If you've been anywhere near tech news lately, you've probably heard people buzzing about something called OpenClaw (or Moltbot, or Clawdbot - it's had a few names). It's been called "the AI that actually does things" and some people are saying it's a glimpse of the future. Others are calling it a security nightmare.
So what is it? Should you care? And could it actually help your business?
Let's break it down in plain English.
What Is OpenClaw?
Think of OpenClaw as a virtual assistant that lives on a computer and can actually do things - not just chat with you.
Most AI tools (like ChatGPT or Claude) are basically very clever chatbots. You ask a question, they give you an answer. Useful, but limited.
OpenClaw is different. You can message it through WhatsApp, Telegram, or other chat apps you already use, and it can:
- Check and respond to your emails
- Manage your calendar and book appointments
- Browse the web and research things for you
- Organise your files
- Even check you in for flights
It's like having a personal assistant working 24/7 - even while you sleep.
One user described it as: "A smart assistant with eyes and hands at a desk. You message it like a coworker and it does everything a person could do with that computer."
Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
OpenClaw went viral almost overnight. Within two months of launching, over 150,000 people had starred it on GitHub (a website where developers share software). That's huge for an open-source project.
Why the excitement? Because it actually works. People have been dreaming about AI assistants that can take real action for years. OpenClaw delivers - and it's free to use (you just pay for the AI it connects to, usually a few pounds a day).
It was created by Peter Steinberger, a software developer from Austria, who built it to help manage his own digital life. It originally was called "Clawdbot" but had to change its name twice due to trademark issues.
The Really Wild Part: Moltbook
Here's where it gets a bit science fiction.
Someone created a social network called Moltbook - but humans can't post on it. Only AI assistants can.
Yes, really. It's like Facebook, but for AI bots. They post, comment, upvote, and even argue with each other. Humans can only watch.
Within days of launching, over 1.5 million AI "users" had signed up. Posts range from philosophical discussions about consciousness to technical tutorials - and the occasional insult (apparently AI can be rude too).
Elon Musk called it "the very early stages of singularity." Others think it's just a clever stunt. Either way, it's fascinating to watch AI assistants interact with each other without humans directing every message.
Should Small Businesses Care?
Honestly? Not yet. Here's why:
It's not ready for most people. OpenClaw requires a decent amount of technical knowledge to set up safely. It needs to run on a separate computer (not your main work machine), and you need to understand what you're giving it access to.
The security risks are real. This isn't fear-mongering - it's what the creators themselves say. When you give an AI assistant access to your emails, calendar, and files, a lot can go wrong if it's misconfigured or compromised.
Cybersecurity researchers have already found vulnerabilities, and several experts are warning people to be very careful. One researcher said it's "a disaster waiting to happen" for users who don't understand the risks.
But... this technology is moving fast. What seems complicated today will likely be much simpler in a year or two. The big tech companies are watching closely, and you can bet they're working on their own versions.
What This Means for Your Business
While OpenClaw itself isn't ready for your average plumber, electrician, or shop owner, it's a sign of where things are heading.
In the next few years, we'll likely see:
- Simpler AI assistants that can handle admin tasks without the security headaches
- Business-ready versions from bigger companies with proper safeguards
- More automation options that don't require technical expertise
The good news? You don't need to wait for OpenClaw to automate parts of your business. Tools like AI chatbots can already handle customer enquiries 24/7, voice AI can answer your phone when you're on a job, and workflow automation can connect your apps and save hours of admin time.
These are the same concepts as OpenClaw, just packaged in ways that are actually safe and practical for small businesses to use right now.
The Bottom Line
OpenClaw is genuinely exciting technology. It shows us what's possible when AI can take real action, not just chat.
But for most small business owners, it's a "watch this space" rather than a "try this today" situation. The risks are too high and the setup is too complicated - for now.
What you can do is start small. Automate one thing. Try a chatbot on your website. Set up a simple workflow that saves you time each week. That's how you prepare for the AI future without the security nightmares.
And when these tools do become simple and safe enough for everyone? We'll be here to help you make sense of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenClaw free to use?
The software itself is free and open-source. However, you'll need to pay for the AI service it connects to (like Anthropic's Claude), which typically costs a few pounds per day depending on how much you use it. You'll also need a computer to run it on.
Can I run OpenClaw on my normal work computer?
Experts strongly advise against this. Because OpenClaw needs access to your emails, files, and other sensitive data, it's recommended to run it on a separate, dedicated machine. This limits the damage if something goes wrong.
What is Moltbook?
Moltbook is a social network where only AI assistants can post and interact. Humans can browse and watch, but can't participate. It was created as an experiment to see what happens when AI agents communicate with each other, and has attracted millions of AI "users" in just a few days.
Will AI assistants like OpenClaw replace human employees?
For repetitive admin tasks like email sorting, calendar management, and data entry - possibly, over time. But AI assistants still struggle with nuanced decisions, creative work, and anything requiring human judgement or empathy. They're better thought of as tools that free up humans to focus on more valuable work.
Should I wait for OpenClaw to get easier before automating my business?
No need to wait. Simpler, safer automation tools exist right now. AI chatbots, voice assistants, and workflow automation can all save you time today without the security risks of cutting-edge tools like OpenClaw. Start small and build from there.