OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed on X that Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw (formerly ClawdBot), will be joining OpenAI to lead work on next-generation personal AI agents.
Steinberger built OpenClaw into the most popular open-source AI agent framework, amassing over 180,000 GitHub stars in just a few months. The framework lets users deploy personal AI assistants on Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, and the web.
"Peter has a once-in-a-generation vision for what personal AI agents should be," Altman wrote. "We're thrilled to have him drive this at OpenAI."
As part of the move, OpenClaw will transfer to an independent foundation to ensure the project's long-term open-source sustainability. OpenAI has committed to financially supporting the foundation and continuing contributions to the codebase.
The move is significant for the broader AI agent ecosystem. With Steinberger at OpenAI and OpenClaw under independent governance, the project is positioned for even broader adoption and enterprise integration.