Microsoft is working on new updates for its Microsoft 365 Copilot, taking inspiration from an open-source platform called Openclaw. These new features aim to make the AI assistant more independent, allowing it to handle tasks automatically without constant user input. The development signals a push towards smarter, more autonomous AI tools within everyday productivity software.

Openclaw’s Role in Microsoft’s AI Plans

Openclaw is an open-source platform that gained attention earlier this year for enabling users to create AI agents capable of operating more independently on computers. Microsoft’s interest in this technology suggests they want their Copilot to be able to perform routine tasks by itself, reducing the need for user commands. This could mean more proactive assistance, such as managing emails or scheduling automatically.

Experts have raised concerns about the security implications of such advanced AI agents. As these tools become more autonomous, the risk of unintended actions or data breaches increases. Microsoft is aware of these issues and is reportedly exploring ways to limit what these AI agents can do, especially in sensitive areas like finance, sales, and marketing.

Potential Features and Security Measures

One possible application is for Copilot to monitor emails in Outlook and review a user’s calendar. Based on this information, it could suggest daily priorities or automatically schedule appointments. The goal is to streamline workflows and boost productivity by reducing manual input.

In addition, Microsoft is testing AI agents with restricted permissions for different professional roles. For example, a marketing bot might have access only to certain data and functions, minimizing security risks. This layered approach aims to balance smarter automation with safety and control.

The company is expected to reveal some of these new capabilities during its upcoming Build developer conference in June. This event will likely showcase how these autonomous features will be integrated into Microsoft 365 and other enterprise tools.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4158553/microsoft-is-developing-copilot-features-inspired-by-openclaw.html

Sources

• theinformation.com
• microsoft.com