Microsoft is testing OpenClaw-like AI bots for 365 Copilot
Microsoft is building always-on AI agents that monitor Outlook and calendars to suggest daily tasks.
Microsoft is actively developing autonomous AI agents for its 365 Copilot platform, drawing inspiration from the open-source OpenClaw project. According to a report from The Information, the tech giant aims to transform Copilot into an "always-on" assistant that operates around the clock, completing tasks proactively on behalf of users. Omar Shahine, Microsoft's corporate vice president, confirmed the company is "exploring the potential of technologies like OpenClaw in an enterprise context." This move represents a significant shift from reactive chatbot assistance to proactive, autonomous agency within Microsoft's productivity suite.
The planned agents would monitor user environments like Outlook inboxes and calendars to serve up daily task suggestions autonomously. Microsoft is reportedly developing role-specific agents for functions like marketing, sales, and accounting, designed with limited permissions to enhance security by siloing them from other business areas. While OpenClaw has raised security concerns due to its local execution capabilities, Microsoft sources indicate confidence in implementing "safer" enterprise versions. The company may showcase these features at its Build developer conference beginning June 2nd, positioning the update as a competitive response to retain customers attracted to rival AI agent services.
- Microsoft is testing autonomous, OpenClaw-inspired AI agents for 365 Copilot to run "around the clock" without constant user prompts.
- The agents would proactively monitor Outlook and calendars to suggest daily tasks, with role-specific versions for marketing, sales, and accounting to limit permissions.
- Corporate VP Omar Shahine confirmed the exploration, with potential demos at Microsoft's Build conference starting June 2nd, aiming to reclaim customers from rival services.
Why It Matters
This shifts Copilot from a reactive tool to a proactive workplace assistant, potentially automating routine tasks and reshaping enterprise productivity.