What Are Your Bots Working On?

What Are Your Bots Working On?
Source: The Wall Street Journal

Jeff Seibert runs five coding agents simultaneously for his startup, Digits.

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The topic is the biggest flex -- and source of stress -- in Silicon Valley, where tech pros and amateurs are competing to see how much of their grunt work they can outsource to AI without things backfiring spectacularly.

This week, Kate Clark reports on the tech enthusiasts setting their bots to work when they go to sleep or to parties, and then checking on them regularly.

The proliferation of bot taskmasters is being fueled by a new wave of AI tools, which have reshaped what it means to be a software engineer. The best developers aren't writing code anymore; they're learning how to lead a small army of AI assistants.

Anthropic late last year released Claude Opus 4.5, a model with startling new coding abilities. Then came the viral rise of the AI assistant OpenClaw in early 2026.

But agents introduce a host of new risks. They can take liberties: A Meta executive posted that her OpenClaw bots began deleting her inbox despite instructions to seek confirmation before acting. Some bots have lashed out at perceived enemies when they face obstacles.

More on this topic:

🤔 Do you plan to deploy bots, either personally or professionally? Why or why not? Send me your thoughts, questions and predictions at future@wsj.com (if you're reading this in your inbox, you can just hit reply).

Microsoft's new AI health tool can read your medical records and give advice. The new Copilot Health feature will offer personalized, AI-powered healthcare advice that's informed by medical records and health data uploaded with users' consent.

Tesla's grand plan for the future is a car with no steering wheel. The company says its self-driving Cybercab -- which has no steering wheel or pedals -- will begin mass production in April, though a patchwork of state and local regulations could stand in the way.

Aaru is a billion-dollar AI startup that was founded by teenagers. Launched two years ago by Cameron Fink and Ned Koh when they were 18 and 19, respectively, the startup uses AI agents to expedite market research by simulating human responses.

What will entertainment look like in 20 years? WSJ asked five experts to forecast one big change we'll see in entertainment. Among their predictions: Hollywood-quality movies you can make at home for very little money.

Last week, we reported on researchers who are developing GPS alternatives. Readers shared their thoughts on these efforts:

(Responses have been condensed and edited.)

Thanks for reading The Future of Everything. We cover the innovation and tech transforming the way we live, work and play. This newsletter was written by Conor Grant. Get in touch with us at future@wsj.com. Got a tip for us? Here's how to submit.