60-year-olds in China also line up to learn OpenClaw
OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent platform developed by programmer Peter Steinberger. Unlike conventional chatbots that only respond to user questions, OpenClaw is designed to operate as an automatic digital assistant, which can run continuously 24/7 and perform tasks instead of humans.
For example, the system can automatically check emails, reply to emails, monitor folders on the computer, run automated tasks or collect information and send reports to users.
Thanks to its independent operation, OpenClaw is considered the next step of AI tools.
An important factor that makes OpenClaw attractive is open source. This allows programmers to download, modify, or build new applications based on this platform, while connecting to various AI models.
China welcomes a new AI wave
In China, interest in OpenClaw is particularly strong. According to technology reports, many large companies such as Tencent, Alibaba and Baidu have quickly provided services to support installation or operation of this platform.
Recently, Tencent organized a public OpenClaw technology demonstration event, attracting many participants, including retired aviation engineers and librarians who want to experience AI agents.
This widespread interest reflects the characteristics of the Chinese technology ecosystem, where users are familiar with "super apps" like WeChat.
In that ecosystem, many services from payment, messaging to shopping are integrated into the same platform, making the deployment of automated AI assistants more convenient.
New opportunities for startups and businesses
According to technology journalist Juro Osawa of The Information, the startup ecosystem in China is reacting very quickly to this trend. Many entrepreneurs have begun to experiment with business models based on AI agents.
In Hangzhou, a startup even organized a hackathon (a competition aimed at solving a problem through programming in a short and continuous time) to develop services specifically for AI.
Some ideas are proposed quite uniquely, such as a "matchmaker" platform like Tinder for AI assistants or recruitment websites where AI agents can find jobs and cooperate with each other.
Meanwhile, in Beijing, a businessman has used OpenClaw to automate the management of social media accounts of influential people run by AI. Instead of manually managing each account, the AI agent system can create content and interact with users.
The AI race is increasingly urgent
The explosion of OpenClaw also creates a sense of urgency in the Chinese technology community. Many startups worry that if they do not quickly test and develop AI-based products, they may be overtaken by competitors.
Large cloud service providers such as Alibaba and Baidu have also deployed OpenClaw services on their platforms, helping developers easily test without having to invest in expensive hardware.
