Clawdbot

Clawdbot Overview

Clawdbot was the original name of the open-source personal AI assistant now known as OpenClaw. The project was briefly renamed Moltbot before adopting the OpenClaw name.

OpenClaw runs on a user’s own computer or server and connects artificial intelligence models to messaging platforms, applications, files, tools, and automated workflows. Instead of opening a separate AI application, users can communicate with their assistant through services they already use, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Signal, Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, iMessage, and WebChat.

The platform is designed for people who want an AI assistant capable of taking actions rather than only generating text. Depending on its configuration and permissions, OpenClaw can work with email, calendars, documents, code repositories, web services, local files, command-line tools, and connected applications.

Clawdbot attracted attention because it gave users greater control over where their assistant runs, which models it uses, what tools it can access, and how it completes tasks. The project is open source and can be extended through custom tools, plugins, and reusable skills.

Although people may still search for Clawdbot or Moltbot, OpenClaw is the project’s current name.

What Is Clawdbot?

Clawdbot is a self-hosted AI assistant framework that allows users to run a persistent personal agent on their own hardware or server.

The system uses a Gateway to connect an AI model with messaging channels and authorized tools. Once configured, a user can send the assistant a request from a supported chat application. The assistant interprets the request, determines which available tools may be required, performs the permitted actions, and returns a response through the same channel.

Unlike a basic chatbot, Clawdbot can maintain sessions, use tools, access approved information, run workflows, and complete multi-step tasks. Its exact capabilities depend on the AI model, integrations, permissions, skills, and security controls selected by the user.

Clawdbot is not itself a proprietary foundation model. Users configure it to work with supported AI model providers or compatible local models. The platform acts as the operational layer connecting the model to the user’s preferred channels and tools.

Clawdbot, Moltbot, and OpenClaw

Clawdbot, Moltbot, and OpenClaw refer to different names used during the development of the same open-source project.

The project originally became popular under the Clawdbot name. It was later renamed Moltbot and ultimately became OpenClaw. The current project, documentation, software commands, and repository use the OpenClaw name.

People researching older tutorials, discussions, repositories, or social media posts may still encounter the Clawdbot and Moltbot names. Some older commands and configuration examples may no longer match the current OpenClaw documentation.

For the most accurate installation and configuration instructions, users should follow the current OpenClaw documentation rather than relying on older Clawdbot or Moltbot tutorials.

How Clawdbot Works

The OpenClaw Gateway

The Gateway is the central process that connects the assistant to messaging channels, AI models, sessions, tools, and devices.

It receives messages from connected channels, routes them to the appropriate agent, manages the agent’s available context and tools, and sends the resulting response back to the user.

The Gateway can run on a personal computer, dedicated machine, virtual private server, or another supported environment.

AI Model Connection

OpenClaw requires access to an AI model capable of understanding requests and deciding how to use available tools.

Users can select a supported model provider and configure the appropriate credentials. The cost, speed, context length, reasoning ability, and privacy characteristics depend partly on the selected model.

OpenClaw provides the assistant framework, while the connected model provides much of the underlying language and reasoning capability.

Messaging Channels

Users can connect one or more supported communication platforms to the Gateway.

This makes it possible to send a request from a phone or desktop chat application without directly accessing the computer where OpenClaw is running.

Channel support includes popular services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, iMessage, Matrix, and the built-in WebChat interface.

Tools and Skills

Tools give the assistant permission to interact with external systems or perform specific actions.

A tool might allow the assistant to read a file, run a command, search connected information, access a calendar, call an API, or communicate with another service.

Skills package instructions, tools, workflows, or specialized behavior into reusable capabilities. Users can install available skills or create custom skills for their own tasks.

Sessions and Memory

OpenClaw organizes conversations into sessions so the assistant can maintain context across interactions.

Depending on the configuration, the assistant may also use workspace files or stored information to preserve instructions, preferences, project details, and operational context.

Users should review what information is stored, where it is stored, and which agents or tools can access it.

Nodes and Connected Devices

OpenClaw can connect with supported devices and companion applications. These nodes may provide additional capabilities, such as interacting with device functions, receiving media, processing audio, or supporting voice-based experiences.

Available functionality depends on the operating system, installed applications, permissions, and configuration.

How to Use Clawdbot

1. Choose Where to Run OpenClaw

Select the computer or server that will host the OpenClaw Gateway.

A personal computer may be suitable for experimentation, while an always-on machine or server may be more appropriate for continuous availability.

Consider the sensitivity of the information the assistant will access before choosing a hosting environment.

2. Install OpenClaw

Install the current OpenClaw software using the installation method recommended for your operating system.

OpenClaw supports environments including macOS, Linux, and Windows. Containerized and server-based installation options may also be available.

Older installation instructions using the Clawdbot or Moltbot names may be outdated.

3. Complete the Onboarding Process

Run the guided onboarding process to create the initial configuration, select a model, establish the workspace, and configure the Gateway.

The onboarding process helps users set the primary agent, model provider, authentication credentials, and basic operating preferences.

4. Connect an AI Model

Choose the AI model provider or compatible local model that will power the assistant.

Add only the credentials required for the selected model and protect API keys from public exposure. Model usage may create separate charges from the model provider.

5. Connect a Messaging Channel

Connect at least one supported messaging platform, such as Telegram, Discord, Slack, WhatsApp, or WebChat.

Follow the channel-specific instructions for creating credentials, pairing the account, and controlling who is allowed to communicate with the assistant.

6. Configure Tools and Skills

Decide what the assistant should be allowed to do.

Install or create only the tools and skills required for the intended workflows. Review the permissions, source code, configuration, and data access of third-party extensions before enabling them.

7. Test With Low-Risk Tasks

Begin with tasks that do not involve sensitive accounts, destructive commands, financial transactions, or important business systems.

Verify how the assistant interprets instructions, requests confirmation, uses tools, records information, and responds when a task fails.

8. Add Automations Carefully

OpenClaw can support scheduled tasks, webhooks, recurring jobs, and other automated workflows.

Start with narrowly defined automations. Review logs and outputs before allowing the assistant to operate with broader access or reduced supervision.

Clawdbot Key Features

Self-Hosted AI Assistant

OpenClaw can run on hardware or infrastructure controlled by the user.

Self-hosting provides more control over configuration and deployment, although external model providers and connected services may still receive data when their APIs are used.

Multi-Channel Messaging

A single Gateway can connect the assistant to multiple messaging channels.

Users can communicate with the same assistant from supported platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, iMessage, and WebChat.

Tool-Based Actions

The assistant can use approved tools to perform tasks instead of only answering questions.

Potential actions include working with files, running commands, calling APIs, accessing connected services, retrieving information, and triggering workflows.

Custom Skills

Users can extend OpenClaw with specialized skills for particular applications, processes, or business needs.

Skills can combine instructions and tools to help the assistant complete repeatable tasks more consistently.

Multiple AI Model Options

OpenClaw is not limited to a single AI model provider.

Users can configure available cloud-based or local models based on their desired capability, cost, speed, availability, and privacy requirements.

Persistent Sessions

The platform supports ongoing sessions that allow the assistant to maintain relevant conversational and operational context.

This can make it more useful for long-running projects, recurring activities, and personal workflows.

Multi-Agent Configuration

OpenClaw can support multiple agents with separate instructions, workspaces, tools, sessions, or responsibilities.

For example, one agent could focus on development tasks while another handles research or administrative workflows.

Scheduled Tasks and Webhooks

Users can configure recurring jobs and event-driven workflows.

These features can support reminders, reports, data processing, system checks, message delivery, and other repeatable activities.

Local and Remote Access

The Gateway can run on a local device while remaining available through connected chat applications.

Remote access must be configured carefully to avoid exposing the Gateway, control interface, credentials, or private sessions to unauthorized users.

Open-Source Customization

OpenClaw’s open-source codebase allows developers to inspect, modify, extend, and contribute to the project.

This makes it suitable for technical users who need more flexibility than a closed, hosted AI assistant may provide.

Clawdbot Use Cases

Personal Productivity

Users can configure the assistant to manage reminders, organize tasks, summarize information, prepare updates, or support routine administrative work.

Email Assistance

With an authorized email integration, the assistant may help search messages, summarize threads, prepare drafts, organize information, or trigger email-related workflows.

Sending, deleting, forwarding, or modifying messages should be protected by appropriate confirmation and access controls.

Calendar Management

OpenClaw can be connected to calendar tools to retrieve schedules, prepare daily summaries, identify conflicts, or assist with event-related workflows.

Users should carefully control whether the assistant can only read calendar information or can also create and modify events.

Development and Coding Tasks

Developers can use OpenClaw with coding agents, repositories, local development environments, command-line tools, and project files.

Potential tasks include reviewing code, investigating errors, organizing issues, running tests, or assisting with software maintenance.

Research and Monitoring

The assistant can collect information from approved sources, summarize findings, monitor defined inputs, and prepare recurring reports.

OpenClaw is broader than a dedicated website-change monitoring service. Monitoring is one possible workflow that may be created through tools, scheduled jobs, integrations, or custom skills.

Business Operations

Teams may configure specialized agents to assist with internal documentation, reporting, customer inquiries, lead processing, support triage, or recurring operational tasks.

Business deployments require careful permission management, data governance, logging, and human oversight.

Smart Home and Device Workflows

Technical users may connect OpenClaw with compatible devices, services, or custom APIs to control or monitor parts of their local environment.

The available actions depend on the connected systems and the permissions granted to the assistant.

Recurring Briefings

OpenClaw can be configured to prepare scheduled summaries using information from calendars, tasks, documents, messages, feeds, or other authorized sources.

Examples include morning briefings, project updates, system reports, and reminders.

Who Is Clawdbot For?

Developers

Developers can customize the software, create tools, build skills, connect APIs, and control the underlying deployment.

Technical Power Users

OpenClaw may appeal to users who want a highly configurable personal assistant and are comfortable managing software, credentials, integrations, and security settings.

Automation Enthusiasts

Users who already work with APIs, scripts, webhooks, home servers, or automation platforms may use OpenClaw as a conversational interface for their workflows.

Founders and Small Teams

Founders and small teams may use specialized agents for research, reporting, operations, development, and administrative processes.

Sensitive business accounts should not be connected without appropriate security controls and supervision.

AI Researchers and Builders

The platform provides an accessible environment for experimenting with persistent agents, tool use, memory, multi-agent routing, and human-agent interaction.

Clawdbot Advantages

Greater Deployment Control

Users decide where the Gateway runs and how it is configured.

Flexible Model Selection

The assistant can be configured to use different supported AI models rather than being permanently tied to one provider.

Broad Extensibility

Custom tools, skills, plugins, channels, and workflows allow the system to support many use cases.

Familiar User Interface

Users can interact with the assistant through messaging applications they may already use every day.

Persistent Availability

When installed on an always-on device or server, the assistant can remain available without requiring the user to open a separate application.

Active Open-Source Development

The project is developed publicly, allowing users to inspect changes, report problems, contribute improvements, and build extensions.

Clawdbot Limitations

Technical Setup

Installing and operating OpenClaw may require command-line experience, server administration, API configuration, and troubleshooting.

It may not be suitable for users seeking a fully managed, ready-to-use assistant.

Separate Model Costs

OpenClaw is the assistant framework, but connected AI model providers may charge for API usage.

Total operating cost can also include hosting, storage, connected services, and third-party APIs.

Integration Maintenance

External APIs, messaging services, plugins, and authentication methods can change over time.

Users may need to update configurations, replace credentials, or troubleshoot integrations after software changes.

Variable Results

The quality of the assistant’s output depends on the chosen model, instructions, tools, available context, task complexity, and system configuration.

AI-generated actions and answers can still be incorrect.

Security Responsibility

Self-hosting gives users more control, but it also makes them responsible for protecting the deployment.

Poorly configured permissions, exposed control interfaces, unsafe extensions, leaked credentials, or excessive system access can create serious risks.

Clawdbot Security Considerations

OpenClaw can interact with private messages, files, applications, accounts, and system tools. These capabilities make security an essential part of deployment.

Limit Permissions

Give each agent, integration, and tool only the access required for its intended purpose.

Avoid granting unrestricted access to email, financial accounts, production systems, personal files, or administrator-level commands.

Keep the Gateway Private

Do not expose the Gateway or its control interface directly to the public internet without secure authentication and appropriate network protections.

Review the current OpenClaw documentation before configuring remote access.

Protect Credentials

Store API keys, tokens, passwords, and channel credentials securely.

Do not place secrets in public repositories, screenshots, shared logs, prompts, or unsecured configuration files.

Review Third-Party Skills

A skill or plugin may contain instructions or code that accesses data and performs actions.

Review its source, permissions, reputation, maintenance history, and requested access before installation.

Account for Prompt Injection

An assistant may encounter malicious instructions embedded in emails, webpages, files, messages, or other external content.

Treat outside content as untrusted and require confirmation before sensitive or destructive actions.

Use Isolation

Consider running the assistant inside a dedicated machine, container, virtual machine, restricted user account, or isolated server environment.

Isolation can reduce the damage caused by a compromised tool, unsafe instruction, or configuration mistake.

Keep OpenClaw Updated

Install security fixes and supported releases promptly.

Review release notes and configuration changes before updating an important deployment.

Maintain Human Oversight

Require confirmation for actions involving money, account changes, public communications, deleted data, production systems, legal commitments, or sensitive personal information.

Is Clawdbot Free?

OpenClaw is an open-source project. Users can access and self-host the software without purchasing a traditional software subscription from the project.

However, running the assistant may still create costs. These can include:

• AI model API usage
• Server or cloud hosting
• Connected third-party services
• Storage and bandwidth
• Paid integrations
• Technical setup and maintenance

The total cost depends on how frequently the assistant is used, which model is selected, how many tools it calls, and where it is hosted.

Does Clawdbot Run Locally?

OpenClaw can run on a user-controlled computer or server.

Running the Gateway locally does not automatically mean that every part of the system operates offline. Requests may still be sent to external AI model providers, messaging platforms, APIs, or connected services.

A more private configuration may use local models and locally hosted tools, but this can require additional hardware, configuration, and technical knowledge.

Does Clawdbot Work With Claude or ChatGPT?

OpenClaw can be configured to use supported AI model providers.

The platform is separate from the model itself. OpenClaw manages the agent, channels, sessions, tools, and workflows, while the selected model processes instructions and helps determine responses or actions.

Users should check the current model-provider documentation for supported models and configuration requirements.

Is Clawdbot the Same as OpenClaw?

Yes. Clawdbot was an earlier name for the project now known as OpenClaw.

The naming progression was:

Clawdbot → Moltbot → OpenClaw

Current installations, documentation, repositories, and tutorials should use the OpenClaw name.

Is Clawdbot Safe?

OpenClaw can be operated more safely when permissions are restricted, the Gateway is protected, credentials are secured, extensions are reviewed, and sensitive actions require human approval.

It should not be assumed safe simply because it is self-hosted or open source.

The level of risk depends heavily on what systems the assistant can access and whether it can execute actions without confirmation.

Clawdbot Alternatives

Users comparing Clawdbot or OpenClaw with other products should consider what type of assistant they need.

Some alternatives focus on hosted AI chat, while others specialize in workflow automation, coding agents, local AI, browser automation, or multi-agent development.

Important comparison factors include:

• Self-hosted or fully managed deployment
• Supported AI models
• Messaging channel support
• Tool and application integrations
• Local model support
• Custom skill development
• Persistent memory
• Multi-agent capabilities
• Security controls
• Technical setup requirements
• Hosting and model costs

Final Assessment

Clawdbot, now called OpenClaw, is a powerful open-source framework for creating a personal AI assistant that can communicate through messaging platforms and use authorized tools to perform tasks.

Its greatest strengths are flexibility, self-hosted deployment, multi-channel access, custom skills, model choice, and support for action-oriented workflows.

Those capabilities also introduce meaningful responsibility. OpenClaw is best suited to developers and technically experienced users who understand permissions, credentials, network security, AI limitations, and the risks of giving an autonomous assistant access to real systems.

For users willing to configure and supervise it carefully, OpenClaw provides a customizable foundation for building an always-available AI assistant around their own tools, channels, and workflows.