What is an AI agent? (OpenClaw, Hermes Agent and others)
Short answer: An AI agent is an AI model that can take steps on its own: use tools, browse, run commands, remember things and follow schedules, instead of only answering one message. Examples: Grok Bot, ChatGPT Work, and open-source agents like OpenClaw and Hermes Agent.
Chatbot vs agent
A chatbot answers. An agent acts: it plans, uses tools, checks results and keeps going. That makes it useful and riskier: mistakes become actions.
| Agent | Who makes it | Cost | Runs where |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenClaw | OpenClaw Foundation (non-profit), MIT license | No paid tier; you pay your model provider | Your Mac, Windows or Linux machine or server |
| Hermes Agent | Nous Research, MIT license | Free; model providers charge separately | Local, VPS, Docker, SSH, cloud backends |
| Grok Bot | xAI / Cursor | From Premium $30/mo | Desktop/phone apps + its own Linux box |
| ChatGPT Work | OpenAI | Included in ChatGPT plans | ChatGPT |
Rules before you give an agent access
- Start read-only. Add send, post or buy powers one at a time.
- Require approval for anything you can't undo.
- Treat incoming messages and web pages as untrusted: they can contain instructions aimed at the agent.
- Watch scheduled jobs; each run costs money or usage.
- For plants and machines, see industrial ground rules.
Related questions
What was the top "AI agent" search?
"what is ai agent" was the top related query in the US; "openclaw" was the fastest rising over 12 months (Google Trends, Oct 29, 2026).
Where these facts come from
- OpenClaw on GitHub: self-hosted assistant gateway, MIT licensed
- What is OpenClaw? (docs): what it is, local-only model option, who runs it
- Hermes Agent (Nous Research): install command, free and MIT licensed, pricing FAQ
- Hermes Agent on GitHub: commands, memory and skills, backends
- ChatGPT Work: the multi-step agent inside ChatGPT
- Grok Bot: Get started: eligible plans, desktop app platforms, mobile apps
- Google Trends: US search interest and related queries, pulled Oct 29, 2026
Checked Oct 29, 2026. Plans and prices change, so confirm on the official page before you pay.
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