OpenClaw creator’s advice to AI builders is to be more playful and allow yourself time to improve
Peter Steinberger, creator of the viral AI agent OpenClaw and now an OpenAI hire, encourages AI builders to take a playful, experimental approach when working with new technologies. Speaking on OpenAI’s Builders Unscripted podcast with Romain Huet, Steinberger said OpenClaw didn’t begin with a master plan — it grew out of curiosity and exploration. Initially, he experimented with building a WhatsApp-integrated tool, assuming major AI labs would soon create something similar. When that didn’t happen, he built the first OpenClaw prototype himself. The project truly “clicked” during a trip to Marrakesh, where limited internet access made WhatsApp-based AI especially useful for tasks like finding restaurants and sending messages. Steinberger emphasized that modern AI models are increasingly capable problem-solvers, often generating solutions without explicit programming. However, he cautions that effectively working with AI is a skill that takes time to develop. Comparing it to learning guitar, he noted that beginners shouldn’t expect instant mastery. He also criticized the term “vibe coding,” arguing that successful AI-assisted coding requires practice and intuition. His core advice: build something you genuinely want to create, experiment freely, and allow yourself time to improve. In a world concerned about AI replacing jobs, Steinberger believes people who are creative, adaptable, and motivated to solve problems will be more valuable than ever.