Automation
You want to automate real tasks
Examples: file processing, scheduled reports, system maintenance.
Start here
OpenClaw: An Execution-First AI That Actually Does Things
Not just chat. OpenClaw can run commands, automate workflows, and interact with real systems - locally or in the cloud.
- Run tasks, scripts, and workflows - not just conversations
- Works on your machine or cloud servers
- Designed for long-running, reliable automation
Runtime overview
Execution Map
LocalCloud24/7
Command Runner
Shell, scripts, scheduled jobs
Tool Orchestration
APIs, databases, notifications
Execution Targets
Laptops, private servers, VMs
Reliability
Recoverable, long-running tasks
Model
What Is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an execution-oriented AI system. Instead of only responding with text, it can take actions: run commands, manipulate files, call APIs, and coordinate tools to complete real tasks.
- It can execute system commands and scripts
- It can be connected to chat tools, schedulers, and external services
- It is designed to run continuously, not just per conversation
Clarify
What OpenClaw Is Not
A short correction so you do not treat it like a chatbot.
Show more: What OpenClaw is and is not
OpenClaw is
- Execution-first automation
- Configurable, tool-connected
- Built for persistent runs
OpenClaw is not
- A replacement for ChatGPT or Claude
- A no-code automation tool like Zapier
- Safe to run without understanding permissions
- Ideal for pure Q&A or casual chatting
If you only need answers or text generation, OpenClaw is probably overkill.
Fit
When Should You Use OpenClaw?
Tool Orchestration
You need AI to coordinate multiple tools
APIs, scripts, databases, notifications.
Long-Running Agents
You want something that runs 24/7
Monitoring, alerts, background jobs.
Local or Cloud Control
You care where and how AI runs
Local machines, private servers, cloud VMs.
Trust
When You Probably Should Not Use OpenClaw
If any of these are true, a simpler tool will feel better.
Show more: signals you should avoid OpenClaw
- You only want to chat or brainstorm ideas
- You are not comfortable granting system or API permissions
- You need instant results without any setup
- You do not want to maintain or monitor a running service
Impact
Common OpenClaw Use Cases
- Automatically generate and send weekly reports
- Monitor files, websites, or prices and send alerts
- Integrate with Telegram, Slack, or email
- Assist with development workflows (tests, PRs, code checks)
- Collect, summarize, and organize information continuously
Path
How Should You Get Started?
- 1
Step 1 - Decide where to run OpenClaw
Local machine, cloud server, or both.
- 2
Step 2 - Choose the right setup path
OS, runtime, and resource requirements matter.
- 3
Step 3 - Follow verified guides
Use the recommended path to avoid misconfiguration.
Decision
Do not guess. Start with the right setup.
Most OpenClaw problems come from choosing the wrong setup. Answer a few questions and get a recommended path with verified guides.