OpenAI has recruited Peter Steinberger, the founder of the open source agent framework OpenClaw. With this move, OpenAI is strengthening its position in the field of autonomous and collaborative AI agents.
In recent years, Steinberger has been working on OpenClaw, a framework designed to enable AI agents to function independently over long periods of time. Instead of just generating responses to a prompt, these agents can actively perform tasks, control external services, communicate with other systems, and act on behalf of users. The project quickly built a large developer community and grew into one of the best-known open source initiatives in agent-oriented AI.
According to OpenAI, Steinberger will focus on the further development of personal and productive AI agents. According to SiliconANGLE, the underlying vision is that future systems will not operate in isolation, but will collaborate in networks of specialized agents to handle complex tasks. This shifts the focus from isolated interactions to continuous processes in which planning, execution, and adjustment come together.
OpenClaw retains its open source character
For users and contributors, it is important that OpenClaw does not disappear behind closed doors. OpenAI has indicated that it will continue to support the framework within an independent structure, so that its open source character is preserved. In doing so, the company is attempting to allay concerns about the influence of a commercial party on a community-driven project.
That commitment played a role in a decision-making process that took place behind the scenes in recent months. According to Trending Topics, Steinberger was the subject of interest from several major AI players, including Meta, and also explored the possibility of starting his own company with substantial funding. Ultimately, he decided against it, partly because he did not want to repeat his previous experience as CEO and wanted to continue to focus primarily on development.
The timing of the move is telling. The AI sector is rapidly moving away from chat interfaces towards agent architectures in which models are combined with memory, tools and autonomy. Both startups and established players see opportunities here for deeper integration of AI into business processes and daily workflows. Steinberger’s choice underscores how central agent-oriented AI has become in the strategic plans of large technology companies.