OpenClaw: an open-source AI assistant in your messaging apps
Open-source project that connects WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal or Slack to an AI agent running on your own computer. Explained without jargon.
What it is
OpenClaw is an open-source project (MIT licence) maintained by a non-profit foundation. Its core, the Gateway, runs on your computer and connects your messaging apps to an AI agent. The latest stable version when we checked is 2026.9.33.
Why it matters
It is one of the most active self-hosted personal assistant projects on GitHub. According to its documentation, it has no paid tier and no telemetry by default.
What to keep in mind
- You need an API key from a model provider, which does receive what the assistant sends it.
- Limit who can message it: WhatsApp recipe.
How to try it
Read our OpenClaw guide and apply the recipe so it only serves you.
Official links
Plain-language summary based on the official sources linked. Cognenza has no commercial relationship with the companies mentioned.