Microsoft trials OpenClaw-inspired AI bots for 365 Copilot

Microsoft is exploring possible integration of OpenClaw-like features with 365 Copilot, according to a report by The Information. 

This initiative appears to be aimed at enabling the 365 Copilot AI assistant to operate independently around the clock while handling tasks for users.

Omar Shahine, who is Microsoft's corporate vice president, informed The Information that the company is “investigating the potential uses of technologies similar to OpenClaw in an enterprise setting.” 

OpenClaw is a platform based on open-source code, allowing users to develop AI-driven agents that operate on their devices locally. 

This platform gained traction in popularity earlier in the year, though it has since posed several significant security issues.

Insiders reveal to The Information that Microsoft is optimistic about creating “more secure” versions of the tool. 

The continuous version of 365 Copilot may potentially perform tasks such as reviewing a user’s Outlook emails and schedule to propose daily task suggestions.

Furthermore, Microsoft is considering developing OpenClaw-inspired agents specifically for roles like marketing, sales, and finance to “restrict the agent's permissions,” safeguarding them from other business sectors, according to The Information.

As highlighted by The Information, Microsoft plans to present some of these advancements at their Build event, scheduled to begin on June 2nd. 

Earlier, Anthropic introduced its Claude AI chatbot functionalities within Microsoft 365 apps, additionally making its Claude Cowork feature available in Copilot to aid in completing “extended, multi-step operations.”

Integrating abilities similar to OpenClaw into Copilot may assist Microsoft in recuperating some clientele lost to competing services.