What Is OpenClaw? A Complete Guide to the Hottest Open-Source AI Agent of 2026

What Is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is an open-source AI personal assistant developed by Peter Steinberger. It was initially released as 'Clawdbot' in November 2025, later renamed to 'Moltbot,' and finally rebranded to 'OpenClaw' in January 2026. Within just two days of its GitHub release, it garnered over 100,000 stars, making it one of the most-watched open-source projects of 2026. OpenClaw is not merely a chatbot—it is designed as an autonomous AI agent capable of performing real operations on your computer on your behalf. Because it runs locally, your data privacy is inherently protected.

How OpenClaw Differs from ChatGPT and Copilot

While ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot are powerful AI tools, they fundamentally specialize in generating text. Users ask questions and the AI returns answers—but within that interaction, it cannot actually manipulate files or browse websites. OpenClaw, on the other hand, is often described as an 'AI with eyes and hands.' It autonomously operates a web browser to conduct research, reads and writes files, executes shell commands, and even controls applications automatically. In other words, while ChatGPT is a 'knowledgeable advisor,' OpenClaw is an 'assistant with execution capability.' This distinction makes it possible to complete entire workflows—from drafting and sending emails, to adjusting schedules, to collecting and organizing data—without human intervention.

Key Features of OpenClaw

OpenClaw offers an extensive range of capabilities. For messaging integration, it supports LINE, Slack, Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp, and iMessage, allowing you to issue commands from the apps you already use daily. The calendar management feature integrates with Google Calendar and Apple Calendar, enabling you to check, create, and modify events using natural language. File operation features automate document creation, editing, organization, and conversion. The web browsing feature reads content from specified URLs and collects and summarizes information. Smart home integration allows control of HomeKit and Matter-compatible devices. Additionally, with over 50 third-party integrations, OpenClaw seamlessly connects with external services like GitHub, Notion, Google Drive, and Trello.

Why Mac mini Is the Preferred Hardware

The Apple Mac mini M4 is by far the most popular hardware choice for running OpenClaw. There are several compelling reasons for this. First, its compact size (just 12.7cm square) means it can be tucked into any corner without taking up valuable desk space. Its fanless design produces virtually zero noise, making it perfectly suited for 24/7 operation. Apple Silicon's power efficiency keeps electricity costs to just a few dollars per month. The M4 chip delivers more than enough processing power for local lightweight AI inference tasks. Starting at approximately $629 (¥94,800), it represents exceptional value as a dedicated server. Many OpenClaw users purchase a Mac mini specifically as a dedicated 'AI machine,' placing it in a corner of their living room or office to build an always-on AI assistant environment.

How OpenClaw Works Under the Hood

OpenClaw's architecture employs a hybrid local-cloud design. The OpenClaw core runs on a local machine such as a Mac mini, and all user data and task history are stored locally. For AI inference, it leverages external LLM APIs. Supported LLMs include Anthropic Claude, OpenAI GPT, and DeepSeek, which can be selected based on the type of task and budget. Users send natural language instructions through messaging apps like LINE or Slack, and OpenClaw interprets those instructions and translates them into concrete actions—web browsing, file operations, API calls, and more. Results are reported back through the same messaging app, so you can leverage your AI assistant from anywhere with just a smartphone.

Supported Platforms in Detail

Here is a closer look at the messaging platforms OpenClaw supports. LINE is the most widely used messaging app in Japan, making it a convenient choice for both business and personal use; it connects via the LINE Official Account API. Slack is ideal for business teams, and you can even assign different OpenClaw roles per channel. Discord is popular among tech communities and teams, where OpenClaw can be added as a server bot. Telegram appeals to privacy-conscious users and offers straightforward integration through its Bot API. WhatsApp is well-suited for global business use, connecting through the Business API. iMessage specializes in Apple-to-Apple communication and runs natively on Mac mini.

What You Need to Know Before Getting Started

Before deploying OpenClaw, be sure to understand the following requirements. For hardware, you will need a Mac mini (recommended) or a VPS (Virtual Private Server). An LLM API key is required—Anthropic Claude API or OpenAI GPT API are recommended. You will also need an account for the messaging app you wish to integrate and basic terminal operation knowledge. Pay special attention to API costs: depending on usage frequency, monthly LLM API expenses typically range from $100 to $300 for regular OpenClaw use. However, costs can vary significantly based on task complexity and message volume, so it is advisable to set usage limits from the start.

Popular Use Cases for OpenClaw

Here are some representative use cases showing how OpenClaw is being utilized in practice. For personal use, examples include automated daily news summaries, email priority classification and draft replies, automatic expense tracking, and travel plan research and recommendations. For business use, applications include first-response handling and routing of customer inquiries, internal document search and summarization, competitor monitoring, automated periodic report generation, and automatic updates to project management tools like Notion and Trello. For developers, popular applications include automated code reviews, deployment pipeline management, log monitoring and alert notifications, and automatic documentation generation.

Conclusion

OpenClaw stands as one of the defining open-source projects in the AI agent space in 2026. Unlike text-generation AI tools such as ChatGPT, it functions as an autonomous AI assistant capable of automating real computer operations, serving use cases from personal productivity to enterprise workflows. Combined with a Mac mini M4, it enables a low-cost, silent, always-on AI assistant setup. Oflight Inc. provides OpenClaw deployment support services for businesses and sole proprietors, from initial setup to ongoing operation. We offer on-site configuration services primarily in Minato, Shibuya, Setagaya, Meguro, Shinagawa, and Ota wards. If you are interested in AI agents but unsure about configuring everything yourself, please do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation.