Note: The tool mentioned in this article, formerly known as Clawdbot, has been rebranded to OpenClaw. This article has been updated to reflect the new name and installation instructions. For the latest information, please visit the official website: openclaw.ai.
In January 2026, a new player named OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot) exploded onto the internet. A quick search reveals a torrent of articles and social media posts, all published within a few days, dissecting this new phenomenon. Everyone is talking about it. From running it on a Mac Mini to using it for invoicing, email management, and organization, the buzz is undeniable.
But what exactly is this AI assistant, and why has it captured everyone’s attention?
The Promise of Local-First AI
Unlike previous assistants that were limited or entirely cloud-based, OpenClaw’s appeal lies in its core architecture: it runs locally on your own machine. This has led to a surge in demand for hardware like the Mac Mini, with stock shortages reported in several areas.
The promise is powerful. Total privacy and 24/7 accessibility through common messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, Discord, and Slack. With over 50 integrations available, the potential is immense, all while running securely in your own home.
The Privacy Paradox: Local vs. Secure
However, it’s crucial to understand that “local” does not automatically mean “secure.”
Yes, your data isn’t being sent to OpenAI or Google’s servers for storage. Everything remains on your machine, which is the pinnacle of data privacy. But this introduces a different kind of risk. The agent has access to everything on your system. If OpenClaw has a bug or “hallucinates,” it could accidentally send your private keys or personal photos to a WhatsApp contact it was never intended for.
The risk shifts from mass surveillance to targeted, accidental data leaks. This is a critical disclaimer to keep in mind as we explore how to get started.
A Glimpse into a Use Case
Power users are already demonstrating what’s possible. One example shows OpenClaw configured with Telegram to send reminders, task alerts, and even podcast recommendations. It’s a personal assistant tailored to your life, running on your terms.
Installation Guide
Getting OpenClaw installed is surprisingly straightforward. The process begins with a single command line.
For macOS or Linux, you can use this script:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
If you’re on Windows, a similar PowerShell script is provided on the official website.
The installer will check for prerequisites like Node.js and Git. If you don’t have Node.js, you can easily download it from the official website and follow its installation guide.
The setup process is interactive and will first ask you to acknowledge the potential security risks we just discussed. It’s highly recommended to read the official security documentation. Once installed, you can even run a security audit.
openclaw security audit --deep --autofix
This command allows the agent to check for security issues and even correct them itself, which is an incredibly powerful feature.
After confirming you understand the risks, select the quickstart mode to proceed.
Connecting to an LLM
OpenClaw needs a Large Language Model (LLM) to function. It supports nearly all major providers. For this type of personal assistant use case, Anthropic’s Opus 4.5 model is reported to perform exceptionally well.
You will need to provide an API key from your chosen provider. The setup wizard will guide you through configuring your token.
Setting Up Communication Channels
Once the LLM is configured, you’ll see the status of available communication channels. While services like WhatsApp are available, they often recommend using a separate phone and SIM card for security reasons.
For a secure and simple start, Telegram is an excellent choice. Here’s how to set it up:
- In Telegram, search for the official
BotFatherbot. - Start a chat and run the
/newbotcommand. - Give your bot a name, for example,
CloudMinax. - Choose a unique username for it, like
CloudMinaxBot. - BotFather will provide you with an API token. Simply click to copy it.
- Back in your terminal, paste this token into the OpenClaw setup prompt.
Configuring Skills and Identity
Next, the installer will ask about “skills.” These are special competencies that allow the agent to perform specific tasks, such as interacting with 1Password to securely manage passwords. You can install these dependencies or skip this step for now.
For a basic setup, you can accept the default options for the remaining prompts. The level of customization available is extensive, but you can always revisit it later.
The installer will then set up the necessary services to run OpenClaw autonomously. Once complete, you’ll be given a local URL (like http://localhost:18789) to open a web interface where you can monitor your bot’s behavior.
Your First Conversation: Defining the Bot’s Identity
Your first interaction with OpenClaw is crucial. You must define its identity. When you connect via Telegram for the first time, it will ask you who it is and who you are.
Here’s an example of that initial conversation:
OpenClaw: “Hey, I’m just coming online. Refresh my memory—who am I, and who are you?”
You: “You are CloudMinax. I am antiminax.”
OpenClaw: “Got it. What’s my vibe? Should I be warm, professional…?”
You: “You are warm and calm. Speak in English. My timezone is Europe/Paris.”
OpenClaw: “Okay. Any ongoing projects I should know about?”
You: “I am a content creator focusing on web development on YouTube.”
This information is stored locally in an identity.md file. This is the foundation of OpenClaw’s long-term memory. It will learn more about you over time, continuously improving its knowledge and becoming an increasingly effective assistant.
Advanced Security: Using Docker
For those who want an even higher level of security, the documentation provides a guide for running OpenClaw within a Docker container.
This method containerizes the agent, meaning its actions are executed in an isolated environment. While it’s still running locally on your machine, it’s sandboxed away from your core system files, providing a robust layer of protection against accidental leaks or errors.
Final Thoughts
OpenClaw represents a significant step forward for personal AI. It’s powerful, private, and highly customizable. However, this power comes with responsibility.
Always be mindful of the security implications. Use the provided tools like openclaw security audit frequently, especially after changing your configuration or adding new channels. By taking a cautious and informed approach, you can unlock the incredible potential of having a truly personal AI assistant.