Perplexity Takes on OpenClaw, Musk Merges xAI and Tesla, Anthropic Builds a Society Lab

Today we're covering the biggest AI stories of March 12th, 2026. Perplexity launched Personal Computer, a local AI agent that runs 24/7 on a dedicated Mac mini — positioning itself as the safer, more controlled alternative to OpenClaw with kill switches, activity tracking, and remote management built in. Elon Musk pushed back on reports that Macrohard had stalled, revealing that xAI's agent project is now merging with Tesla's Digital Optimus AI into a single system he claims can emulate the function of entire companies. Plus, Anthropic launched the Anthropic Institute, a new 30-person think tank dedicated to studying AI's societal disruption — and a community workflow from a father who uses AI to build custom learning exercises for his son on the autism spectrum.