Always-on agent
Also called always-on agents.
An always-on agent is an AI agentAn AI agent is a system that uses an AI model to choose actions toward a goal, use the tools it has been given, and respond to the results. that keeps working for you when you are not in the chat, and can message you with progress or a decision it needs.
Example
You leave the chat. Later the dot messages you that it prepared a draftA draft is work that is not finalized yet. and is waiting for approvalAction approval is a person's permission for one proposed action to go ahead. A useful approval shows what will happen and what it will affect. before anything is sent. The work continued while you were away, and the send still needed you.
Why it matters
OpenAI's announcement, dated September 29, 2026, calls dots always-on agents. A dot has its own computer and browser in the cloud, and can work toward goals you set. You can reach a dot in ChatGPT or a connected Slack account, and it can message you with progress, questions, or decisions. Microsoft Teams access is limited to an invite-only alpha. A dot can continue assigned work between conversations and run recurring tasks you authorize. It can also research connected information in the background. That proactive research only reads information; it does not send messages, change apps, or operate a browser or computer. Actions taken afterward follow the permissions and approvals for that work.
Dots start with built-in rules for when to act independently and when to ask for approvalAction approval is a person's permission for one proposed action to go ahead. A useful approval shows what will happen and what it will affect.. Custom Rules can allow a specific action, require approval, or block it. OpenAI says dots can still make mistakes, and that you should review consequential work. Always-on does not mean the agent has no limits.
How it shows up on bot.ski
On bot.ski, the ChatGPT dotsDots are OpenAI's always-on agents in ChatGPT. Each dot has its own computer and browser in the cloud, remembers context, connects to apps, and messages you with progress. glossary page and the blog note ChatGPT dots are here use OpenAI's always-on wording. The virtual-machine Learn page describes a Grok Bot computerIn Grok Bot, every Bot on an account uses the same cloud computer. Files, browser sessions, and command-line credentials on it are shared. that keeps running when a laptop is closed. That page is about the computer, not about a dot. bot.ski does not host an agent, and opening this page does not start one.
Common confusion
An always-on agent is not the same phrase as an always-on computer. OpenAI uses always-on agent for a dot in ChatGPT, and each dot has its own computer in the cloud. Grok BotGrok Bot is xAI’s product for named AI teammates that carry out tasks with tools and a persistent cloud computer shared by the Bots on one account.'s docs describe a persistent cloud computerIn Grok Bot, every Bot on an account uses the same cloud computer. Files, browser sessions, and command-line credentials on it are shared. where work can continue while your laptop is closed, shared by the Bots on one account.
Sources
Updated October 3, 2026.