OpenClaw founder Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI to redefine AI agents

Peter Steinberger, the founder of OpenClaw, has joined OpenAI to spearhead its personal agents division, marking a significant shift in the landscape of AI automation. Announced by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on February 15, 2026, this move aims to redefine how AI agents operate beyond traditional chat interfaces, focusing on creating always-on personal assistants. Steinberger's expertise with OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent, positions him to enhance the agent workflow and drive innovative integrations within OpenAI's offerings.

As OpenAI pivots towards more sophisticated agent capabilities, Steinberger's role will likely involve refining the API and SDK tools that developers rely on to build and deploy AI solutions. His insights into model updates and rate limits will be crucial as the company seeks to optimize performance and user experience. This strategic hire underscores OpenAI's commitment to advancing the functionality of AI agents, potentially transforming how users interact with technology in their daily lives.