OpenClaw, an innovative project created by Peter Steinberger, has recently gained attention for its ambitious integration of AI assistants into a self-contained social network called Moltbook. This news comes just after a rapid rebranding from its former name—an homage to the lobster’s molting process. The new name, Moltbot, was used since the original name got a legal threat from Anthropic, the developers of Claude. The project has since rebranded to OpenClaw, with Steinberger explaining that the original name “never really grew” on him.
OpenClaw has made enormous strides in only two months. So far, it has garnered more than 100,000 stars on GitHub—a testament to the excitement around the innovative solutions it’s making possible. Steinberger made it clear how significant this recognition is. Transportation for America has grown well beyond what he can do by himself, though.
Renaming the project to OpenClaw, when they made the decision, would provide strategic advantage if there were future copyright complications. When Steinberger was developing his idea, he pursued a lot of legal advice on trademarks and even brought in OpenAI to help him stay compliant. This thoughtful approach is a testament to Jones’ long-term vision for the project.
OpenClaw employs a skill-based system. This allows anyone to upload downloadable instruction files detailing ways individual AI assistants should behave in a large network of AI assistants. The platform presents significant challenges. Roger Steinberger has raised the alarm on a major security concern over prompt injection. Such maligned prompts might control AI systems, causing them to take malign steps. He stated, “Remember that prompt injection is still an industry-wide unsolved problem.” Even with these vulnerabilities, he told the public not to worry because better security is number one at OpenClaw.
The security hardening OpenClaw’s latest release Evgeniy Rukosuev makes smart contracts great, but their complexities and vulnerabilities pose significant risks. Steinberger expressed gratitude towards the security team, saying he appreciates “all security folks for their hard work in helping us harden the project.” Though enthusiastic, he insists caution on the part of users will be vital to fully realize these advances. Shadow, a key advisor on the project, advised potential users by stating, “This isn’t a tool that should be used by the general public at this time.” He added that the platform requires a level of technical competence, warning that “if you can’t understand how to run a command line, this is far too dangerous of a project for you to use safely.”
OpenClaw is now open for sponsorships! You can pick a lobster-themed tier, starting at “krill” at $5 a month, and ending with “poseidon” at $500 a month. Steinberger was quick to explain that he does not personally keep any of the sponsorship money funneled through these tiers. This action is intended to promote communities’ civic engagement and community-building opportunities.
The project has garnered support from notable figures in the tech space, including entrepreneurs like Dave Morin and Ben Tossell. Highlighting the need to support people like Steinberger who are developing open-source tools that anyone can use, Tossell said, “We need to back people like Peter who are building open source tools anyone can pick up and use,” he stated.
Moltbook, OpenClaw’s social network for AI assistants, has been characterized by Simon Willison as “the most interesting place on the internet right now.” This network incubator platform enables generative AI assistants to learn from each other and collaborate. It moves the narrative and discussion about artificial intelligence into extraordinary new territory.
Steinberger just recently brought a team onboard, bringing in some new blood from the open-source community as OpenClaw’s maintainers. He explained that this joint initiative would more effectively lay the groundwork for the long-term growth and sustainability of the project.
“I added quite a few people from the open source community to the list of maintainers this week.” – Peter Steinberger
As OpenClaw grows and changes, its community of supporters and collaborators will be sure to help chart the course of its future. Steinberger emphasizes the need for collaboration and improving security. Their dedication is what makes OpenClaw a secure, interactive environment for artificial intelligence to thrive.