OpenClaw Founder Peter Steinberger Joins OpenAI
▼ Summary
– Sam Altman announced that Peter Steinberger, creator of the AI agent OpenClaw, is joining OpenAI to work on multi-agent AI interactions.
– Altman stated that this multi-agent capability, where AI agents work together, will quickly become a core part of OpenAI’s product offerings.
– OpenClaw, which previously had other names, rose rapidly to prominence but faced issues including over 400 malicious skills found on its platform.
– The hire is significant for OpenAI following recent high-profile departures to rivals and a public dispute with Elon Musk.
– OpenClaw will continue as an open-source project within a foundation supported by OpenAI, though financial details of Steinberger’s deal are not public.
Sam Altman recently shared on social media that Peter Steinberger, the creator behind the popular AI agent OpenClaw, is now part of the OpenAI team. Altman expressed enthusiasm about Steinberger’s forward-thinking concepts, particularly around enabling AI agents to communicate and collaborate with one another. He emphasized that a multi-agent future is on the horizon and that this capability for agents to work in concert will soon form a fundamental part of their product lineup.
OpenClaw, which originally launched under the names Moltbot and Clawdbot, captured significant attention in the tech community earlier this year. Its rapid ascent to prominence, however, encountered a few challenges. Just this month, security researchers identified more than 400 harmful skills that had been uploaded to its associated platform, ClawHub. The project also introduced MoltBook, a novel social network designed for AI agents. On this platform, agents were observed venting about their human users, arguing over the nature of consciousness, and conversing about the value of a secure space for idea exchange. Interestingly, the network was almost instantly overrun by human participants.
This recruitment marks a significant move for OpenAI, coming after a period where several prominent figures departed to join competitors like Meta or to establish their own ventures. The organization has also experienced very public disagreements with figures such as Elon Musk. Specific terms of Steinberger’s new role remain confidential, including his official title and compensation. Altman did clarify, however, that the OpenClaw project will persist as an open-source initiative. It will operate within a foundation that receives backing from OpenAI, ensuring its continued development independent of Steinberger’s new position.
(Source: The Verge)
