Astropad, a software company specialising in creative professional tools, has launched a new remote desktop solution specifically designed for monitoring autonomous AI agents. The product, called Astropad Workbench, was announced on Tuesday by CEO Matt Ronge and is pitched as a tool "for the AI era".
The launch responds to surging demand for Apple's Mac Mini in markets like China, where the compact computer is being used as a platform for experimenting with AI agents such as OpenClaw. While these agents may not require a screen to operate, human operators need a way to visually check logs, monitor outputs, and restart stalled tasks.
Built for AI workflows
Workbench differentiates itself from traditional remote desktop software like Jump Desktop, RustDesk, and VNC solutions by focusing on the specific needs of AI agent oversight. It allows users to easily monitor agent progress, spot issues, and make adjustments directly from an iPhone or iPad.
"There’s not a great way to do this...there were existing remote desktop tools, but nothing built specifically for this," Ronge explained, noting that terminal access or Telegram chats are limited. "There are times you’ve got to see what’s happening on your Mac. You’ve got to approve a dialog or save something, or just visually see what’s happening."
Key features and technology
The software leverages Astropad's proprietary, low-latency display protocol called LIQUID, which is also used in its Luna Display and Astropad Studio products. This protocol supports high-fidelity streaming at Retina resolutions without blurring or pixelation, a feature Ronge says is valuable when approving designs or mock-ups created by an AI agent.
A standout feature is the integration of Apple's voice model, allowing users to dictate prompts and commands to their AI agent by pressing a microphone button on their phone. "It’s a very natural way to work with agents. That’s the kind of feature that existing remote desktop [apps] just don’t have," Ronge stated.
For users running agents across multiple Macs, Workbench includes a device chooser for seamless switching between machines.
Availability and future development
Astropad Workbench is available now for macOS 15 and iOS 26. It can be downloaded for free, offering 20 minutes of access per day. Unlimited access is priced at $10 per month or $50 per year.
The bootstrapped and profitable company, which has over 100,000 customers for its existing hardware and software products, acknowledges the initial release may have bugs. The development roadmap includes launching Windows and Linux support and refining the iPhone app.
Ronge believes the product has significant potential for both AI enthusiasts and businesses. "I totally think businesses are gonna buy it. I mean, just the productivity gains I’m seeing from it myself — this is totally headed to businesses. It’s just too powerful," he said.