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Tag: moltbot

  • OpenClaw Acquired by OpenAI: A Game-Changer for Agentic Workflows?

    OpenClaw Acquired by OpenAI: A Game-Changer for Agentic Workflows?

    In a surprising move that’s shaking up the AI landscape, OpenAI has acquired OpenClaw, the innovative agent-building tool created by Peter Steinberg. Confirmed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman himself, this acquisition brings Steinberg into the OpenAI fold while ensuring OpenClaw remains an open-source project under a dedicated foundation. If you’re into AI agents, workflows, or just the latest tech drama, this is big news.

    Drawing from my recent video breakdown, let’s unpack what happened, why it matters, and what could come next for users like us building multi-agent systems.

    The Acquisition Breakdown: From Side Project to OpenAI Powerhouse

    OpenClaw started as a humble side project by Peter Steinberg, initially called Cloudbot and built around Anthropic’s Claude model. Funded entirely out of Steinberg’s pocket (thanks to his previous success selling a PDF company for over $100 million), it quickly gained traction for its ability to create swarms of AI agents that handle complex tasks collaboratively.

    The acquisition was announced via posts from both Altman and Steinberg. Key details:

    • Steinberg Joins OpenAI: He’s stepping in to “bring agents to everyone,” leveraging his expertise to supercharge OpenAI’s agentic capabilities.
    • OpenClaw’s Future: It won’t vanish—it’s staying open-source under an MIT license, with OpenAI committing to support a foundation that keeps the project alive and evolving.
    • No “Purchase” Per Se: As an open-source tool, this is more of a talent acquisition than buying IP, but it’s a clear signal of OpenAI’s investment in agent tech.

    Why OpenAI over Anthropic? That’s the million-dollar question (or perhaps more, given Steinberg’s track record). Despite OpenClaw’s roots in Claude, Steinberg chose OpenAI—maybe for their resources, vision, or something else. Either way, it’s a bold pivot that’s got the AI community buzzing.

    Why OpenClaw Blew Up and What It Means for Everyday Users

    OpenClaw exploded in popularity because it democratizes agent creation. In my own setup, my team uses it daily for everything from research to automation on our Discord bots. It’s model-agnostic, meaning it works with any AI backend, which is why the acquisition doesn’t spell immediate doom or drastic changes.

    For users:

    • Minimal Disruption: Continue using OpenClaw as before—no forced migrations or feature cuts.
    • Potential Upgrades: With Steinberg on board, expect tweaks optimized for OpenAI models like the rumored GPT-5.3 or Codex. This could mean faster, smarter agents without extra effort on your end.
    • Agentic Workflow Boost: If you’re building swarms for tasks like content generation or data analysis, this could lead to more robust features, making tools like my multi-agent Discord system even more powerful.

    In the video, I shared how we’ve integrated OpenClaw seamlessly—it’s not tied to one provider, so the shift feels more like an enhancement than a overhaul.

    What OpenAI Might Build Next: Speculations and Opportunities

    Looking ahead, OpenAI’s move screams strategy. They’re doubling down on agents, which aligns with their push toward more autonomous AI systems. Possible outcomes:

    • Integrated Features: OpenClaw could get native support for OpenAI’s ecosystem, like better integration with GPT models or enhanced tool-calling.
    • Broader Agentic Tools: Imagine OpenClaw evolving into a cornerstone for OpenAI’s agent frameworks, rivaling or surpassing competitors like Anthropic’s offerings.
    • Community Impact: As an open-source project, contributions could skyrocket with OpenAI’s backing, leading to innovations in areas like multi-agent collaboration or real-time workflows.

    I speculate the deal involved a hefty sum—Steinberg’s no stranger to big exits—but the real value is in accelerating AI agent tech. For us builders, this means access to cutting-edge tools without starting from scratch.

    Closing Thoughts: Congrats to Steinberg and What’s Next

    Huge props to Peter Steinberg for turning a side hustle into an OpenAI acquisition. It’s inspiring for anyone tinkering with AI projects. As for OpenClaw, it’s business as usual with exciting potential on the horizon. I’ll keep using it in my setups and update you on any changes.

    If this piques your interest, check out my video for the full rundown, including live reactions. Stay tuned for my next one on setting up advanced Discord bots with agents. Join our Discord community at https://discord.com/invite/boxtrading to discuss this acquisition, share your OpenClaw tips, or collaborate on AI builds.

    Follow me on X at @boxmining or subscribe to the BoxminingAI Youtube channel for more AI insights. Let’s see how this unfolds—agents are the future!

  • OpenClaw Setup Guide: The Cheapest Way Using the Latest MiniMax M2.5 Model

    OpenClaw Setup Guide: The Cheapest Way Using the Latest MiniMax M2.5 Model

    In this guide, I’ll walk you through an affordable and straightforward way to get OpenClaw up and running with the cutting-edge MiniMax 2.5 model. We also have a full video guide if you need visual assistance.

    Why This Setup? A Quick Intro

    OpenClaw is an fantastic open-source AI agent framework that allows you to build and run autonomous AI tasks. The beauty of this approach is its sandboxed nature—you can test and play around without exposing your main computer to potential issues. Instead of splurging on something like a Mac Mini, we’ll use a cheap cloud server from Zeabur combined with the MiniMax 2.5 model, which costs about $20 a month for solid performance.

    This method is ideal for beginners because it’s simple, low-risk, and scalable. Plus, MiniMax 2.5 offers high intelligence at a fraction of the cost of bigger models. If you’re new to AI like me, starting here means you can focus on learning without overwhelming setup hurdles. Ready? Let’s choose your server.

    Step 1: Choosing the Right Server

    The key to keeping costs down is selecting an accessible and affordable hosting provider. I recommend Zeabur over more complex options like Digital Ocean or AWS—it’s user-friendly and perfect for quick setups.

    Here’s how to get started:

    1. Head to Zeabur’s website and create an account.
    2. Set up a new server with minimal specs: 2GB RAM and 40GB storage. This should cost you less than $2 per month.
    3. Choose a server region close to you for better speed—for example, Singapore if you’re in Asia.
    4. Once created, you’ll get an IP address, username (usually “Ubuntu”), and password.

    To connect to your server, use a terminal app like Termius. Enter the IP, username, and password, and you’re in! This remote setup keeps everything isolated, so you can experiment freely.

    Step 2: Installing OpenClaw

    With your server ready, installation is a breeze. OpenClaw’s official site makes it easy with a one-line command for Linux.

    Follow these steps:

    1. Go to openclaw.ai and find the “Max Linux” installation section.
    2. Copy the provided command (it’ll look something like a curl or wget script to download and install).
    3. In your server terminal, paste the command. On a Mac, use Shift+Ctrl+V; on other systems, try Command+V or right-click paste.
    4. The process takes about 2-3 minutes. Sit back and let it run.

    If you encounter a “warn path missing” error after installation, fix it with this command:

    export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/openclaw

    (Replace /path/to/openclaw with the actual installation path if needed.)

    During setup, you’ll be prompted to choose a model. Select MiniMax 2.5—it’s powerful and included in affordable plans. You’ll need a MiniMax API key; I suggest the coding plan, which gives you 300 prompts over 5 hours for testing. Input your key when asked.

    Pro Tip: If you mess up the initial setup, run openclaw onboard to restart the process fresh.

    Step 3: Configuring OpenClaw for Optimal Use

    Once installed, access the Terminal User Interface (TUI) with:

    openclaw TUI

    This interface lets you interact with your AI agent directly.Key configuration tips:

    • Stick with MiniMax M2.5 (avoid Lightning if it’s not in your plan).
    • Use openclaw configure to tweak settings like models, gateways, or skills.
    • For now, focus on basic setup. In future guides, I’ll cover integrations like connecting to Telegram or Discord for threaded conversations (which I prefer over TUI for better organization).

    Your OpenClaw AI can now handle tasks like web searches, Twitter (X) data scraping, managing shared notes, and even task automation. Over time, you can train it for more personalized responses. Remember, keep it isolated initially to protect your personal data—security first!

    Common Troubleshooting Commands:

    • openclaw onboard: Reset and restart setup.
    • openclaw configure: Adjust models, skills, or connections.

    Wrapping Up: Next Steps and Final Thoughts

    There you have it—a complete, budget-friendly guide to setting up OpenClaw with MiniMax 2.5. This setup has been a game-changer for me, allowing hands-on AI experimentation without the high costs or risks. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have a running AI agent ready for action.

    If you run into issues or want to dive deeper, check out my Discord community for tips and discussions: Join here. Upcoming videos will cover advanced topics like Telegram/Discord bots, fixing common errors, and even more integrations.

    If you’re enjoying this journey into AI, subscribe to my channel @BoxminingAI for more beginner-friendly guides on vibe coding, AI models, and tools.