What is Clawdbot or OpenClaw?

Clawdbot, also known as OpenClaw or MoltBot, is a free open-source AI assistant that runs on your own devices. It connects to your email, calendar, chat apps, and browser to help automate digital tasks for individuals and businesses.

What can OpenClaw do for my business?

OpenClaw can handle inbox management, calendar scheduling, form filling, research, note-taking, customer responses, and more. It's like a virtual employee you control through chat apps.

Is OpenClaw free to use?

Yes, OpenClaw is open-source and free to self-host. You will need access to an AI model (like GPT-4 or Claude), which may have usage costs. Managed hosting options are also available for a fee.

OpenClaw can be secure if properly configured. You should protect your setup with strong passwords, private networks, and avoid exposing it to the open internet. Managed hosting providers offer safer options for non-technical users.

Do I need to be a developer to use OpenClaw?

Basic technical knowledge is required to self-host OpenClaw. However, a managed service like OpenClawd can set it up for you without needing coding skills.

Clawdbot / MoltBot / OpenClaw: What It Is and Why It Could Matter for Your Business

Glow AI Solutions
2 hours ago
2 min read

Clawdbot, now known as OpenClaw, is a fast-evolving AI assistant you can run on your own devices. Originally launched as Clawdbot and briefly renamed MoltBot due to a trademark dispute, it’s now officially called OpenClaw.

But whatever the name, the tool is the same: a free, open-source AI agent that connects to your email, calendar, chat apps, files, and browser and can take action based on what you tell it.

🔗 OpenClaw on GitHub

🔗 OpenClaw Official Website

What Can It Do?

Think of OpenClaw as “ChatGPT with hands.” You message it like a coworker through WhatsApp, Slack, or Discord. It reads your messages and can:

Sort your inbox: Delete spam, unsubscribe, reply, or forward important items.
Manage your calendar: Schedule meetings, remind you of events, send daily briefings.
Browse the web: Research products, fill out forms, even click buttons like a human.
Automate admin work: Upload documents, edit spreadsheets, trigger workflows.
Monitor things: Watch for software errors, notify you, or fix them automatically.
Control tools: Connects to Notion, Todoist, Google Calendar, and many more.

It also stores memory as searchable notes and can generate summaries, blog posts, or reports. You can even add custom “skills” from the growing ClawdHub plugin library.

Curious how OpenClaw compares with others? Read our guide to the best AI tools for small businesses >

Requirements to Use It

There are two ways to get started:

Self-hosted (free)Install it on your Mac, Linux PC, or cloud server. Requires Node.js and some tech skill.Setup instructions: https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw
Managed (paid)If you prefer not to deal with setup, a company called OpenClawd offers a hosted version with built-in security and updates.

In both cases, you’ll need an API key from an AI provider like OpenAI or Anthropic to power the assistant’s brain.

How This Impacts Small Businesses

OpenClaw is especially useful for SMEs and freelancers looking to save time and cut admin costs. Examples:

Inbox Zero: Automate filtering, unsubscribing, replying, and follow-ups.
Customer Support: Route questions, send responses, or schedule callbacks.
Internal Tools: Use it to log hours, update CRMs, sync tasks, or monitor websites.
Personal Assistant: Generate daily schedules, prep meeting notes, or track goals.
Data Research: Let it gather quotes, compare suppliers, or compile reports.

And because it’s open-source, you’re not locked into any one vendor, you can customise it for your business.

Risks to Be Aware Of

There are some risks:

Security: Misconfigured bots have been found exposed online. If you self-host, secure it properly (passwords, firewalls, no open ports).
Scams: Fake Clawdbot/Moltbot installers have circulated. Only download from GitHub or openclaw.com.
Overreach: The bot can take real actions (like deleting files or sending emails), so businesses should restrict permissions and review logs regularly.

For extra peace of mind, managed hosting like OpenClawd is a safer bet for non-technical teams.

What’s Next?

Clawdbot is evolving fast. Thousands of users are now experimenting with it, and many believe it could replace dozens of everyday tools.

We may soon see:

AI assistants per employee
Automated workflows for finance, HR, support
Marketplaces for agent “skills”

Small businesses that start exploring now could unlock major efficiency gains, especially in admin-heavy roles like operations, customer service, and project management.