Astropad introduces Workbench, a remote desktop built for AI agents instead of traditional IT use

Demand for Apple's Mac Mini has been rising rapidly, especially in China, where the compact device is increasingly used as a base for running autonomous AI agents such as OpenClaw and similar systems. Building on this trend, Astropad has introduced a remote desktop solution for this use case.

On Tuesday, Astropad CEO Matt Ronge unveiled Astropad Workbench, a remote desktop platform for Apple devices that he describes as built "for the AI era."

While AI agents running on a Mac Mini may not require a display, human operators still need occasional access to monitor performance, review logs, check outputs, or restart stalled processes. Workbench is designed to make that interaction seamless.

The platform includes features such as high-quality streaming, voice-based command input, and compatibility with multiple input methods, including keyboard, Apple Pencil, and touch. It also offers dedicated apps for iPad and iPhone, effectively allowing users to access their remote desktop from anywhere.

For users managing multiple machines, Workbench includes a device-switching interface that makes it easier to switch between systems running AI workloads.

The concept originated internally, as the Astropad team and their peers encountered limitations in existing tools while working with AI agents.

"We have heavily adopted AI at Astropad, and we've been using agents. And sometimes, you have an agent running on a long task, and you want to check on it," Ronge explained. He added that while traditional remote desktop tools exist, none are specifically optimised for this type of interaction. Alternatives like terminal access or messaging integrations can be restrictive, especially when visual confirmation or manual intervention is required.

Workbench is powered by Astropad's proprietary low-latency display technology called LIQUID. This protocol supports high-resolution output, including Retina displays, without degrading image quality or introducing visual artefacts. The same technology is already used in Astropad's other products, including Luna Display and Astropad Studio. Although monitoring AI processes does not always require high visual fidelity, Ronge noted that it becomes important when reviewing creative outputs such as designs or mockups generated by AI systems.

Astropad enters a competitive space that includes established remote desktop solutions like Jump Desktop, RustDesk, AnyDesk, Parsec, and various VNC-based tools. However, the company believes its focus on AI-specific workflows sets Workbench apart.

The software allows users to easily track agent activity, identify issues in logs, restart processes, and make adjustments — all from mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads.

Ronge emphasised Astropad's long-standing expertise in iPad and iOS development as a key advantage. The company has spent over a decade building applications in this space, which has informed Workbench's design and usability.

A notable addition is voice interaction, powered by Apple's voice model. Users can issue commands to their AI agents simply by speaking into their devices, creating a more natural interface than traditional input methods.

"This is a very intuitive way to interact with agents," Ronge said, noting that such functionality is largely absent from traditional enterprise-focused remote desktop tools.

As with any new product, Workbench may still require refinements and bug fixes, but Astropad is actively working on updates. Plans include support for Windows and Linux, along with further improvements to the iPhone experience.

The software is compatible with macOS 15 and later, as well as iOS 26. It is available as a free download with a daily usage limit of 20 minutes. Users can opt for unlimited access through a subscription priced at $10 per month or $50 per year.

Astropad, a bootstrapped, profitable company, has built a user base of over 100,000 customers across its hardware and software offerings. With Workbench, the company sees an opportunity to expand further into both individual and enterprise markets as AI agent management becomes increasingly common.

"I absolutely think businesses will adopt this," Ronge said, pointing to the productivity gains he has experienced firsthand. "It's simply too powerful to ignore."