OpenAI hires creator of ‘OpenClaw’ AI agent tool

Washington, United States (AFP) Feb 16, 2026

OpenAI has hired the Austrian creator of OpenClaw, an artificial intelligence tool able to execute real-world tasks, the US startup’s head Sam Altman said on Sunday.

AI agent tool OpenClaw has fascinated – and spooked – the tech world since researcher Peter Steinberger built it in November to help organise his digital life.