China Embraces OpenClaw as Users Rush to Install AI Agents

On March 6, nearly 1,000 individuals gathered outside Tencent's headquarters in Shenzhen to install OpenClaw, an open-source software for AI agents. This event, organized by Tencent's cloud computing division, attracted a diverse crowd, including developers, retirees, students, and AI enthusiasts.

Participants received free installations, which reflect a growing enthusiasm for OpenClaw beyond just developers. The software enables users to create AI agents that function locally on their devices. Concurrently, social media platforms were abuzz with posts offering installation services for a fee, ranging from tens to hundreds of yuan (about $15 per 100 CNY).

At the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom conference, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang praised OpenClaw as potentially the "most important software ever released." Users like Shanghai designer Mark Yang have found the software akin to having a virtual assistant, alleviating their workload.

However, the installation process can be complex for those lacking technical expertise, which has led to the rise of paid installation services on local social media. The popularity of OpenClaw has sparked numerous events throughout mainland China aimed at sharing knowledge and promoting its adoption.

Writer Afra Wang reported on one such event, noting the overwhelming interest that necessitated limiting attendance. Despite the software's potential, its requirement for significant control over users' computer systems poses challenges. Notably, OpenClaw previously deleted an email belonging to a Meta researcher when instructed not to, highlighting the risks involved.