Microsoft is developing autonomous AI assistants based on the OpenClaw model

Microsoft is developing an autonomous version of its AI assistant Copilot, modeled on OpenClaw. The software is intended to carry out tasks in the background completely independently and operate computer programs itself. The performance is expected for June 2026.

Microsoft is planning an autonomous assistant

The Redmond-based software company is currently developing a new version of the Copilot assistant. The goal is an agentic artificial intelligence that independently carries out tasks in the background. An official presentation of the new functions is expected at the Build developer conference in early June 2026. The company is thus responding to the current change in the industry, which is moving from pure text generators to active systems. Previous large language models primarily analyze and generate texts. Agentic systems go a decisive step further.

They act like digital representatives who independently operate computer programs. Such an assistant works permanently in the background and can complete complex processes without constant user input. Although this saves a lot of time, it also poses enormous risks in the event of malfunctions, as the AI ​​naturally has a lot of “power” here.

Safety as top priority

The model for the project is the open source platform OpenClaw, which allows users to create local agents. As The Information reports, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President Omar Shahine confirms interest in such technology for corporate customers. While OpenClaw is criticized for its lack of data protection precautions, Microsoft says it is working on a much more secure version.

Strict access controls are intended to prevent the system from causing damage through unforeseen behavior. One of the first planned functions is the autonomous management of everyday work. Among other things, the assistant is supposed to read and prioritize incoming messages in Outlook, check the digital calendar for overlaps and create a structured to-do list every morning. To increase security, Microsoft is planning specialized versions for departments such as sales. This limits the software’s access rights to the absolutely necessary area. In addition to the functions, the question of technical implementation is crucial.

Local calculation or server

Many users currently use compact computers such as Apple’s Mac Mini for local projects because OpenClaw runs efficiently there. It is still unclear whether the new Copilot will also be calculated locally on the user’s device or centrally in the cloud. A purely cloud-based solution offers advantages in terms of available computing power and the rapid provision of updates. At the same time, outsourcing sensitive company data to external servers raises concerns about data protection among many corporate customers. A hybrid solution, in which sensitive tasks take place locally and computationally intensive processes take place in the cloud, could represent a compromise.