In March, something interesting happened in China. It was about an AI assistant called OpenClaw, which many users like to call 'lobster.' This event caught the attention of many people who are interested in technology. It also showed how China is making big progress in artificial intelligence (AI). The excitement around OpenClaw is part of a larger trend in China, where the government is encouraging the use of AI in different areas.
The story starts with an IT engineer named Wang. He talked to the BBC about how much he likes OpenClaw. His first question to the AI was, 'Are you a lobster?' This shows how involved he is with AI. Wang did not want to share his full name because he sells digital gadgets on TikTok, which is banned in China. He explained how he customized OpenClaw to help him work better. The AI tool was created by an Austrian developer named Peter Steinberger. It uses open-source technology, which means that users can change its code to meet their needs. This is very useful in China, where people cannot easily access Western AI models like ChatGPT and Claude.
Wang's version of OpenClaw has changed how he works. He used to upload about 12 products to TikTok Shop every day. This process included adding images, writing titles and descriptions, setting prices, and talking to influencers. But with his 'lobster,' he can now do up to 200 listings in just two minutes! This huge increase in speed made him feel both excited and a bit scared. He said, 'It is scary, but also exciting,' because the AI can do things faster than he can, like comparing prices with competitors.
The excitement about OpenClaw has spread to the global tech community. People like Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, have called it 'the next ChatGPT.' Wendy Chang from the MERICS think tank said that the excitement for OpenClaw is very 'uniquely Chinese.' Many ordinary people have lined up outside big tech companies like Tencent and Baidu to get free customized versions of OpenClaw. For many, this tool represents a chance to access advanced AI technology.
Users have found many ways to use their 'lobsters.' Some people use them for stock market investments. They say that their AI assistants can help them find the best times to buy and sell stocks, even making trades, although this can be risky. Others appreciate how the tool helps them multitask and save time. A comedian named Li Dan told his millions of followers on Douyin that he was so involved with OpenClaw that he even talked to his lobster in his dreams. Fu Sheng, the CEO of Cheetah Mobile, often shares his experiences of 'raising his lobster' on social media. This phrase means training the AI assistant to work better for individual needs.
The rise of OpenClaw is not just a single event; it is part of a larger story about China's growing interest in AI. Last year, an app called DeepSeek was introduced, which surprised many people because it was developed by engineers from top Chinese universities. This app was part of a larger investment in AI and technology, showing a strong entrepreneurial spirit in China, even with restrictions on importing advanced technologies.
The Chinese government sees the potential of OpenClaw and has created local incentives to encourage businesses to use the AI tool. For example, the city of Wuxi has offered up to five million yuan (about $726,000) for applications related to manufacturing, including robotics. Rui Ma, who runs the Tech Buzz China newsletter, pointed out that in China, the government often influences market trends. He said, 'Everyone in China knows that the government sets the pace,' meaning that many entrepreneurs try to align their businesses with government goals.
As China moves quickly to integrate AI, companies in many sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare, are looking to use AI in their work. This effort is part of China's national strategy called 'AI Plus,' which promotes the use of AI technologies in all industries. Competition is tough, with over 100 AI models emerging since 2023, but only a few are likely to succeed.
Despite the excitement, experts warn that Chinese AI platforms still have a long way to go compared to Western ones, although the gap is closing. Promoting OpenClaw is seen as a smart move by Chinese officials to improve the country's position in the global AI market. However, the initial excitement is starting to fade as users face costs related to using the AI, which requires spending tokens. There are also security concerns, leading Beijing's cybersecurity authorities to warn about the risks of using OpenClaw improperly. As a result, some government agencies have stopped their staff from installing the tool, showing a shift from excitement to caution.
This situation reflects the complexities of China's governance system, where local governments often compete for approval from Beijing by promoting tools that match the Communist Party's goals. However, they may withdraw support when problems arise. Ma describes this as 'disorder with control,' meaning that Beijing's actions do not always show a lack of support for innovation.
AI startups in China could help solve big problems, such as the youth unemployment rate, which is over 16%. Many government incentives related to OpenClaw focus on 'one-person companies,' or startups run by individuals using AI. Xiao notes that young people, especially those struggling in the job market, are likely to start these businesses. The pressure to stay competitive is strong, as some experts say that by 2026, those who do not 'raise lobsters' will be at a disadvantage.
As things change, people like Wang are thinking about what AI means for their jobs. He knows that AI could take some jobs away, but he is hopeful about finding new opportunities. He said, 'I probably won’t need to work, and this could become my full-time job,' referring to his TikTok business. The fast growth of AI tools raises questions about the future of work and how workers can adapt in a world that is becoming more automated. The story of OpenClaw shows the bigger technological ambitions and social changes happening in China today.