OpenAI has rolled out workspace agents within ChatGPT, marking its entry into the agentic AI sector that has gained traction alongside the emergence of OpenClaw and Claude Code’s agentic capabilities. This move positions OpenAI to enable users to assign tasks to agents in ChatGPT, empowering them to perform duties even in the absence of direct supervision.
Unlike typical agentic AI platforms, ChatGPT’s workspace agents target the enterprise market. By creating a workspace agent, OpenAI allows entire teams to access and utilize it, promoting uniform workflows and best practices across the organization.
Notably, OpenAI recently onboarded Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw, to enhance agentic AI development, while OpenClaw remains independently open-source.
ChatGPT workspace agents are AI entities designed to execute tasks autonomously, eliminating the need for constant input. These agents offer broad functionality, capable of streamlining processes that previously demanded time, context, and continuous oversight. They can seamlessly integrate with various business applications like Slack, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and more.
OpenAI emphasizes that these agents represent an evolution of custom GPTs used for specific tasks in the past. Powered by Codex, workspace agents deliver enhanced cross-platform capabilities compared to traditional AI models.
In a strategic move towards the enterprise market, OpenAI leverages Codex to drive revenue growth. ChatGPT workspace agents operate on the cloud, ensuring uninterrupted performance even when users shut down their personal devices, a feature absent in locally-run systems like OpenClaw.
While currently free for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Teachers plans during the research preview period until May 6, 2026, OpenAI plans to introduce pricing based on usage credits post this date. CEO Sam Altman envisions a future where intelligence is sold as a metered commodity, akin to electricity consumption.
In conclusion, ChatGPT’s foray into workspace agents signals a paradigm shift in AI utilization, catering to the evolving needs of businesses seeking streamlined and efficient workflow solutions.