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OpenClaw AI Assistant Gains Popularity in China Amid Open-Source AI Adoption
An open-source AI assistant called OpenClaw has prompted widespread experimentation in China, where users customize it for tasks like e-commerce management. The tool's rise reflects China's investments in AI technology despite restrictions on Western models. Users from various backgrounds have lined up for customized versions from tech companies.
Apr 5, 6:07 PM·1m read1 source
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An open-source AI assistant has seen significant uptake in China, where users refer to it as 'lobster' and have customized its code to integrate with domestic AI models. This adaptation addresses the inaccessibility of Western AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude in China.
In March, the tool sparked increased activity among users training and modifying it for personal use. Users in China have described customizing versions for e-commerce tasks, such as managing product listings on domestic platforms. These customizations reportedly help with adding images, writing titles and descriptions, setting prices and discounts, and other related activities.
Users have noted that the tool can compare prices with competitors and assist in writing product descriptions. In China, the tool's popularity reflects broader investments in AI technology despite restrictions on Western models.
Users have applied the tool to various tasks. Some reported using it for stock investments, where it analyzes buying and selling times, though this carries risks of errors. Others used it for multitasking and time-saving. Users have shared experiences with customized versions on platforms like Douyin.
China's engagement with AI builds on prior developments. The Chinese model DeepSeek, an open-source large language model, was released in late 2023. This followed years of government investments in AI and related technologies. DeepSeek demonstrated China's focus on innovation despite import restrictions on advanced tech.
The government has noted the popularity of such open-source tools, with involvement from several counties and cities, though details on specific actions remain incomplete.
China's leadership has encouraged AI adoption, contributing to the spread of such tools in the world's second-largest economy. This enthusiasm affects entrepreneurs balancing side businesses with technology testing, and broader groups including students and retirees seeking AI tools.
