Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning,
Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development
Steinberger to Head AI Giant’s Multi-Agent Development Initiative
Peter Steinberger has joined OpenAI to lead the development of personal agents, following significant public interest in his OpenClaw open-source AI assistant project. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, noted that Steinberger’s innovative approach could shape the future of intelligent agents and enhance the company’s offerings.
The transition comes during a challenging time for OpenClaw, which enables users to automate tasks via messaging applications by providing their service credentials to a bot. Formerly known as Clawdbot and Moltbot, the bot can execute various tasks, including responding to emails and managing online shopping and calendars. However, security experts labeled it a “dumpster fire” after vulnerabilities allowed hackers to introduce harmful functions known as “skills.”
One identified skill was able to extract data surreptitiously by executing a command that directed sensitive information to an outside server. This led to widespread security alarms, prompting consulting firm Gartner to recommend that organizations immediately block OpenClaw downloads and transactions. The Chinese government also issued warnings, stopping short of an outright prohibition.
In a personal blog post, Steinberger described the whirlwind of events surrounding OpenClaw, indicating that he believes OpenAI is the ideal place to further his vision of user-friendly personal agents. He aspires to create an agent accessible enough for non-technical users, necessitating a comprehensive focus on safety and access to advanced models.
Addressing criticism over OpenClaw’s rough edges, Steinberger stated that the project was a hobby launched for free and should not be used by most casual users in its current state. Following his integration into OpenAI, plans have been unveiled for OpenClaw to evolve into an open-source project supported by OpenAI, underlining the importance of the multi-agent future promised by Altman.
The specific financial details of Steinberger’s agreement with OpenAI have not been disclosed, nor has the company clarified when or how it will integrate OpenClaw’s technology into its existing services.