAI’s recent launch of Frontier, a platform designed to empower businesses to build, deploy, and manage AI agents. The company promotes its agents as capable of learning and adapting like human employees through real-time feedback.
The development of autonomous AI agents has rapidly accelerated in recent months, with OpenAI’s move to incorporate OpenClaw’s creator being a pivotal step. This trend suggests a future where AI assistants will play an increasingly integrated role in daily life and business operations.
