Sam Altman utilises OpenClaw agent for adjusting 'unpleasant' task

Sam Altman shared that he usually woke up to a "dreadful task" each day: dealing with messages.

During a talk with Stripe cofounder Patrick Collison, the OpenAI CEO noted he utilised OpenClaw, an AI platform meant to execute actions across applications, to tackle his hefty morning communications by crafting a new application.

This was the app Altman "had always aspired to have," he expressed.

"It's quite an arduous job to wake up and sift through everything each morning," he told Collison. "I thought, 'At last, I will be able to automate this process.'

Altman didn't detail how the app functions or handles his morning message influx. He mentioned to Collison — who identified as an "OpenClaw advocate" — that the tool marked a significant breakthrough for him.

"OpenClaw has been one of my most profound 'This is magic AGI moments' in this field," Altman shared with Collison. "It's a considerably more enchanting experience than it might seem."

OpenClaw represents a broader transformation in artificial intelligence. Unlike older chatbots focused primarily on text output, modern agent-like systems act across different apps and work streams — managing tasks such as organizing messages, preparing responses, and triaging information.

This new platform swiftly captured interest within OpenAI. The organization brought on OpenClaw's developer, Peter Steinberger, earlier this year, as it advances further into what's termed agentic technology.

Altman mentioned he has rebuilt the message-handling system using Codex, OpenAI's model for code generation, and is testing similar technologies for various other activities, like automating home processes.

His remarks arrive at a time when OpenAI and its rivals strive to create superior AI platforms capable of autonomously planning and performing tasks. 

Altman recently stated that the company's leading model released in April, GPT-5.5, has already been employed for more exploratory inquiries — including curating concepts for real-life events like its launch celebration.