OpenClaw is an autonomous AI agent platform that runs on your hardware, connects to your messaging apps, and executes real tasks — without sending your data anywhere.
Works with your stack
Cloud AI tools are fragmented. Context doesn't persist. Your data leaves your machine. Nothing actually does the work — it just suggests it.
Runs entirely on your infrastructure. API keys and files never leave your machine. No cloud dependency, no data risk.
Not just a chatbot. OpenClaw reads files, runs shell commands, browses the web, calls APIs. It does things.
Chat with it via Telegram, WhatsApp, or Discord. No new UI to learn. Your existing apps, now powered by AI.
Define custom skills as Markdown files. The agent learns new capabilities without code changes.
Heartbeat scheduler lets your agent act proactively — daily reports, monitoring, scheduled outreach — without you asking.
Claude, GPT-4o, DeepSeek, or local models via Ollama. You choose the model per task or per agent.
From install to first task in minutes. Here's exactly what happens under the hood.
One command downloads OpenClaw and starts the local Gateway — your agent's control plane that runs as a background daemon.
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
Pick your preferred LLM provider — Anthropic, OpenAI, DeepSeek, or run a local model with Ollama. Your keys stay on-device.
Connect Telegram (BotFather token), WhatsApp (QR code), Discord, or Slack. Instantly talk to your agent from any device.
Create a SOUL.md to set the agent's persona and add Skills markdown files to teach it custom capabilities for your workflow.
Just send a message. OpenClaw picks the right skill, executes the task, and sends back the result. It works while you sleep.
Skills are lightweight Markdown files that define new capabilities. No code required. Drop a file in your workspace and your agent instantly knows what to do.
Deep-dive competitor analysis, market sizing, technical documentation scanning. Synthesizes sources automatically.
Read, write, organize, and search across local and cloud files. Process CSVs, PDFs, and project folders.
Run any CLI command on your machine. Build, test, deploy, or monitor servers directly from your chat.
Browse, scrape, and extract information from any webpage. No manual copy-paste. Just ask and get results.
Define recurring tasks. Daily standup summaries, weekly reports, system health checks — all autonomous.
Call any REST API. Connect CRMs, analytics tools, databases, or notifications services via custom skills.
Automatically update records, draft personalized emails, and manage lead pipelines without lifting a finger.
Review pull requests, scan logs, run tests, and create GitHub issues. Built for technical operators.
Skills are just Markdown files with structured frontmatter. No SDK. No boilerplate.
Not theoretical demos. These are real workflows from founders running OpenClaw in production today.
Run OpenClaw on a Mac Mini or VPS. Connect Telegram. Now you have a 24/7 executive assistant that never sleeps, never bills by the hour, and works exactly how you train it to.
Connect OpenClaw to your GitHub, deployment scripts, and monitoring stack. Let it watch your CI/CD pipeline and tell you when things break — or fix them automatically.
Stop spending hours on competitive research. OpenClaw can scan dozens of sources, pull structured data, and deliver a clean briefing — while you focus on building.
Build an SDR agent that finds leads, drafts personalized outreach, follows up on schedule, and logs everything to your CRM — without hiring anyone.
Most setup failures happen in the first 30 minutes. Here's what to watch for.
OpenClaw requires Node.js v22.14+ (v24 recommended). Older versions cause silent failures during gateway startup.
node --version → upgrade if below v22.14
Never connect OpenClaw to your primary personal Telegram, WhatsApp, or GitHub. Use dedicated bot accounts to isolate access.
If your agent stops responding, the Gateway daemon may have crashed. Always verify it's running before debugging further.
openclaw gateway status → restart if needed
OpenClaw is always-on. Running it on your daily laptop means it stops when you close the lid. Use a Mac Mini, VPS, or home server.
Discord requires "Message Content Intent" enabled in the Developer Portal. Missing this causes bot silence — no errors thrown.
Skills must live in your workspace skills/ folder and have correct frontmatter. Misconfigured files are silently ignored.
openclaw doctor to validate your workspace
We've documented every step. No fluff, no gaps. Just a clear path to your first working agent.
nodejs.org or nvm install 24
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
Follow prompts to pair Telegram or WhatsApp
Your agent is live. Start delegating.