OpenClaw

OpenClaw is an open-source personal AI agent platform that runs on users’ own infrastructure. It connects assistants to WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack and other messaging apps so people can manage email and calendars, automate browser tasks, and work with files and shell commands. Users can connect hosted or local models while keeping agent state on their machines. Persistent memory carries preferences and project context between conversations, while plugins and skills extend what the assistant can do.

Peter Steinberger created the project in 2025, initially developing it as a weekend experiment before it became OpenClaw. He continues to make technical decisions after joining OpenAI in 2026; Dave Morin serves as the foundation’s chairperson. Its engineering approach combines messaging access, persistent context and reusable procedures. Skill Workshop lets agents propose procedures and supporting files for users to review and revise before activating them for future work.

The OpenClaw Foundation, established as a US nonprofit in 2026, stewards the project as open and independent, with full-time staff and donor support including OpenAI and the University of Michigan. By August 2026, the foundation reported 2,782-plus code contributors; in July, it reported collaboration with more than 30 organizations. OpenAI supports inference and shared product improvements, while the foundation provides governance and funding for maintainers.