OpenClaw

What is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is an open-source, self-hosted autonomous AI agent designed to run locally on your machine or private server. Unlike standard chatbots, it functions as a comprehensive personal assistant capable of executing multi-step tasks, accessing local files, and browsing the web. Users interact with it through familiar messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack, ensuring seamless integration into daily workflows. It supports various LLM providers, including OpenAI and Anthropic, allowing users to choose their preferred intelligence backend while maintaining full control over their data. The project emphasizes privacy and sovereignty, operating under the philosophy of "Your assistant. Your machine. Your rules."

How to use OpenClaw?

To use OpenClaw, users install the software on their local computer or a Virtual Private Server (VPS) using a simple terminal command or Docker container. During the onboarding process, you configure your preferred LLM provider (such as OpenAI or Anthropic) and link the assistant to messaging platforms like Telegram, Discord, or WhatsApp. Once active, you interact with OpenClaw directly through these chat apps by sending natural language prompts, enabling the agent to execute code, search the web, and perform local system actions.

OpenClaw's Core Features

• Runs locally on macOS, Windows, and Linux for maximum privacy and control.

• Integrates seamlessly with WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, and Signal.

• Supports multiple LLM providers including OpenAI, Anthropic, and local models via Ollama.

• Executes code locally to solve complex problems and automate workflows.

• Features a "Voice Mode" for spoken interactions on supported devices.

• Includes a self-healing "Doctor" command to diagnose and fix configuration issues.

• Provides a web-based control dashboard for managing sessions and settings.

• Allows for persistent memory so the assistant remembers context over time.

• Supports extension via custom tools and "Skills" for added functionality.

• Enables file uploads and analysis directly through the chat interface.

• Offers a secure gateway for routing messages without exposing local ports.

• Fully open-source codebase licensed under MIT for community development.

OpenClaw's Use Cases

• #1

  Control your local computer via WhatsApp or Telegram messages while away.

• #2

  Automate repetitive coding tasks and execute scripts in a secure environment.

• #3

  Summarize long web articles or documents sent directly to the chat.

• #4

  Manage and organize local files through natural language commands.

• #5

  Run a private, always-on personal assistant on a low-cost VPS.

• #6

  Integrate multiple AI models (Claude, GPT-4) into a single chat interface.

• #7

  Execute complex multi-step research tasks using web browsing capabilities.