What can the viral OpenClaw “claw” actually do?
OpenClaw is nicknamed “claw”; setting it up is “raising the claw.” How to use openclawd? This openclawd guide explains what the viral OpenClaw claw can actually do.
What is OpenClaw
OpenClaw was created by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger; tagline “the AI that actually does things.” It’s not a stronger LLM but an LLM with “eyes, brain, hands, and memory”: natural language, multi-step planning, device control, self-correction, full loop. It still relies on an LLM but adds execution and memory.
Four-layer architecture
| Layer | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway | Entry | Telegram, Feishu, WeChat Work, Discord; task queue, routing, sessions |
| Brain | Decisions | Claude, GPT, DeepSeek, etc.; understanding, planning, reasoning |
| Skills | Execution | Files, browser, office, code, devices; extensible, sandboxed |
| Memory | Growth | Conversation, tasks, preferences; local, short- and long-term |
See-Think-Act-Feedback loop
Example: “Import Excel contacts into CRM and send notification emails.” See: gateway gets instruction, parses screen and files (Excel, CRM, mail). Think: LLM splits into open Excel, login CRM, import rows, send mail, report. Act: system API simulates clicks/typing in sandbox. Feedback: after each step, compare with expectation; retry or ask user on errors; final report to user.
Summary
Local deploy, privacy; low barrier, high extension (natural language + community skills); recursive skill evolution (write code, fix, package as skill); default serial execution and sandbox for safety. Pick a scenario from this openclawd guide and try it to see how to use openclawd.
To skip self-hosting, use a hosted OpenClaw-based service in the browser or desktop.