OpenAI acquires OpenClaw, shifting focus to autonomous agents

OpenAI has acquired OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent, in a move that marks the transition from a focus on conversational interfaces to autonomous agents. Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw, announced he will join OpenAI to develop accessible agents for everyone. The OpenClaw project will be transferred to an independent foundation but sponsored by OpenAI, which may influence its direction.

Initially known as "ClawdBot," OpenClaw was launched in November 2025 and quickly gained popularity among developers for its ability to perform autonomous tasks, such as browsing the web and interacting on messaging platforms. This acquisition highlights the market's shift towards agents that can act independently rather than just interact through text.

With this acquisition, OpenAI is betting that the future of AI lies in agents that can perform actions instead of merely generating text responses. This shift could reshape the AI strategy of companies looking to implement technologies that go beyond conversational functions.

The future of OpenClaw under OpenAI's stewardship raises concerns about its continuity as a truly open project. OpenAI's history with transparency is complex, generating skepticism in the open-source community. However, Steinberger has committed to keeping the project open through a foundation.

The acquisition of OpenClaw by OpenAI signals a pivotal moment in the industry: the focus is shifting from "what AI can say" to "what AI can do." This change could redefine the development of autonomous agents within the AI ecosystem.