TLDR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

Moltbot (formerly Clawdbot) is a revolutionary open-source personal AI assistant that runs on your own hardware and can actually do things—not just answer questions. Created by Peter Steinberger (@steipete), it went viral in January 2026, gaining 9,000+ GitHub stars in a single day before hitting 61,000+ stars after a dramatic rebrand from trademark issues with Anthropic. Unlike cloud-based AI assistants that wait for your commands, Moltbot is proactive, connecting to 50+ messaging platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, iMessage) and executing tasks autonomously across your entire digital workflow. It features persistent memory, browser control, multi-agent orchestration, self-modifying capabilities, and supports models from Claude, OpenAI, DeepSeek, MiniMax, or local LLMs via Ollama. With a thriving community and testimonials like "It's running my company" and "Everything Siri was supposed to be," Moltbot represents a paradigm shift from corporate-controlled assistants to infrastructure you own.

Key Takeaway: Moltbot isn't just another chatbot—it's a personal operating system for AI that lives where you communicate and can control your entire digital life from your phone.

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What Is Moltbot? Understanding the Philosophy

Moltbot is an open-source personal AI assistant that fundamentally redefines how we interact with artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI chatbots that exist in isolated apps, Moltbot integrates directly into your existing communication channels and can execute real-world tasks across multiple platforms simultaneously.

The Core Philosophy: "The AI That Actually Does Things"

The official tagline says it all: "Personal AI Assistant" with the subtext "Your AI that actually does things". This means:

• Runs on your machine - Mac, Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi with full privacy control

• Any chat app - Talk to it on WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, or iMessage

• Persistent memory - Remembers you and becomes uniquely yours

• Browser control - Can browse the web, fill forms, and extract data

• Full system access - Read/write files, run shell commands, execute scripts

• Skills & plugins - Extend with community skills or build your own

Why Moltbot Is Different

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The Viral Origin Story: From Clawdbot to Moltbot

January 2026: The Explosion

Timeline of Events:

• Early January 2026: Clawdbot launches publicly

• Day 1: Gains 9,000+ GitHub stars in a single day

• Week 1: Grows to 30,000+ stars with viral spread across Twitter/X

• January 27, 2026: Anthropic sends trademark warning regarding similarity to "Claude"

• Same day: Project immediately renames to Moltbot

• Within 24 hours: Hits 61,000+ GitHub stars despite the rebrand chaos

Why "Molt"?

The name "Molt" refers to what lobsters do when they outgrow their shell—they shed it and grow a new one. It's a natural process of transformation and growth. Like the mascot Molty the lobster 🦞, Moltbot represents the same core project with a new identity: same soul, new shell.

"We chose 'Molt' because it represents transformation and growth — shedding the old shell for something new." — Peter Steinberger, Moltbot Creator

The Rebrand Details

Important: The legacy clawdbot command still works as a compatibility shim, so existing installations continue functioning.

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Key Features That Make Moltbot Stand Out

Multi-Channel Communication Hub

Moltbot connects to virtually every messaging platform you use:

Proactive AI That Reaches Out First

Unlike passive chatbots, Moltbot features a "Heartbeat Engine" that allows it to initiate conversations:

• Send scheduled reminders based on your calendar

• Monitor systems 24/7 and alert you to issues proactively

• Generate daily briefings with weather, tasks, and priorities

• Check in during "heartbeats" to see if you need help

• Execute cron jobs for recurring automated tasks

Real User Quote: "Named him Jarvis. Daily briefings, calendar checks, reminds me when to leave for pickleball based on traffic"

Multi-Agent Orchestration

Moltbot supports agent-to-agent communication via sessions_* tools, enabling complex workflows where multiple AI agents collaborate.

Real-World Use Case: User Kev runs a "Dream Team" of 14+ specialized agents orchestrated by Claude Opus 4.5—one monitors email, another manages calendars, a third coordinates between them to optimize scheduling.

Self-Modifying and Skill Generation

Revolutionary Feature: Moltbot can write its own skills and improve itself:

• Ask it to build a skill for a new integration, and it will create the TypeScript code

• It can modify its own prompt and configuration

• Hot-reload new skills without restarting

• Learn from patterns in your usage

Skills Marketplace (ClawdHub)

The community has built 100+ reusable skills across categories:

Popular Skills:

• Productivity: Todoist, Notion, calendar management, email automation

• Finance: Expense tracking, invoice generation, portfolio monitoring

• Health: WHOOP data analysis, meditation generation, meal planning

• Home Automation: Smart thermostat, 3D printer management, vacuum scheduling

• Development: GitHub/GitLab integration, CI/CD monitoring, Sentry webhooks

Latest Model Support (January 2026)

Moltbot now supports cutting-edge models:

• Anthropic: Claude Opus 4.5, Claude Sonnet 4, Claude Haiku 4

• OpenAI: GPT-4.5, GPT-4 Turbo, GPT-3.5 Turbo

• DeepSeek: DeepSeek V3 (via OpenAI-compatible API)

• MiniMax: MiniMax 2.1 (great for tool calling)

• Local: Ollama, LM Studio, Harbor

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Moltbot vs. Traditional AI Assistants: The Honest Comparison

Moltbot vs. ChatGPT: Personal vs. Cloud

Moltbot vs. Siri/Google Assistant: Control vs. Convenience

While Siri and Google Assistant work out-of-the-box with zero setup, they're fundamentally limited by corporate constraints:

• Siri is locked to Apple's ecosystem and can't execute arbitrary tasks

• Google Assistant collects your data and limits customization

• Neither can be extended with custom skills

• Neither has persistent cross-platform memory

Why Users Choose Moltbot: "Everything Siri was supposed to be. And it goes so much further"

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Real-World Impact: How Users Are Saving Thousands

Car Negotiation: $4,200 Saved

User: AJ Stuyvenberg
Result: Saved $4,200 on a $56,000 car purchase

Moltbot searched Reddit for pricing data, contacted multiple dealers via email, and negotiated back-and-forth using hardball tactics to secure a discount below invoice pricing.

Production Bugs Fixed While You Sleep

User: @henrymascot
Result: Bug detected and fixed before the team woke up

Setup: Moltbot as a Slack auto-support system with Sentry webhook integration. One night, the bot detected a production bug, analyzed it, wrote a fix, and opened a pull request autonomously.

Building Websites from Your Phone

User: @davekiss
Result: Full website creation while putting baby to sleep

"Moltbot built me a simple Stumbleupon for my favourite articles. Stumblereads.com. From my phone, while putting my baby to sleep"

Smart Home Orchestration

User: Nimrod Gutman (@ngutman)
Result: Intelligent boiler control based on weather patterns

Instead of a fixed schedule, Moltbot checks weather forecasts and decides when heating the house actually makes sense.

Insurance Dispute Resolution

User: Reddit user
Result: Accidentally won an insurance fight

"My Moltbot accidentally started a fight with Lemonade Insurance because of a wrong interpretation of my response. After this email, they started to reinvestigate the case instead of instantly rejecting it. Thanks, AI"

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Who Should Use Moltbot? (And Who Shouldn't)

Moltbot Is Perfect If You:

✅ Are a developer, entrepreneur, or power user who values automation
✅ Want to control your AI infrastructure instead of trusting corporations
✅ Use multiple messaging platforms and want unified AI access
✅ Need proactive assistance (reminders, monitoring, briefings)
✅ Value privacy and want data to stay on your hardware
✅ Enjoy tinkering and customizing your tools
✅ Have Node.js experience or willingness to learn
✅ Want AI that can actually do things, not just talk about them

Moltbot Probably Isn't Right If You:

❌ Want zero-setup, plug-and-play AI (use ChatGPT instead)
❌ Are uncomfortable with command-line interfaces
❌ Don't want to manage your own infrastructure
❌ Need guaranteed uptime for mission-critical tasks
❌ Aren't willing to spend $20-150/month on AI APIs
❌ Prefer fully-baked commercial solutions with support

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Getting Started With Moltbot: The Installation Path

Prerequisites

• Node.js ≥ 22 (installer handles this automatically)

• macOS, Linux, or Windows (via WSL2)

• Claude Pro/Max, OpenAI API, or local LLM via Ollama

Installation Process

Quick Install (5 Minutes) - Recommended

macOS / Linux:

curl -fsSL https://molt.bot/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell):

powershelliwr -useb https://molt.bot/install.ps1 | iex

The installer automatically:

• Installs Node.js if needed

• Installs moltbot CLI globally

• Runs the onboarding wizard

• Sets up daemon for auto-start

Manual Installation

bashnpm install -g moltbot@latest
moltbot onboard --install-daemon

Option 2: From Source (For Developers)

bash# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/moltbot/moltbot.git
cd moltbot

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Build the project
npm run build

# Run setup
npm run setup

First Interaction

Send a message via WhatsApp or Telegram:

textYou: Hey, what can you do?

Moltbot: I'm your personal AI assistant! I can:
-  Manage your calendar and send reminders
-  Control browser automation
-  Search the web and summarize articles
-  Execute shell commands (with your permission)
-  Integrate with 50+ services via skills

What would you like help with?

Configuration Best Practices

Create ~/.clawdbot/moltbot.json:

json{
  "agent": {
    "model": "anthropic/claude-opus-4-5"
  },
  "channels": {
    "whatsapp": {
      "allowFrom": ["+1234567890"]
    },
    "telegram": {
      "botToken": "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN"
    }
  },
  "browser": {
    "enabled": true
  },
  "security": {
    "dmPolicy": "pairing",
    "allowShellAccess": false
  }
}

---

How Moltbot Works: Architecture Deep Dive

Under the Hood: Components

1. Gateway: Central control plane running on your machine

2. Pi Agent: The AI brain (supports Claude, GPT, local models via Ollama/LM Studio)

3. Channels: Connectors to messaging platforms

4. Skills: Modular capabilities you can enable/disable

5. Nodes: Device-specific agents (iOS/Android apps, macOS menu bar)

Network Models and Security

⚠️ Security Note: By default, Moltbot uses DM pairing—unknown senders must be approved before they can interact with your assistant.

The Gateway System

The gateway runs on WebSocket Server (ws://127.0.0.1:18789) and handles:

• Session management across all connected channels

• Tool orchestration for browser control, file system, APIs

• Security and authentication for multi-user scenarios

• Message routing between agents and communication platforms

Performance Characteristics

On typical hardware (modern laptop, 16GB RAM):

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Real-World Use Cases: 50+ Ways to Use Moltbot

Development & DevOps

1. Production Bug Auto-Fix: Detect issues via Sentry webhooks, analyze, fix, open PRs

2. CI/CD Monitoring: Track build status, alert on failures, trigger deployments

3. Code Review Automation: Analyze PRs, suggest improvements, check for security issues

4. GitHub/GitLab Integration: Create issues, update branches, manage releases

5. Test Automation: Run test suites, report failures, suggest fixes

6. Dependency Updates: Monitor outdated packages, create update PRs

7. Log Analysis: Parse production logs, identify patterns, alert on anomalies

8. Database Backup Monitoring: Verify backups completed, alert on failures

9. API Health Checks: Ping endpoints, monitor response times, detect outages

10. Docker Container Management: Start/stop containers, check resource usage

Business & Productivity

11. Inbox Zero Automation: Unsubscribe from unwanted emails, archive newsletters, prioritize urgent messages

12. Invoice Generation: Create and send invoices automatically based on time tracking

13. Expense Tracking: Monitor spending, categorize transactions, generate reports

14. CRM Integration: Update customer records, log interactions, set follow-up reminders

15. Document Processing: Extract data from PDFs, generate summaries, organize files

16. Meeting Scheduling: Find optimal times, send calendar invites, handle rescheduling

17. Email Response Drafting: Generate context-aware email replies for approval

18. Project Status Reports: Aggregate data from tools, generate weekly summaries

19. Client Communication: Send updates, answer common questions, route complex issues

20. Time Tracking: Log hours worked, categorize by project, generate timesheets

Smart Home & IoT

21. Intelligent Thermostat Control: Weather-based heating/cooling optimization

22. 3D Printer Management: Queue prints, monitor progress, receive completion alerts

23. Vacuum Scheduling: Conversation-based room cleaning ("living room's a mess")

24. Air Quality Monitoring: Control air purifiers based on sensor data

25. Sky Photography: Automatically capture photos when sunset conditions are beautiful

26. Plant Watering Reminders: Track watering schedule, adjust for weather

27. Security Camera Alerts: Monitor for motion, identify familiar faces

28. Energy Usage Tracking: Monitor consumption, suggest optimizations

29. Smart Lighting Scenes: Set lighting based on time of day and activities

30. Appliance Control: Start dishwasher during off-peak hours, preheat oven

Health & Wellness

31. WHOOP Data Analysis: Daily recovery scores, strain analysis, sleep optimization

32. Custom Meditation Generation: AI-generated guided meditations with personalized audio

33. Meal Planning: Weekly menu creation with automated grocery ordering

34. Medication Reminders: Proactive alerts with context about dosage and timing

35. Workout Tracking: Log exercises, suggest routines, track progress

36. Water Intake Reminders: Track hydration goals throughout the day

37. Sleep Schedule Optimization: Analyze patterns, suggest bedtime adjustments

38. Symptom Tracking: Log health data, identify correlations

39. Appointment Reminders: Healthcare appointments with prep instructions

40. Mental Health Check-ins: Mood tracking, gratitude journaling prompts

Finance & Shopping

41. Price Tracking: Monitor products, alert when prices drop

42. Bill Payment Reminders: Track due dates, confirm payments made

43. Investment Portfolio Monitoring: Track holdings, alert on significant changes

44. Receipt Management: Extract data, categorize expenses, prepare for taxes

45. Budget Alerts: Notify when approaching spending limits

46. Subscription Audit: Track all subscriptions, identify unused services

47. Car Dealership Negotiation: Research prices, contact dealers, negotiate offers

48. Travel Booking: Find deals, book flights/hotels, track confirmations

49. Cashback Optimization: Suggest which cards to use for purchases

50. Tax Document Collection: Gather W-2s, 1099s, organize for filing

Content & Social Media

51. Social Media Scheduling: Post content across platforms at optimal times

52. YouTube Analytics: Track video performance, suggest improvements

53. Newsletter Automation: Curate content, generate drafts, schedule sends

54. Content Research: Find trending topics, compile sources

55. Image Generation: Create graphics for posts using AI tools

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Security and Privacy: Is Moltbot Safe?

Security Model

Common Vulnerabilities

1. Prompt Injection: If Moltbot accesses untrusted web content, malicious prompts could hijack behavior

2. Supply Chain: Downloadable skills could contain malicious code

3. Auto-Update: Automatic updates could introduce vulnerabilities

4. Exposed Ports: Port 18789 found exposed on many instances

Mitigation: Use Tailscale Serve/Funnel, enable authentication, review skills before installation.

Best Practices

✅ DO:

• Use DM pairing for unknown senders

• Run group sessions in Docker sandboxes

• Set up Tailscale for remote access

• Regularly review moltbot doctor output

• Keep allowlists updated

• Review shell commands before execution

• Use read-only file system access initially

• Enable audit logging for sensitive operations

⚠️ DON'T:

• Expose port 18789 to the public internet

• Grant shell access without understanding risks

• Install unverified skills from unknown sources

• Use dmPolicy: "open" without allowlists

• Store sensitive credentials in plain text config

• Disable security features for convenience

Privacy Considerations

What Moltbot Can Access:

• Your messaging conversations (by design)

• Your file system (if granted permission)

• Your browser sessions (if enabled)

• Your calendar and email (if configured)

What Stays Private:

• Everything runs on your hardware

• No telemetry sent to third parties

• AI API calls encrypted in transit

• You control all data retention policies

AI Provider Considerations:

• Claude/OpenAI see your conversations

• Consider local LLMs (Ollama) for maximum privacy

• Review provider data retention policies

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Troubleshooting Common Moltbot Issues

Issue 1: "WhatsApp keeps disconnecting"

Symptoms: QR code authentication works but connection drops after hours/days

Solution:

bash# Clear existing session
rm -rf ~/.clawdbot/sessions/whatsapp

# Re-pair with fresh QR code
moltbot channels login

# If issue persists, check for WhatsApp rate limiting
moltbot doctor --verbose

Issue 2: "Moltbot can't access my browser"

Symptoms: Browser automation commands fail or timeout

Solution:

bash# Verify browser tool is enabled
moltbot doctor

# Check config file
cat ~/.clawdbot/moltbot.json | grep browser

# Enable browser in config
{
  "browser": {
    "enabled": true,
    "headless": false,  // Set to false for debugging
    "timeout": 30000
  }
}

# Ensure Chrome/Chromium is installed
which google-chrome || which chromium

Issue 3: "High API costs with Claude"

Symptoms: Monthly bill exceeds $100

Solutions:

Option A: Switch to local LLMs

bash# Install Ollama
curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh

# Pull a model with tool-calling support
ollama pull llama3.1:latest

# Update Moltbot config
{
  "agent": {
    "model": "ollama/llama3.1"
  }
}

Option B: Use cheaper models for simple tasks

json{
  "agent": {
    "model": "anthropic/claude-haiku-4",  // Cheaper tier
    "maxTokens": 2048  // Limit response length
  }
}

Option C: Implement rate limiting

json{
  "rateLimits": {
    "messagesPerHour": 60,
    "tokensPerDay": 100000
  }
}

Issue 4: "npm install fails with permission errors"

Solution:

bash# Don't use sudo! Instead, fix npm permissions
mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

# Now install without sudo
npm install -g moltbot@latest

Issue 5: "Telegram bot not responding"

Solution:

bash# Verify bot token is correct
curl https://api.telegram.org/bot<YOUR_TOKEN>/getMe

# Check webhook conflicts (only one allowed per bot)
moltbot channels remove telegram
moltbot channels add telegram --token YOUR_TOKEN

# Restart gateway
moltbot gateway restart

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Making the Switch: Migration Guide

If You're Coming from ChatGPT

What you'll love:

• Full control over your data and infrastructure

• Can actually execute tasks, not just provide information

• Persistent memory that carries across all platforms

• Proactive assistance without prompting

• Works in WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. (not just web/app)

What you'll adjust to:

• Need to manage your own infrastructure

• Occasional configuration and troubleshooting

• API costs can be higher with heavy usage

• Steeper learning curve initially

Migration Checklist:

• Install Node.js and Moltbot

• Choose AI provider (Claude recommended)

• Set up primary communication channel (WhatsApp/Telegram)

• Import conversation history (if desired)

• Configure skills for your workflow

• Set up backup/restore procedures

If You're Coming from Siri/Google Assistant

What you'll love:

• No corporate limitations on what you can do

• Works across all your messaging apps

• Can customize every aspect of behavior

• Actually useful for complex tasks

• Privacy—no cloud surveillance

What you'll adjust to:

• Initial setup requires technical knowledge

• Not as polished for simple voice queries

• Need to maintain the system yourself

• Less integration with proprietary ecosystems (Apple HomeKit, etc.)

Pro Tips for Voice Users:

• Use WhatsApp voice messages (Moltbot transcribes automatically)

• Set up Siri Shortcuts to message Moltbot

• Configure wake words via Telegram voice chat

• Use push-to-talk on phone for quick commands

If You're Coming from Zapier/IFTTT

What you'll love:

• Natural language instead of visual workflow builders

• AI-powered decision making (not just if/then)

• Single agent that handles multiple tasks simultaneously

• More flexible than predefined triggers/actions

What you'll adjust to:

• Less visual workflow representation

• Need to describe what you want clearly

• Some integrations require custom code

Migration Strategy:

1. List your top 10 Zapier/IFTTT automations

2. Translate each to natural language instructions

3. Test with Moltbot to verify behavior

4. Gradually disable old automations as Moltbot proves reliable

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The Bottom Line: Is Moltbot Right for You?

Choose Moltbot If You:

✅ Want infrastructure you control, not corporate AI
✅ Need AI that can actually execute tasks autonomously
✅ Value privacy and keeping data on your hardware
✅ Use multiple messaging platforms daily
✅ Are comfortable with Node.js and terminal interfaces
✅ Want to automate complex workflows
✅ Need proactive AI that reaches out first
✅ Have $25-150/month budget for AI API costs
✅ Enjoy tinkering and customizing tools

Choose Something Else If You:

❌ Want zero-setup, consumer-friendly AI (use ChatGPT)
❌ Need guaranteed uptime for business-critical tasks
❌ Aren't comfortable troubleshooting technical issues
❌ Want fully-baked commercial solutions with support
❌ Don't want to manage infrastructure
❌ Are new to programming and command-line tools
❌ Need enterprise-grade security compliance
❌ Want a mobile-first, app-based experience

The Honest Truth

Moltbot isn't a replacement for every AI assistant—it's a fundamentally different approach. It proves that personal AI doesn't have to be corporate AI. For developers who value control, privacy, and unlimited customization, it's genuinely transformative.

"At this point I don't even know what to call Moltbot. It is something new. After a few weeks in with it, this is the first time I have felt like I am living in the future since the launch of ChatGPT."

The difference between Moltbot and traditional AI assistants is like the difference between renting and owning. With rented solutions, you're at the mercy of the landlord's rules, pricing changes, and arbitrary limitations. With Moltbot, you own the infrastructure—which means more responsibility, but also unlimited freedom.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ Open-Source Personal AI - MIT licensed, community-driven, infinitely hackable
✅ Self-Hosted Architecture - Runs on your hardware with full data control
✅ Multi-Channel Integration - Works across 10+ messaging platforms
✅ Proactive Assistance - Can message you first with reminders and insights
✅ Browser & System Control - Full automation capabilities
✅ Multi-Agent Orchestration - Coordinate multiple AI agents
✅ 100+ Community Skills - Extensible plugin marketplace
✅ Real Cost Savings - Users report $4K+ savings on purchases
✅ Active Development - 30K+ GitHub stars, 8.9K+ Discord members
✅ Privacy-First - Your data never leaves your control

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Final Verdict: Moltbot Gets 9/10

Pros:

✅ Revolutionary approach to personal AI
✅ Complete control and privacy
✅ Genuinely useful automation capabilities
✅ Active community and rapid development
✅ Works where you already communicate
✅ Multi-agent support is game-changing
✅ Open-source and infinitely customizable
✅ Proactive features set it apart
✅ Browser control enables real automation

Cons:

❌ Steeper learning curve than commercial AI
❌ Requires ongoing maintenance
❌ API costs can be significant ($25-150/month)
❌ Smaller documentation vs. established products
❌ Occasional setup friction with some platforms
❌ Security requires careful configuration
❌ Not suitable for non-technical users

Score Breakdown:

Overall: 9/10 - Exceptional for its target audience

Recommendation: If you're a developer, entrepreneur, or power user who wants AI that actually does things—not just talks about them—Moltbot is absolutely worth the setup effort. It represents the future of personal AI: open, controllable, and genuinely useful.

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Resources for Getting Started

Official Resources

• Official Website: molt.bot

• GitHub Repository: github.com/moltbot/moltbot

• Documentation: docs.molt.bot

• Skills Marketplace: clawdhub.com

Community

• Discord Server: discord.gg/clawd (8,900+ members)

• Reddit: r/moltbot

• Twitter/X: @moltbot

• GitHub Discussions: Active community support

Learning Resources

• Video Tutorials: "Clawdbot/moltbot Clearly Explained" on YouTube

• Setup Guides: MacStories comprehensive walkthrough

• Blog Posts: Dev.to community articles

• Example Skills: Browse ClawdHub for inspiration

Developer Resources

• API Documentation: Complete API reference at docs.molt.bot/api

• Skill Development Guide: docs.molt.bot/skills

• Contributing Guidelines: CONTRIBUTING.md in repo

• Architecture Overview: Technical deep dive in wiki

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FAQ: Quick Answers

Q: Is Moltbot free?
A: Moltbot itself is free and open-source (MIT License). However, you need to pay for AI model API costs (Claude Pro $20/month, or OpenAI API usage). Typical total cost: $25-150/month depending on usage.

Q: Can I run Moltbot with local LLMs?
A: Yes! Moltbot supports Ollama, LM Studio, Harbor, and any OpenAI-compatible API endpoint. Best local model for tool calling: GLM-4.7-Flash or Llama 3.1 70B.

Q: How does Moltbot compare to Claude Code or Cursor?
A: Moltbot is complementary to these tools—it's an orchestration layer that can control Claude Code/Cursor from your phone. Example: "Hey Moltbot, run Claude Code to fix the tests" and it does, reporting back progress.

Q: Is it safe to give Moltbot shell access?
A: The developer describes it as "spicy". Use Docker sandboxing for non-main sessions, carefully review any shell commands, and start with read-only tools before expanding permissions. Never run untrusted skills with shell access.

Q: What happened to Clawdbot?
A: Clawdbot was renamed to Moltbot in January 2026. All functionality remains the same, and the clawdbot command still works as a compatibility shim.

Q: Can Moltbot really negotiate car purchases?
A: Yes! User AJ Stuyvenberg documented how Moltbot searched Reddit for pricing data, contacted multiple dealers, and secured $4,200 off sticker price. However, results depend on market conditions and your specific requirements.

Q: How much technical knowledge do I need?
A: The onboarding wizard (moltbot onboard) makes setup accessible to motivated beginners with basic command-line familiarity. Basic level: follow wizard and use pre-built skills. Advanced level: build custom skills and modify source code.

Q: Does Moltbot work on mobile?
A: Yes, through two approaches: (1) Control Moltbot from WhatsApp/Telegram on your phone, and (2) Native iOS and Android apps that pair with your gateway. Many users report building entire websites "from their phone while putting the baby to sleep".

Q: What's the difference between Moltbot and AutoGPT/AgentGPT?
A: AutoGPT/AgentGPT are autonomous agents that run tasks to completion. Moltbot is a personal assistant that integrates into your communication workflow. Moltbot is conversational and collaborative; AutoGPT is autonomous and task-focused.

Q: Can I use Moltbot for my team/company?
A: Yes! Moltbot supports multi-user setups via Slack/Discord/Teams. Configure access controls, set up Docker sandboxing for security, and establish clear policies around shell access and sensitive data.

Q: How do I backup my Moltbot configuration?
A:

bash# Backup entire config directory
tar -czf moltbot-backup-$(date +%Y%m%d).tar.gz ~/.clawdbot

# Restore from backup
tar -xzf moltbot-backup-20260128.tar.gz -C ~/

Q: What are the hardware requirements?
A: Minimum: 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores, 10GB disk space. Recommended: 8GB+ RAM, 4+ cores, 20GB+ disk. Runs efficiently on Raspberry Pi 4, NUCs, old laptops, or cloud VMs.

Q: Can Moltbot integrate with my company's internal tools?
A: Yes, via custom skills. You can write TypeScript skills that connect to internal APIs, databases, and services. The skills system is designed for extensibility.

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Looking Ahead: The Personal AI Revolution

Moltbot's emergence signals a fundamental shift in how we think about AI assistants. We're moving from:

The Old Paradigm

• Corporate AI owned by Big Tech

• Reactive chatbots that wait for commands

• Walled gardens with limited integration

• Single-purpose tools that don't communicate

• Privacy-invasive data collection

• One-size-fits-all solutions

The New Paradigm

• Personal AI you control and own

• Proactive digital employees that initiate

• Open ecosystems with unlimited integration

• Universal automation platforms that orchestrate everything

• Privacy-first architecture

• Infinitely customizable to your needs

What This Means for You

As one user put it: "TLDR; open source built a better version of Siri that Apple ($3.6 trillion company) was sleeping on for years. Welcome to the AI era where a dude and a repo fills in the cracks of billion dollar industries."

The Bigger Picture

Moltbot is part of a larger movement toward personal digital infrastructure:

• Self-hosted software (Nextcloud, Home Assistant)

• Local-first applications (Obsidian, Logseq)

• Privacy-respecting tools (Signal, ProtonMail)

• Open-source alternatives (Linux, Firefox)

Where We're Headed

By 2027, expect to see:

1. Federated AI Networks: Multiple personal AI assistants collaborating across individuals

2. AI-to-AI Commerce: Your Moltbot negotiating with seller's Moltbot

3. Personal Data Sovereignty: Complete control over your digital footprint

4. Specialized Agent Markets: Niche AI agents for specific industries/tasks

5. AI-Powered Personal Operating Systems: Moltbot as the shell for your digital life

The Choice Is Yours

You can either:

Option A: Continue using corporate AI that treats you as the product, limits your capabilities, and controls your data.

Option B: Take control with tools like Moltbot that put you back in the driver's seat.

The future of personal AI is here, and it's open source, self-hosted, and infinitely hackable.

Welcome to the Moltbot revolution. 🦞