OpenClaw runs on your own device. It reads your files, executes commands, browses the web, remembers everything, and meets you on the chat apps you already use.
Nine capability modules turn OpenClaw from a conversation into a workforce — all running locally, all under your control.
OpenClaw remembers your preferences, history, and goals across every session. It reads your Obsidian notes and health data to deliver deeply personal assistance — stored as plain Markdown you can inspect anytime.
Reads and writes files, runs shell commands, and executes code in a secure sandbox — like a colleague sitting at a keyboard.
Browses pages, fills forms, extracts data, and even configures OAuth tokens for itself. See, decide, act — in one loop.
Describe a skill in plain language — zero code required. Browse 5,700+ community skills on ClawHub, enjoy instant hot-reload, or let OpenClaw write its own skills from a YouTube video or your notes.
One gateway, every conversation. Talk to OpenClaw on WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, iMessage, Signal, Feishu, DingTalk, WeCom, and more — with voice wake-up and real-time conversation built in.
Works in the background: schedules tasks via Cron & Webhooks, reminds you of to-dos, and merges scattered chats into coherent docs.
Switch freely between Claude Opus, GPT, Gemini, GLM, KIMI — or run local models offline. Your API keys, your costs.
Local-first: your data never leaves your device. Sandboxed runtime, Docker isolation, pairing codes, and full audit logs.
Windows, macOS, Linux, or cloud. One-command install via npm or Docker, running comfortably under 500 MB of RAM.
Chatbots answer questions. OpenClaw finishes tasks.
| Capability | 🦞 OpenClaw | Traditional Bots |
|---|---|---|
| Read & write local files | ✓ yes | ✗ no |
| Execute system commands | ✓ yes | ✗ no |
| Browse & control web pages | ✓ yes | ✗ no |
| Persistent long-term memory | ✓ yes | ~ limited |
| Chat platform integration | ✓ 10+ platforms | ✗ own app only |
| Self-hosted & privacy-first | ✓ yes | ✗ cloud-dependent |
| Custom skills & plugins | ✓ 5,700+ skills | ✗ closed ecosystem |
| Proactive 24/7 assistance | ✓ yes | ✗ no |
| Open source (MIT) | ✓ yes | ✗ no |
From zero to your own AI assistant in under five minutes.
One command installs OpenClaw globally on your machine.
$ npm install -g openclaw
The onboard wizard walks you through model and preference setup.
$ openclaw gateway start
Link your favorite chat platform and start delegating.
$ openclaw status