OpenClaw: Everything About the AI Agent Transformed from Moltbot
The open-source AI assistant, which began its journey as Moltbot and continues as OpenClaw, stands out as an autonomous agent that users can run on their own devices. This AI can perform tasks on popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord by utilizing large language models.
OpenClaw: The Rise of an Open-Source Personal AI Assistant
The technology world is buzzing with a new open-source artificial intelligence project rooted in the names Moltbot and Clawdbot. Named OpenClaw, this autonomous AI agent is described as a personal assistant integrated with large language models that users can run on their own servers or personal devices. Developed by Peter Steinberger, the project has quickly managed to become a topic in mainstream technology news and social media.
From Moltbot to OpenClaw: A Transformation Story
According to Wikipedia records, the project's history extends back to periods associated with the names Moltbot and Clawdbot. As of January 30, 2026, the project officially adopted the name OpenClaw and was recorded as a free and open-source autonomous AI agent. This transformation followed a parallel development line with the expansion of the project's capabilities and scope. Developer Peter Steinberger defines the project as "AI that actually gets things done," promising more than traditional chat bots.
OpenClaw's Technical Capabilities and Platform Support
OpenClaw's most notable feature is its ability to use the communication channels where users are already active as an interface. As stated on the project's GitHub page, the assistant can operate seamlessly on mainstream platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Google Chat, Signal, iMessage, and Microsoft Teams. Additionally, it supports more niche or regional platforms like BlueBubbles, Matrix, Zalo, and Zalo Personal. This flexibility allows users to benefit from the power of AI without having to learn a new application.
Setup and Access: Open Source for Everyone
OpenClaw stands out with its ease of installation. The project's official website offers quick installation scripts, package managers, or options for compiling from source. A five-minute startup guide provides a straightforward path for users to get the assistant running on their local machines. The project emphasizes accessibility, ensuring that even those with moderate technical knowledge can deploy their personal AI agent. This approach lowers the barrier to entry for advanced AI tools, democratizing access to autonomous assistant technology.
Core Functionality and Future Vision
At its core, OpenClaw leverages large language models to understand context and execute tasks across connected platforms. Unlike simple responders, it's designed to perform multi-step operations, manage schedules, retrieve information, and interact with various APIs based on user commands. Peter Steinberger envisions OpenClaw evolving into a truly proactive assistant that can anticipate needs and manage digital workflows autonomously. The open-source nature invites developers worldwide to contribute to its expanding capability set, promising rapid evolution beyond its current impressive feature list.
