Clawdbot is an open-source personal AI assistant framework that runs on your own devices or servers, enabling multi-channel interactions via WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, and more.
Core Features
It acts as a persistent agent for tasks like managing emails, calendars, flights, and browser control, with local-first gateways, multi-agent routing, and tools for media processing, cron jobs, and skills like web search or Canvas rendering. Voice wake-up and nodes for camera, screen recording, and notifications enhance its utility on macOS, iOS, or Android.
Installation Options
Setup is straightforward via GitHub repo (github.com/clawdbot/clawdbot), supporting Docker, Nix, or cloud servers like Hetzner/AWS free tier; users often pair it with Mac Minis for always-on operation. Docs at docs.clawd.bot guide pairing channels and adding models like those from Anthropic
Popularity and Use Cases
Recent YouTube demos highlight its 24/7 autonomy for Notion lists, code writing, and routines, positioning it as a “real AI employee” for developers and creators. As a tech content creator into AI tools and web dev, you could integrate it with WordPress workflows or n8n for automated content tasks.
Installing Clawdbot on macOS is straightforward using the official quick install script or CLI, with an onboarding wizard to handle setup. It requires Node.js (pre-installed via the script) and works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have a macOS Terminal open and admin access for permissions. No prior Node.js install is needed if using the recommended script, but Xcode Command Line Tools may be prompted during dependency setup.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Run the quick install script in Terminal:
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curl -fsSL https://clawd.bot/install.sh | bash
- This installs the Clawdbot CLI globally via npm, handling dependencies like Sharp (use SHARP_IGNORE_GLOBAL_LIBVIPS=1 prefix if libvips issues arise).
- Verify installation:
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clawdbot –version
- Add $(npm prefix -g)/bin to your PATH if the command isn’t recognized (new Terminal window refreshes it).
- Launch onboarding:
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clawdbot onboard –install-daemon
- Follow prompts for AI model API keys (e.g., Claude/Anthropic), working directory (~/.clawd by default), and mode selection (quick start for basics). Grant TCC permissions for local features like screen access.
- Start the gateway:
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clawdbot gateway start
- Confirm it’s running at http://localhost:3025; pair channels like WhatsApp or Discord next.
Post-Install Tips
Test with clawdbot say “Hello” or connect a messaging app via docs.clawd.bot. For native Mac app dev, clone the repo and use swift build in apps/macos. Troubleshoot npm errors by installing Xcode CLT (xcode-select –install). As a web dev user, integrate it with your n8n workflows for AI automation.
To run the Clawdbot quick install script on macOS Terminal, open Terminal and execute this one-liner command, which installs the CLI globally via npm and handles dependencies like Node.js if needed.
Exact Command
Copy-paste and run:
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curl -fsSL https://clawd.bot/install.sh | bash
This downloads and pipes the script directly—no manual downloads required. It may prompt for your admin password and install Xcode Command Line Tools if missing.
What Happens Next
- The script completes in 1-5 minutes, installing clawdbot (check with clawdbot –version).
- If sharp (image lib) fails due to libvips, retry with: SHARP_IGNORE_GLOBAL_LIBVIPS=1 curl -fsSL https://clawd.bot/install.sh | bash.
- Open a new Terminal tab (PATH refreshes), then run clawdbot onboard –install-daemon for setup wizard (API keys, permissions).
- Start with clawdbot gateway start and visit
For your AI/web dev workflows, this sets up local automation fast—test by messaging it via WhatsApp after pairing.
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