ClawdBot was the original name for what is now called OpenClaw - the open-source AI assistant that exploded in popularity in late 2025. Created by software engineer Peter Steinberger and announced on December 27, 2025, ClawdBot gained over 100,000 GitHub stars within three days of its release. On January 27, 2026, it was renamed to MoltBot after Anthropic requested a name change due to trademark similarity with 'Claude', and later became OpenClaw. If you're searching for ClawdBot, you're looking at OpenClaw - they're the exact same project.
Key Statistics
100K+
GitHub stars in 72 hours
Source: GitHub Dec 2025
2M
Website visitors first week
Source: OpenClaw Team
#1
Trending on Hacker News
Source: HN Dec 2025
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- • 100% open source - inspect and modify the code
- • Your data never leaves your machine
- • Works with Claude, GPT-4, or free local models via Ollama
- • Massive community creating plugins and skills
- • No monthly subscription - just API costs
✗ Cons
- • Security risks if you don't configure it properly
- • Requires technical knowledge to install and maintain
- • WhatsApp integration uses unofficial API
- • API costs vary based on usage
Key Features
clawdbot offers these core capabilities:
- → Run AI locally on your Mac, Windows, or Linux machine with full data privacy
- → Connect via WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, and iMessage
- → Browser automation for web scraping, form filling, and research tasks
- → File system access to read, write, and organize your documents
- → Shell command execution for development and system administration
- → 50+ integrations including Spotify, smart home, GitHub, and email
- → Persistent memory that remembers your preferences and past conversations
- → AgentSkills system - community plugins that extend capabilities
Use Cases
Here are the most common ways people use clawdbot:
- → Schedule meetings and manage calendar automatically
- → Research topics and summarize information from the web
- → Control smart home devices via voice or chat commands
- → Automate repetitive coding tasks and run tests
- → Process and organize large document collections
- → Send messages and manage communications across platforms
Getting Started
Follow these steps to set up clawdbot:
- → Install with: curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
- → Or use npm: npm i -g openclaw
- → Run setup wizard: openclaw onboard --install-daemon
- → Add your API key (Anthropic Claude recommended for safety)
- → Connect messaging platforms - WhatsApp needs QR code scan
- → Open dashboard at http://127.0.0.1:18789/
Official Resources
Security Considerations
ClawdBot reads emails and web content, then executes shell commands. Malicious content can trick it into running harmful commands. Use Claude Opus 4.5 which has better prompt injection resistance.
The Control UI at port 18789 must never be exposed to the internet. Attackers who access it can control your entire system.
Key Takeaways
- → 100% open source - inspect and modify the code
- → Your data never leaves your machine
- → Works with Claude, GPT-4, or free local models via Ollama
- → Massive community creating plugins and skills
Related Searches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ClawdBot still called ClawdBot?
No. ClawdBot was renamed to MoltBot on January 27, 2026, then to OpenClaw. All three names refer to the same project. The GitHub repo and all downloads are now at openclaw.
Why was ClawdBot renamed?
Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI, requested a name change because 'ClawdBot' sounded too similar to 'Claude'. The creator complied and renamed it first to MoltBot, then to OpenClaw.
Is ClawdBot free?
The software is free and open source. You pay for the AI API you choose - Anthropic Claude, OpenAI GPT-4, or use completely free local models through Ollama.
Is ClawdBot safe?
It can be safe if configured correctly, but it's inherently risky because it has access to your files, shell, and credentials. Follow the security hardening guide, never expose the dashboard to the internet, and use Claude Opus 4.5 for better prompt injection resistance.
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