OpenClaw

Overview

OpenClaw is one of the fastest-growing open-source projects in GitHub history, a self-hosted personal AI agent that automates tasks and provides a “24/7 Jarvis” across multiple messaging platforms. Originally created by Peter Steinberger as “CLAWDIS” and later rebranded through Clawdbot and Moltbot, it settled on the OpenClaw name in early 2026 following trademark disputes and security incidents.

As of January 2026, the project has achieved:

• 135,000+ GitHub stars
• 19,700+ forks
• 355 contributors
• 35+ releases with date-based versioning

Project History

CLAWDIS → Clawdbot (2025)

Peter Steinberger created the original CLAWDIS project as a “weekend hack” that rapidly became one of the fastest-growing open-source projects. The self-hosted assistant—described as “Claude with hands”—integrated with existing messaging apps and allowed users to control their computers through chat.

Clawdbot → Moltbot (Early 2026)

In early 2026, Anthropic objected to the “Clawdbot” name due to trademark concerns. Steinberger complied and rebranded to Moltbot, with “molt” referencing the process by which lobsters shed their shell—a thematic connection to the project’s identity.

During the rename transition, attackers seized control of both the GitHub organization and X handles within seconds of their release, and coordinated typosquat domains (moltbot.you, clawbot.ai) and cloned repositories to intercept users—a critical supply-chain attack risk.

Moltbot → OpenClaw (Early 2026)

Following the security chaos and trademark scrutiny, the project underwent a final rebrand to OpenClaw with professionalized processes:

• Trademark searches completed before launch
• Domains secured in advance
• Migration code prepared
• Deliberate naming process replacing spontaneous decisions

The name carries dual meaning: “Open” emphasizes its open-source, community-driven, self-hosted nature, while “Claw” maintains the historical lobster lineage.

Core Features

Autonomous Task Execution

• Run shell commands and execute scripts
• Read, write, and manage files
• Control web browsers through Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP)
• Manage calendars and handle email
• Trigger complex automations via natural language

Persistent Memory and Context

• Retains long-term conversation history across sessions
• Maintains preferences and context
• Enables sophisticated multi-turn interactions
• Filesystem-based state management

Multi-Platform Integration

Connects to messaging platforms as a unified chat interface:

• Slack
• Discord
• iMessage
• WhatsApp
• Telegram
• Custom integrations

Acts as a proactive assistant capable of reaching out across messaging apps.

Flexible AI Model Support

• Users bring their own API keys
• Works with any AI model (Claude, GPT, local models via Ollama)
• Model-agnostic architecture

Extensibility

Skills System

Community-built “skills” extend capabilities with new abilities or connect to services. As of January 2026, OpenClaw features 50+ integrations across:

• Chat providers
• AI models
• Productivity tools
• Music and audio platforms
• Smart home devices
• Automation tools

Extension Registry

Migration in v2026.1.29 moved extension scopes from @moltbot/* to @openclaw/*. Users update package.json:

{  
  "dependencies": {  
    "@openclaw/your-extension": "latest"  
  }  
}  

An extension marketplace for community-built skills is planned for 2026.

Deployment Options

Local Execution

Runs on Mac, Windows, or Linux with all data remaining private on the user’s device. Users choose between:

• Sandboxed environment (restricted permissions)
• Full system access (maximum automation capability)

Daemon Service (v2026.1.29+)

openclaw onboard --install-daemon  

Installs persistent background service:

• macOS: launchd user service
• Linux: systemd user service
• Survives system reboots

Cloud Deployment

DigitalOcean offers 1-Click hardened deployment with built-in security, starting at $24/month.

Cloudflare Workers deployment for fully managed always-on instances.

Architecture

Technical Stack

• Primary Language: TypeScript (82.9%)
• Supporting Languages: Swift (13.2%), Kotlin (1.8%)

Components

• Gateway WebSocket Control Plane: Sessions, presence, configuration, webhooks, control UI
• Agent Runtime: RPC mode with tool streaming and block streaming
• Media Pipeline: Images, audio, video with transcription hooks
• Browser Control: Managed Chrome/Chromium via Chrome DevTools Protocol
• Flexible Deployment: Docker, Nix configurations, Tailscale remote access

Security Evolution

Critical Changes (v2026.1.29)

Removal of “auth: none”

• Previous vulnerability allowed anyone finding an instance to control it
• Now requires:
  • Token-based or password-based authentication
  • OR Tailscale Serve identity
• Addresses incidents where users deployed on public VPS without authentication

Enhanced Sandboxing

• Improved Docker sandboxing for better isolation
• Q1 2026 priorities: local model support, robust sandboxing
• 34 security-related commits dedicated to hardening

Security Documentation

• Machine-checkable security models for verifiable safety
• Clear documentation of prompt injection risks and mitigation strategies
• Direct response to earlier security criticisms

Development Roadmap

Short-term (Q1 2026)

• Stabilize OpenClaw brand
• Improve non-technical user onboarding
• Enhance security infrastructure

Medium-term (2026)

• Team management features
• Audit logs and compliance features
• Single Sign-On (SSO) support
• Improved local model integration
• Mobile companion app
• Extension marketplace launch

Getting Started

Installation

npm install -g openclaw@latest  

Note: Legacy names moltbot@latest and clawdbot@latest work as temporary aliases.

Basic Setup

openclaw onboard  
openclaw onboard --install-daemon  # Enable background service  

Configuration

Project structure follows git-based config with local context files for personalization.

Release Strategy

OpenClaw uses date-based versioning (e.g., v2026.1.30) with very frequent updates. Major releases announced on X [@openclaw] with technical details in GitHub Changelog.

Growth Metrics

The project exemplifies extraordinary GitHub momentum:

• Grew from 9,000 to 135,000+ stars in weeks
• Viral adoption by both technical and non-technical users
• Sustained high contributor velocity (355 contributors)
• One of the fastest-growing open-source projects in history

Growth driven by genuine AI agent capabilities—not just chat—with persistent memory, real task execution, and continuous operation across messaging platforms.

Related Projects

• GitHub Copilot CLI - Terminal-based AI coding assistant
• Peter Steinberger - Creator/maintainer
• Clawdis - Peter Steinberger’s personal Claude Code system (different project, similar philosophy)
• Ollama - Local AI model integration
• Tailscale - Secure network access option

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Last updated: February 1, 2026