# OpenClaw

Self-hosted, model-agnostic assistant with a persistent gateway to chat channels and tools.

Canonical profile: https://agenten-kompass.mmeierhoff.chatgpt.site/en/agents/openclaw/
Editor: [Michael Meierhoff](https://agenten-kompass.mmeierhoff.chatgpt.site/en/about/)
Sources reviewed: 2026-09-30
Basis: provider documentation. Examples are editorial suggestions, not hands-on product tests.

## Overview

OpenClaw is an open-source project that connects agents with chat channels, models, and tools; it is not a single hosted assistant app.

- Provider: OpenClaw Community
- Product family: OpenClaw
- Profile type: Self-hosted agent runtime and gateway
- Environment: Your own computer / server
- Connections: Chat channels, voice and extensions
- Setup: Technical setup and model access
- Pricing model: Hosting + model usage

## Key features

### Self-hosting

Runs on your own infrastructure or a shared team gateway.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq/what-is-openclaw

### Chat channels

Connects services including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Slack, and WebChat.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq/what-is-openclaw

### Sessions and memory

Runs cross-channel sessions with persistent context.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/main-session

### Tools

Agents can use configured actions such as a browser or command execution.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools

### Skills

Markdown instructions provide reusable workflows.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools/skills

### Extensions

Plugins add channels, models, tools, skills, and runtime features.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools

### Automation

Scheduled workflows and background work can continue later.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools

### Hooks

Lifecycle and tool calls can be observed or controlled through extensions.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/plugins/hooks

## Requirements and limits

### Your own runtime

Requirement: OpenClaw must be set up by the user; model providers and desired channels are configured separately.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/openclaw

### Tool access

Limitation: Actions depend on the active tool profile, access policies, channel permissions, and available plugins.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools

### Set up each channel

Requirement: Each chat channel requires its own connection and access configuration; for WhatsApp, the guide recommends approving senders.

Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/openclaw

## Example workflows

### Research through chat

- Your input: Name a topic and desired sources in the connected channel.
- Possible result: A configured agent can use web tools and reusable research Skills.
- What to check: Check channel access, tool policy, sources, and outputs at your own gateway.

### Recurring reminder

- Your input: Set up a schedule and a limited briefing task.
- Possible result: OpenClaw can report scheduled background work back to the main session.
- What to check: Check the schedule, recipients, permissions, and runtime behavior in your own installation.

## Context

You are responsible for installation, model access, operation, and permissions. Start with a limited test environment.

Official documentation covers runtime and extension points; actual capabilities depend on installation, model, channels, and tool policy.

## Sources

- https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq/what-is-openclaw

- https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/main-session

- https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools

- https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools/skills

- https://docs.openclaw.ai/plugins/hooks

- https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/openclaw

[Sources and method](https://agenten-kompass.mmeierhoff.chatgpt.site/en/sources/)