OpenClaw
OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot / Moltbot) is a multi-channel AI gateway that runs on your own device. It can reply to you across all the messaging platforms you already use — including Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, iMessage, Signal, and more — putting your AI assistant everywhere you are.
Open-source project: OpenClaw is fully open-source. You can view the source code, file issues, or contribute on GitHub.
Core Strengths
1. Local-First, Privacy-Controlled
OpenClaw runs on your own device and processes all data locally:
- Full control: your conversation data is not uploaded to third-party servers
- Local gateway: a single control plane manages all sessions, channels, and tools
- Custom proxy: supports configuring third-party API proxies (such as CC Club) — no VPN required
2. Multi-Channel Messaging Support
OpenClaw supports 20+ mainstream messaging platforms:
- Instant messaging: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, iMessage
- Team collaboration: Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, Google Chat
- Extended support: Matrix, Zalo, WebChat, and more
- Unified experience: consistent AI assistant experience across any platform
3. Multi-Model Support
Supports multiple AI model backends:
- Anthropic Claude: via CC Club proxy or the official API
- OpenAI: GPT series models
- Google: Gemini series
- Local models: run local models via Ollama
- Model switching: flexibly switch models based on task requirements
4. Voice Interaction
Supports voice interaction across multiple platforms:
- Voice Wake: always-on voice wake-up functionality
- Talk Mode: continuous conversation mode for a natural voice interaction experience
- Cross-platform support: voice support on macOS, iOS, and Android
5. Extensible Skills System
Extend functionality through custom skills:
- Prompt templates: reusable custom prompts
- Scheduled tasks: manage recurring reminders via Cron
- Tool ecosystem: rich tools including browser control, Canvas, and scheduled tasks
Feature Comparison: Claude Code vs OpenClaw
| Feature | Claude Code | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| How it runs | Terminal CLI | Multi-channel message gateway |
| Messaging platforms | Terminal | Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, and 20+ more |
| Voice interaction | No | Yes (macOS/iOS/Android) |
| Runs locally | Yes | Yes |
| Open-source | No | Yes |
| Multi-device support | No | Yes |
| Web interface | No | Dashboard console |
Typical Use Cases
Using AI Assistant on Telegram
With OpenClaw, you can chat with Claude directly on Telegram without switching apps, integrating AI assistance seamlessly into your daily communication workflow.
AI Assistant for Team Collaboration
Deploy OpenClaw in a Slack or Discord team channel so all team members can easily use AI assistance, improving team collaboration efficiency.
Voice Interaction Scenarios
When driving, cooking, or in other situations where typing is inconvenient, use voice wake-up to have natural conversations with your AI assistant.
Server Deployment
Deploy OpenClaw on a remote Ubuntu server for 24/7 continuous availability, accessible at any time via a Telegram Bot.
Security and Privacy
OpenClaw provides multi-layer security:
- Pairing mechanism: unknown senders must verify via a pairing code
- Local data storage: all conversation data is stored on the local device
- Token authentication: Dashboard access requires Gateway Token verification
- Permission control: fine-grained tool and command permission management
Security notice: OpenClaw connects to real messaging platforms. Treat inbound messages as untrusted input and configure appropriate security policies.
Technical Architecture
Chat channels (Telegram/WhatsApp/...)
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Gateway (:18789)
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AI models (Anthropic/OpenAI/...)- Gateway WebSocket: single WS control plane managing clients, tools, and events
- Multi-agent routing: routes inbound channels/accounts to isolated agents
- Plugin system: supports various channels and tools through plugins
- Background service: supports launchd (macOS) / systemd (Linux) / scheduled tasks (Windows)
Next Steps
- Installation and Configuration — Learn how to install OpenClaw and configure CC Club’s Claude models
- Get API Key — Obtain a CC Club API key
- GitHub Repository — View source code and documentation
- Official Documentation — Complete usage documentation
