WHAT IS OPENCLAW
What Is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is the open-source codebase that powers TeleClaw. It handles everything at the infrastructure level: Telegram Bot API integration, message routing, conversation history management, and AI model orchestration.
ARCHITECTURE
OpenClaw Architecture
OpenClaw follows a modular architecture: a Telegram adapter layer, a conversation manager, a model router (directing requests to Claude, GPT-5.5, or Gemini), and a plugin system for extending functionality.
How it works
3 Steps to Self-Host an AI Telegram Bot
Create your bot
Clone OpenClaw, configure your AI model keys, and register your bot with BotFather. Alternatively, skip the setup entirely and use TeleClaw's managed service instead.
Add it to your group
Deploy your OpenClaw instance and add the bot to any Telegram group. The same core features work whether you self-host or use TeleClaw.
Delegate your tasks
Write custom instructions and hand off AI conversations, group management, and integrations. OpenClaw's modular architecture means you extend only what you need.
HOST OR MANAGED
Self-Hosting vs. Managed Service
OpenClaw can be self-hosted on any server that runs Node.js or Docker. You control the data, the configuration, and the customizations. TeleClaw is the managed version, same capabilities, zero infrastructure management.
VS FRAMEWORKS
OpenClaw vs. Other Bot Frameworks
General-purpose bot frameworks (python-telegram-bot, telegraf) require you to build AI integration from scratch. OpenClaw provides this AI layer out of the box, multi-model support, conversation management, and customization, specifically optimized for Telegram.
