OpenClaw organizes its features around a small set of core concepts. These ideas work together to let your AI assistants communicate across apps and devices. Getting familiar with them will make it easier to set up and use the product. For a step-by-step introduction, see the getting started guide.
The Gateway#
The Gateway serves as the main control center for OpenClaw. It runs on your machine and coordinates all the different parts of the system. When a message arrives from one of your connected services, the Gateway routes it to the right agent. It also takes care of delivering responses and keeping track of everything that is happening. You start and manage the Gateway with simple commands from the terminal. The Gateway can run in the background as a service after you complete the initial setup.
Agents#
Agents are your personalized AI assistants powered by OpenClaw. They read incoming messages and generate helpful replies based on the context of the conversation. Agents can also call on tools to perform specific tasks when the situation calls for it. You can create and customize multiple agents, each with its own settings and focus areas. This lets you have different assistants for work, personal use, or other needs. Agents handle both direct responses and longer running activities.
Sessions#
Sessions keep track of the back-and-forth in each conversation. Every time an agent interacts with a user or group, it happens inside a session that stores the message history. This history helps the agent remember what was discussed earlier and respond appropriately. Sessions can be ongoing or started for specific tasks. You can use the command line to list sessions or send messages directly into them. The system uses sessions to organize all activity in a consistent way.
Channels#
Channels connect OpenClaw to the messaging apps you already use. They translate messages from services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and Slack into a form the system can understand. At the same time, channels take the agent's output and send it back to the right place. You set up each channel with the necessary login details and rules for who can talk to the agents. Proper channel setup is key to letting your assistants join real conversations. Channels also handle special cases like approving new contacts for direct messages.
Tools#
Tools are the special abilities that agents use to take action. Instead of only talking, an agent might use a tool to send a message on your behalf, look up information online, or interact with a connected device. The agent decides which tool fits the request and uses it automatically during the conversation. Tools come from the main system as well as from any plugins you have installed. This makes agents much more useful than a simple chat program because they can actually do things for you.
Companion Nodes#
Companion nodes are small programs or apps that run on your other devices. They give agents access to things that are local to those devices, such as your phone's camera, microphone for voice, or screen content. To use a node, you first pair it with your main OpenClaw setup using a secure process. Once paired, the node can receive requests from agents and send back results. This extends what your assistants can do without you having to move files around manually. Nodes stay connected so they are ready when an agent needs their help.
Plugins#
Plugins expand OpenClaw by adding support for more services or new capabilities. For example, a plugin might add a channel for a new messaging app or provide extra tools for agents to use. You install plugins using the command line and they load automatically when the Gateway starts. Both built-in and external plugins follow the same system so everything works together smoothly. You can inspect installed plugins to see what they contribute to your setup.