# 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: 2026-10-09 Basis: provider documentation. Examples are editorial suggestions, not hands-on product tests. ## Overview As a self-hosted agent runtime, OpenClaw connects models, chat channels and tools through a persistent gateway. - Provider: OpenClaw Foundation - 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: MIT software is provided without a subscription or paid hosted tier. Model access and your own infrastructure are funded separately. ## Operation & oversight Operational details for this profile have not yet been researched. ## Provider The independent US 501(c)(3) foundation stewards OpenClaw, employs the core team and signs releases. Donations fund development; the software remains MIT licensed. - Operator: OpenClaw Foundation - Organization: Nonprofit foundation - Website: https://www.openclaw.org/ - Location: USA - Reviewed: 2026-10-09 - Repository: https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw - GitHub-Stars: 391505 (2026-10-09) - License: MIT - Provider source: https://openclaw.ai/ - Provider source: https://www.openclaw.org/ - Provider source: https://api.github.com/repos/openclaw/openclaw ## Prices and included usage Pricing checked: 2026-10-09 MIT software is provided without a subscription or paid hosted tier. Model access and your own infrastructure are funded separately. ### OpenClaw USD 0 software license Self-hosted runtime with configurable models, channels and tools. Price source: https://openclaw.ai/ Self-hosting adds infrastructure and, where applicable, model costs. OpenAI's price list is one example of separately billed model access: https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/pricing Pricing details: https://openclaw.ai/ ## 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 ### Shared team gateway Teams can open and steer sessions together; live presence shows participation. Source: https://openclaw.ai/ ## 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 Installation, a running gateway, model access and channel connections are the operator's responsibility; tool profiles and policies determine available actions. Official product and feature documentation reviewed again on 9 October 2026. Examples are editorial use suggestions; no hands-on product tests were performed here. ## 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 - https://openclaw.ai/ - https://api.github.com/repos/openclaw/openclaw [Sources and method](https://agenten-kompass.mmeierhoff.chatgpt.site/en/sources/)