What is OpenClaw? Everything You Need to Know in 2026
OpenClaw is a free, open-source AI agent that runs locally on your device and performs real-world tasks autonomously. Unlike traditional chatbots that only respond to prompts, OpenClaw can manage your emails, organize your calendar, browse the web, and execute shell commands—all while keeping your data private on your own machine.
Think of it as having a personal AI assistant that doesn't just talk, but actually does things for you.
Quick Overview: OpenClaw at a Glance
Key facts about the OpenClaw project
174k+ GitHub Stars
GitHub Stars
MIT Open Source License
Open Source License
Nov 2025 Initial Release
Initial Release
What is an AI Agent?
Before diving into OpenClaw, let's clarify what an "AI agent" actually means. Traditional AI chatbots like ChatGPT are reactive—they respond when you ask a question. An AI agent, on the other hand, is proactive. OpenClaw represents this new generation of AI: one that doesn't just talk, but takes action.
Plan Multi-Step Tasks
Break down complex goals into actionable steps and execute them sequentially.
Execute Actions
Send emails, book flights, fill forms—actions on your behalf.
Remember Preferences
Learn your habits and communication style over time.
Operate Autonomously
Work without constant human input or supervision.
How OpenClaw Works
OpenClaw operates through a unique architecture that prioritizes both capability and privacy.
The Name Change: Clawdbot → Moltbot → OpenClaw
You might encounter references to "Clawdbot" or "Moltbot" online. If you see older tutorials or articles using these names, they're referring to the same project.
Clawdbot
Nov 2025 — Original launch name
Moltbot
Dec 2025 — Renamed after trademark concerns from Anthropic (similarity to "Claude")
OpenClaw
Jan 2026 — Final rebrand for clarity and community identity
Key Features
Everything that makes OpenClaw a powerful personal AI agent.
Local Execution & Privacy
Your data stays on your machine. OpenClaw supports both cloud APIs and local models (via Ollama), giving you full control over privacy.
Multi-Channel Access
Talk to your AI through WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, or iMessage. Works in both DMs and group chats.
Persistent Memory
OpenClaw learns your preferences and maintains context across sessions. It becomes your AI—not a generic assistant.
Browser Control
It can browse websites, fill out forms, and extract information autonomously. Great for research, booking, and data gathering.
System Access
Read/write files, execute shell commands, and automate system tasks. Available in both full-access and sandboxed modes.
Skills & Plugins
Extend functionality with community-built skills or create your own. OpenClaw even writes its own skills when needed.
Getting Started: Installation Guide
Get OpenClaw running on your machine in three simple steps.
Check Prerequisites
Node.js 22 or higher (the installer handles this automatically). macOS, Windows, or Linux. API key from Anthropic, OpenAI, or a local model via Ollama.
Install OpenClaw
Open your terminal and run: curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash — This one-liner installs OpenClaw and all dependencies.
Run Onboarding Wizard
Run: openclaw onboard --install-daemon — The wizard guides you through selecting your AI model, connecting messaging channels, and setting up your identity files.
⚠️ Security Considerations
OpenClaw is powerful—but with great power comes significant responsibility. Here's what you need to know.
Who Should Use OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is best suited for technical users who want powerful automation with privacy control.
✅ Developers
Who want to automate workflows and integrate AI into their tools.
✅ Power Users
Comfortable with terminal commands and technical setup.
❌ Complete Beginners
Not ideal if uncomfortable with technical setup or terminal.
❌ Enterprise Use
Security not yet mature for mission-critical or enterprise tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OpenClaw answered.
Have more questions? Join the Discord community for help.
Ready to Try OpenClaw?
Get started with the AI agent that actually does things for you.