WenHaoFreeOpenClaw Complete Guide: From Clawdbot to Moltbot to OpenClaw
What is OpenClaw? OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot/Moltbot) is an open-source AI agent platform you can run on your own machine or server, with integrations for WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and more.
Table of Contents
- What Is OpenClaw?
- Why the Name Changes Happened
- Security: From Viral Project to Real Infrastructure
- Why OpenClaw Matters in 2026
- Conclusion
What Is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is a self-hosted AI assistant platform designed for users who want privacy, ownership, and deep customization.
Core Features
- Self-hosted by default: Run on your laptop, home server, or VPS.
- Multi-platform integration: Connect with WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Teams, Google Chat, and Twitch.
- Model agnostic: Use different LLM providers based on your needs.
- Tool and memory support: Build complex, stateful workflows.
Why the Name Changes Happened
The project evolved through three names:
- Clawdbot (Clawd): Started in November 2025 as a weekend project and quickly went viral.
- Moltbot: A temporary rename after trademark-related pressure.
- OpenClaw: Final brand, emphasizing open-source identity and long-term positioning.
For deeper context, see OpenClaw Rebrand Breakdown.
Security: From Viral Project to Real Infrastructure
The biggest shift was not branding, but security maturity.
- Security-first design became a core release priority.
- Additional defenses were introduced against prompt-injection style misuse.
- The project moved from hackathon speed to infrastructure-level responsibility.
Why OpenClaw Matters in 2026
As AI agent adoption accelerates, OpenClaw offers a practical option for teams and individuals who want:
- Full control of data and deployment.
- Lower vendor lock-in risk.
- A community-driven stack for automation and assistant workflows.
Conclusion
OpenClaw’s rebrand cycle ended with a clearer mission: open, secure, and user-controlled AI assistants.
If your priority is a private AI assistant that runs on your own infrastructure, OpenClaw is one of the most relevant projects to track.