What is Moltbot and how does it work?

Moltbot is an open-source AI assistant that proactively takes actions by accessing a user's digital files, accounts, and messages, communicating through apps like WhatsApp or Discord.

How much does it cost to run Moltbot?

Moltbot is free to download, but running it typically costs between $3-$5 per month on a basic virtual private server, though some users have utilized AWS's free tier.

What are the main security concerns with Moltbot?

Security concerns stem from Moltbot's deep access to personal data, including private messages and files, and its ability to execute commands, which is considered a significant risk by experts.

Home / Technology / Lobster Bot Rises: AI's New Digital Butler

Lobster Bot Rises: AI's New Digital Butler

28 Jan

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Summary

Moltbot, formerly Clawdbot, proactively acts using extensive digital access.
Running Moltbot costs $3-$5 monthly; no expensive hardware is strictly necessary.
Security concerns arise from its deep access to user data and system commands.

Lobster Bot Rises: AI's New Digital Butler

Moltbot, an open-source AI assistant previously known as Clawdbot, has captured significant interest from developers and users alike. This AI agent is designed to proactively take actions without direct prompting, leveraging access to a wide range of a user's digital life. It can manage inboxes, deliver news briefings, or check flight details, communicating via preferred messaging apps.

While free to download, running Moltbot incurs modest monthly costs of about $3-$5 for a basic server, and it does not require specialized hardware like an Apple Mac mini. This capability, however, introduces notable security risks. Support documentation itself labels running an AI agent with shell access as 'spicy,' acknowledging the lack of a 'perfectly secure' setup. Concerns are amplified by the potential for this 'local-first' approach to become a target for cybercriminals, despite offering privacy from large tech companies.