Slack is transforming its built-in assistant, Slackbot, into a fully functional AI agent capable of handling tasks and analyzing data on behalf of users. Announced at Dreamforce, the update will bring conversational AI directly into the workplace communication platform. This move positions Slack as a central hub for AI-driven productivity, rather than just a messaging app.
From Notifications to Automation
Currently, Slackbot primarily handles simple tasks like reminders and colleague updates. The upcoming AI version will allow users to instruct the bot to complete projects, analyze documents, or search for information across connected services. This represents a significant leap from the bot’s current capabilities, effectively turning it into a personal AI assistant within Slack.
Integration with Major Platforms
Slack is prioritizing seamless integration with key business tools. Users will soon be able to connect Slackbot with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Salesforce, enabling AI-powered workflows across their existing ecosystems. The platform is also opening up to third-party AI agents, including those from OpenAI (Claude), Anthropic, and Perplexity. This means users could, for example, ask @Claude to conduct web research or scan Slack channels for actionable insights.
Rollout Plan and Privacy Controls
The AI-enhanced Slackbot is currently in beta, available to 70,000 users. Slack plans a full release in January 2026, with broader availability coming later this year. Importantly, companies will retain the option to disable Slackbot entirely, addressing potential privacy concerns or workflow preferences.
The transformation of Slackbot into an AI agent signals a shift towards more automated and integrated work environments. By combining communication with AI-driven task completion, Slack aims to become an indispensable tool for modern businesses.
