Moltbot (formerly Clawdbot) is a viral open-source AI assistant that runs locally, automates tasks, and raises security questions. Learn how it works and what to know.
Moltbot (formerly Clawdbot) is a viral open-source AI assistant [Photo: X]
A new personal AI assistant has taken the tech world by storm. Originally called Clawdbot, the project quickly went viral for its ability to actually do things, not just talk. Within days of launch, developers and AI fans shared demos of the assistant managing calendars, booking flights, and sorting messages through apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Its popularity surges as more people experiment with AI automation on local devices. The tool recently changed its name to Moltbot after a legal request from Anthropic, but its momentum remains strong among early adopters.
Moltbot is a self-hosted open-source AI assistant that runs on your own computer or server. It connects to messaging apps so users can send simple text instructions, like “check my inbox” or “schedule my meetings”, and the assistant carries out actions automatically. Unlike typical chatbots, it moves beyond conversation to real automation, letting the AI interact with apps and perform tasks directly.
The name Clawdbot referenced Anthropic’s Claude AI model. After the company raised trademark concerns, the assistant was renamed Moltbot, symbolising transformation, much like how a lobster moults its shell to grow.
Moltbot spread rapidly online because it illustrates what many people see as the next step for AI, agents that do work for you. Early users shared screenshots and videos showing the assistant automating routine digital tasks and handling workflows without needing constant supervision. This user-generated buzz helped it gain tens of thousands of stars on GitHub and wide coverage across tech communities.
Developers praise its flexibility. Moltbot can integrate with multiple messaging platforms and supports various AI models, giving users control over how it runs. It also stores data locally, which appeals to users who want privacy and control over their information.
Moltbot stands out because it moves beyond chat and into real automation. It is designed to act like a personal AI assistant that can plan, remember, and execute tasks across apps and systems.
Moltbot can perform actions instead of just suggesting them. It can book flights, schedule meetings, clean inboxes, send messages, and manage daily workflows when given the right permissions.
Unlike cloud-based AI tools, Moltbot runs on your own computer or server. This keeps data local and gives users more control over privacy and system access.
Users can talk to Moltbot through familiar platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, iMessage, and Slack. There is no need for a separate dashboard or browser window.
Moltbot remembers past instructions, preferences, and routines. This allows it to adapt over time and personalise actions based on previous interactions.
The assistant does not wait for prompts. It can send reminders, summaries, alerts, and briefings on its own, acting more like a digital employee than a chatbot.
Moltbot can work with different AI models, giving users flexibility in how they balance speed, cost, and security.
The project is fully open source. Developers can inspect the code, build plugins, add integrations, and customise workflows to suit their needs.
With proper configuration, Moltbot can interact with calendars, email clients, browsers, files, and other system tools to complete complex tasks.
Users can run Moltbot 24/7 on a local machine or VPS. This allows continuous automation without relying on third-party cloud services.
Moltbot runs as a local service, meaning you install it on a device you control, like a laptop, desktop, or server. Once set up, you can connect it to apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, Discord, and more. Then you send the instructions in normal language. It breaks the request into steps, executes them using scripts, and returns results through your chat app.
Because it runs locally, none of your messages or files leave your machine unless you specifically configure them to do so. This local-first design offers privacy advantages compared with cloud-based AI assistants.
While Moltbot’s automation power is impressive, experts warn that the same capabilities also pose risks. The assistant can control files, execute system commands, and access multiple apps, which means that if it’s misconfigured or a malicious message exploits it, attackers could potentially trigger unintended actions.
Security researchers highlight threats like prompt injection, where carefully crafted messages could trick the assistant into harmful behaviour. Users are urged to run Moltbot on isolated machines or virtual servers to reduce exposure to vulnerabilities.
The open-source community has embraced Moltbot’s flexible architecture, building integrations and extensions that expand its capabilities. The project’s rapid rise shows the appetite for AI assistants that are more than just conversation tools — they can execute tasks, recall details over time, and learn preferences.
Interestingly, the viral surge around Moltbot has even influenced markets. Some tech companies’ infrastructure services saw increased interest as users looked for secure ways to run local AI agents.
Moltbot offers a peek into the future of personal AI assistants. It can automate complex digital tasks and integrate with familiar apps. But because it runs with deep system access and requires setup knowledge, it remains best suited for tech-savvy users and developers for now.
Newcomers to AI should learn about security and hosting basics before deploying it widely. Still, Moltbot highlights where AI is heading, from chat interfaces toward active automation that actually works for you.
ChatGPT is designed to answer questions and generate text. Moltbot is designed to take action. When you ask ChatGPT to book a flight, it explains the steps. When you ask Moltbot, it tries to do it. Moltbot breaks tasks into actions and executes them through connected apps and system permissions.
Another key difference is memory. Moltbot has persistent memory. It remembers past instructions, preferences, and routines. ChatGPT typically resets context between sessions unless memory is manually enabled and limited. Moltbot is also proactive. It does not wait for prompts. It can send summaries, reminders, and alerts on its own. ChatGPT only responds when a user asks.
Finally, Moltbot runs locally. It operates on your computer or server. ChatGPT runs in the cloud. This makes Moltbot more private, but also more powerful — and more dangerous if misconfigured.
The biggest risk is over-permission. Moltbot can execute commands on your system. If it has access to files, browsers, or messaging apps, a single bad instruction can cause real damage.
One major concern is prompt injection. A malicious message received on WhatsApp, email, or another connected app could trick Moltbot into running unintended commands without the user noticing. Security experts warn that even well-intentioned automation can spiral. A small task can trigger a chain of actions that delete files, leak credentials, or send sensitive data.
There is also the risk of scams. During the Clawdbot-to-Moltbot rename, fake accounts and crypto projects appeared using the creator’s name. This shows how fast bad actors move when hype builds. Open source helps, but it does not eliminate human error. Most risks come from careless setup, not malicious code.
Moltbot is not for everyone, at least not yet. Non-technical users should avoid it for now. If you do not understand servers, permissions, or virtual machines, you could put your data at risk. Anyone planning to run Moltbot on their primary laptop should wait. Running an AI agent with system access on a personal device is unsafe.
Users who expect a plug-and-play experience like ChatGPT will be disappointed. Moltbot requires careful configuration and constant monitoring. People handling sensitive data, such as passwords, financial records, or work credentials, should not connect Moltbot to those systems yet.
For now, Moltbot is best suited for developers, security-aware users, and experimenters who understand the risks and are willing to sandbox the tool properly.
