Install OpenClaw on Raspberry Pi 4

Note: There are two projects named OpenClaw. This guide covers the Node.js-based AI assistant. If you need the Captain Claw 1997 game engine instead, see https://github.com/pjasicek/OpenClaw.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• Set up a personal AI assistant on a Raspberry Pi 4
• Deploy an AI chatbot or agent on a Pi device
• Create a voice-enabled AI system for home automation
• Run OpenClaw with 24/7 uptime requirements
• Configure a Pi-based AI service that uses Node.js

Prerequisites

Hardware:

• Raspberry Pi 4 with at least 4GB RAM (8GB recommended for production)
• Reliable power supply
• MicroSD card (32GB+) for OS
• Network connectivity (Ethernet or WiFi)
• Heat sink or active cooling (recommended for 24/7 operation)

Software:

• Raspberry Pi Imager installed on your setup machine
• SSH client for remote access
• Terminal/command line experience

Other:

• Node.js 22 or higher (can be installed as part of OpenClaw setup)
• Active internet connection for package downloads

Installation Workflow

Step 1: Prepare and Flash Raspberry Pi OS

1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager from official sources
2. Insert microSD card into your setup machine
3. Open Raspberry Pi Imager and select Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit)
4. Click the gear icon for advanced options and configure:
   • Hostname: choose a memorable name (e.g., openclaw-01)
   • Enable SSH with password authentication
   • Set username and secure password
   • Configure WiFi SSID and password if not using Ethernet
5. Write the image to the microSD card (takes 2-5 minutes)
6. Eject the card and insert into the Raspberry Pi

Step 2: Boot and Enable SSH Access

1. Connect Raspberry Pi to power and network (Ethernet recommended for stability)
2. Wait 2-3 minutes for first boot
3. From your development machine, SSH into the Pi:

   ssh username@hostname.local
   # or use IP address:
   ssh username@192.168.x.x
   

4. Accept the SSH key fingerprint when prompted
5. Enter the password you configured in Step 1

Step 3: Update System and Install Dependencies

Once SSH connected, run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y curl wget git build-essential

Step 4: Install Node.js 22

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
node --version
npm --version

Step 5: Install and Deploy OpenClaw

Visit https://docs.openclaw.ai/install for the latest installation steps, or use the official quick-start:

npm install -g openclaw
openclaw init

Follow the interactive prompts to configure:

• API keys (if using external AI models)
• Port configuration (default 3000)
• Database settings

Step 6: Verify Deployment

Test that OpenClaw is running:

curl http://localhost:3000

Set up systemd service for auto-start (optional) so OpenClaw runs at boot.

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
SSH connection refused	Ensure SSH is enabled in Imager advanced options and Pi has completed first boot (wait 3 min)
Node.js command not found	Verify installation: node --version. If missing, re-run the Node.js 22 installation steps
Low disk space	Check with df -h. Raspberry Pi OS Lite is minimal; delete unnecessary packages or use a larger microSD card
OpenClaw won't start	Check logs with journalctl -u openclaw -n 50 if using systemd. Verify Node.js version >= 22
Network timeout on package install	Use sudo apt install -y --fix-broken to resolve dependency issues. Check internet connection stability
Performance throttling (24/7 ops)	Ensure good airflow and power supply. Monitor with vcgencmd get_throttled on Pi

References

• OpenClaw official docs: https://docs.openclaw.ai/install
• Raspberry Pi OS setup: https://github.com/Demwunz/openclaw-pi-installation
• Node.js on Pi setup: https://deb.nodesource.com/
• Raspberry Pi 4 performance guide: https://buildopenclaw.com/guides/raspberry-pi