Lobster buffet: China’s tech firms feast on OpenClaw as companies race to deploy AI agents

China is experiencing a rapid expansion in the use of the AI tool OpenClaw, as major technology companies and local governments scramble to enhance accessibility to this lobster-themed open-source AI agent. Unlike traditional chatbots that merely respond to inquiries, these AI agents can proactively manage tasks such as sending emails, scheduling appointments, and making reservations with minimal human input. This capability necessitates broader access to data and systems, raising important privacy and security considerations. Tencent, a leading Chinese tech giant, recently announced the launch of a comprehensive suite of user-friendly AI tools based on OpenClaw, branding it as 'lobster special forces' and integrating it with its widely-used WeChat app. On the same day, Zhipu AI introduced its localized version of OpenClaw, which comes with over 50 popular capabilities available through a simple one-click installation. The enthusiasm for OpenClaw in China has surged, outpacing its usage in the United States, as reported by the American cybersecurity firm SecurityScorecard. Jaylen He, CEO of Shenzhen-based startup Violoop, commented on the robust community in China that eagerly embraces new technologies, stating that even individuals outside the tech industry are exploring these advancements. With the Chinese economy facing challenges, OpenClaw presents a significant opportunity for domestic tech firms eager to attract paying users. The rise of OpenClaw has also amplified the popularity of large language models developed in China. Autonomous AI agents like OpenClaw are designed to work across various language models, including those from OpenAI and Anthropic. Data from OpenRouter, which connects developers to AI models, shows that the top tools utilized by OpenClaw users this past month were all Chinese-developed, with their usage surpassing that of Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude models combined. The tool, launched in November, enables users to send commands via popular messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, allowing the AI agent to perform multiple tasks autonomously. Peter Steinberger, the Austrian developer behind OpenClaw, joined OpenAI in early February. Despite its growing popularity, experts have previously noted challenges in the widespread adoption of OpenClaw, particularly the complex installation process that poses difficulties for non-technical users. In response, Chinese tech companies are working to simplify the setup process. Following an initial spike in interest, social media platforms in China are now flooded with posts about organized installation events. Some companies have even distributed plush lobster toys to promote the project’s branding. ByteDance’s cloud unit, Volcano Engine, has recently introduced a web-based version of OpenClaw called 'ArkClaw,' which removes the need for complicated local installations. Tencent hosted an in-person setup session in Shenzhen, assisting hundreds of participants in installing OpenClaw on TencentCloud. JD.com has launched a dedicated service where users can pay for remote assistance in deploying the software, while Meituan is reportedly collaborating with Lenovo to offer similar support. This growing interest in OpenClaw is transforming how Chinese consumers approach AI expenditures. Violoop, which plans to launch a device on Kickstarter, originally aimed for international markets but is now prioritizing a launch in China. He noted a significant rise in interest for quality AI models and mentioned that despite not surpassing giants like ChatGPT or Anthropic, Chinese AI models are closing the gap while remaining cost-effective for users. Even as concerns about security risks associated with OpenClaw have been raised by state media, several local governments are proposing incentives to encourage the development of applications leveraging this AI tool. Initiatives in districts like Longgang and Hefei include financial support and subsidies for small-scale developers utilizing OpenClaw. The trend of 'one-person companies'—individuals leveraging AI to swiftly establish businesses—has gained traction in China, coinciding with a recent five-year plan aimed at stimulating domestic tech growth. The global enthusiasm for OpenClaw is evident, with its GitHub project gaining more stars than the Linux operating system, signaling a significant moment in tech akin to the emergence of ChatGPT. He remarked on the long-standing desire for personal assistants that can genuinely assist users, stating, 'This craving has been there and has been suppressed for a very long time.'