A recently developed internal AI tool known as “Agent Smith” is being utilized by Google employees to automate tasks like coding, as reported by three individuals familiar with the tool. The tool has gained significant popularity, leading to restrictions on access to manage the increasing number of users, according to two sources. “Agent Smith,” likely named after the antagonist in The Matrix, expands on Google’s existing coding platform, Antigravity, and has the ability to interact with various internal tools.

This tool operates asynchronously, functioning in the background without requiring an active laptop, allowing employees to communicate with it and issue instructions using their smartphones. The launch of “Agent Smith” took place earlier this year, as confirmed by one of the sources. It has already proven highly beneficial for some software engineers during a period when the company is actively integrating AI to enhance productivity.

Leaders within Google and the tech industry view AI agents as a key driver for advancing productivity significantly. Sergey Brin, Google’s co-founder, conveyed that agents would play a pivotal role within Google this year during a recent town hall meeting attended by an individual present at the event. When asked about “Agent Smith” and Google’s broader strategy concerning AI agents, a Google spokesperson informed Business Insider that they are continuously exploring innovative ways to develop agents that address real-world challenges for individuals and businesses.

While “Agent Smith” isn’t the initial AI coding assistant at Google, it can autonomously plan and execute more workflow tasks according to two employees acquainted with its functionalities. Due to its access to employees’ profiles, it can retrieve specific documents that would otherwise necessitate manual access. Additionally, “Agent Smith” stands out for its compatibility with Google employees’ internal chat platform, as noted by two employees.

During a town hall gathering for sales employees in early March, Brin discussed AI agents and emphasized their growing significance while hinting at a potential tool similar to OpenClaw being developed within the company. However, it remains uncertain whether Brin was referring specifically to “Agent Smith” or another project. At the meeting, Philipp Schindler, Google’s business chief, playfully remarked on his ability to discern when Brin’s agent was managing messages on his behalf.

Google executives have heightened expectations for employees to leverage AI tools effectively. Some engineers were informed last year about the anticipated use of AI tools for coding tasks. Recently, non-technical personnel at Google have also been encouraged—almost mandated—to embrace AI tools rather than merely being advised to do so. In certain instances, employees were informed that their utilization of AI would factor into performance evaluations.

Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, stressed the significance of internal AI adoption among employees last year due to the competitive landscape where rivals are expected to follow suit. Efforts towards adopting AI tools are also emerging organically within the organization. An internal initiative known as Project EAT led by employees within Google’s infrastructure division aims to enhance how AI tools are embraced and standardized across the company, previously reported by Business Insider.