What Is OpenClaw?
Open-source AI agent for WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Signal, and iMessage. It can act across your tools instead of only replying.
molt.host is an independent, third-party hosting service for OpenClaw. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the OpenClaw project or its creators.
OpenClaw in 30 seconds
OpenClaw is an open-source, self-hosted AI agent created by Peter Steinberger (founder of PSPDFKit). It connects to WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Signal, and iMessage. Unlike a chatbot, OpenClaw can manage email, browse the web, write and run code, and automate workflows.
The project launched on January 24, 2026 (as ClawdBot) and quickly drew attention in the open-source community. Andrej Karpathy, David Sacks, and MacStories all highlighted it.
Disclosure: molt.host is an independent, third-party hosting service for OpenClaw. We are not affiliated with the OpenClaw project or its creators. This page is editorial content, not official documentation.
What can OpenClaw actually do?
Messaging across platforms
One AI assistant on WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Signal, and iMessage. Same memory, same context.
Email and calendar
Triage your inbox, draft replies, schedule meetings, and manage travel.
Code and automation
Write scripts, run shell commands, build from screenshots, and debug errors with your permission.
Persistent memory
Remembers your preferences, past conversations, and ongoing tasks.
Proactive notifications
OpenClaw messages you when something needs attention: flight drops, deadlines, server alerts.
Integrations with your tools
Todoist, Sentry, smart home devices, browser automation, file management, and more.
Why was ClawdBot renamed?
On January 27, 2026, Anthropic sent a trademark request because "Clawd" was too close to "Claude." Steinberger rebranded within hours.
The new name came from the project's lobster mascot. "Same lobster soul, new shell" became the rebrand tagline.
Quick reference: ClawdBot became MoltBot, then OpenClaw. Same codebase, same community, same features. The official project is at OpenClaw.ai.
On January 30, 2026, the project was renamed again to OpenClaw. Steinberger said the "molt" name never really stuck, and OpenClaw better matched the project's open direction. The official project now lives at OpenClaw.ai.
How to run OpenClaw
OpenClaw is open source and free to self-host. You have two paths:
Self-host
Clone the repo, add API keys, set up the gateway, configure tunnels, and run your own server. Full control, full responsibility.
See the project →Third-party managed hosting
molt.host is an independent, third-party hosting service for OpenClaw. Connect channels, bring model keys, and go live. We handle monitoring, staged upgrades, encrypted credentials, and secure defaults.
Get started →Not sure which is right? Compare self-hosting vs managed hosting.
Frequently asked questions
The rename history, supported models, pricing, and what managed hosting changes.
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