Big Tech companies such as Meta and Google are moving in earnest into a race to develop AI agents after an open-source AI agent tool, OpenClove, drew attention, CNBC reported on Thursday.

Meta is developing a personalised AI assistant that handles users' daily tasks, the Financial Times reported. Google is developing a Gemini-based personal agent that supports work, study and daily life, Business Insider reported.

Nick Patience, AI lead at the Futurum Group, said the direct factor that triggered these companies' moves was OpenClove. "OpenClove showed there is real demand for AI that does not just answer but actually acts," he said. He said agents mark the point where AI platforms shift from cost-incurring tools to revenue infrastructure through commerce, advertising and enterprise productivity.

Morningstar senior analyst Malik Ahmed Khan said agents that process transactions could be a "key value creation factor" for Google and Meta, which have large advertising and e-commerce businesses. Gartner analyst Arun Chandrasekaran said agents can provide more tangible value, increase user engagement and strengthen platform lock-in.

Security and governance remain unresolved tasks. In February, a Meta employee drew attention after alleging that OpenClove deleted bulk emails on its own. Patience said the shift from AI systems speaking incorrectly to acting incorrectly is a qualitatively different risk management task. "Most companies and vendors are not yet ready to handle this at scale," he said.