How China embraced an AI assistant: The rise of ‘lobster’
Wang, a young IT engineer, began his conversation with the BBC by asking, “Are you a lobster?” This question stemmed from his recent obsession with OpenClaw, an AI tool that has gained traction in China under the moniker “lobster.” Initially, he wondered if he was interacting with an algorithm rather than a journalist. After confirming it was human, he shared how deeply he had become involved with OpenClaw, which he described as a pivotal part of his work.
A global platform with a local twist
OpenClaw, developed by Austrian creator Peter Steinberger, has become a focal point in China’s AI landscape. Unlike Western models such as ChatGPT and Claude, which face restrictions in the country, OpenClaw operates on open-source frameworks, making it adaptable for integration with Chinese AI systems. This flexibility has fueled its rapid adoption, with users across the nation experimenting with its code.
“It is scary, but also exciting. My lobster is better than I am at this. It writes better, and can instantly compare my prices with every competitor—something I would never have time to do.”
Wang, who chose to keep his name private to protect his TikTok shop—a venture selling digital gadgets—was among those testing the tool. For him, the process of managing product listings on the platform is tedious, requiring tasks like image uploads, title creation, and price comparisons. His “lobster,” however, could handle up to 200 listings in two minutes, a feat he found astonishing.
From tech hubs to everyday users
OpenClaw’s influence extends beyond Wang’s experience. It has sparked a wave of enthusiasm, with tech giants and ordinary users alike embracing its potential. In cities like Shenzhen and Beijing, hundreds of people—ranging from students to retirees—queued for free customized versions of the tool. The phrase “raising a lobster” became a popular way to describe the process of training AI assistants for specific needs, a trend highlighted by Cheetah Mobile’s CEO Fu Sheng, who frequently shared his progress on social media.
“Everyone in China knows that the government sets the pace, and the government tells you where the opportunities are,” said Rui Ma, founder of the Tech Buzz China newsletter. “It’s practical for most people. That’s probably a better plan, to just follow the government directive than to really try to figure it out on your own.”
China’s embrace of AI has been a gradual process, accelerated by recent breakthroughs. The emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI application, last year demonstrated the nation’s growing appetite for innovation. Built by engineers from top universities, DeepSeek’s success underscored the value of open-source platforms in a country that has long prioritized self-reliance in technology.
This momentum has created fertile ground for OpenClaw. As its popularity grew, local governments began offering incentives to businesses adopting the tool. For instance, the city of Wuxi provided up to five million yuan for manufacturing-related AI applications, such as robotics. The widespread enthusiasm reflects a broader cultural shift—users are not just adopting AI but redefining their relationship with it.
AI as a tool for the masses
OpenClaw has become a symbol of China’s push to democratize AI. While some users tested its capabilities for stock trading, claiming it could analyze market trends and execute trades, others praised its ability to streamline daily tasks. The tool’s versatility has made it a household name, even inspiring a famous comedian and author on Douyin to talk about his “lobster” in his dreams.
As Beijing continues to shape its technological vision, OpenClaw stands as a testament to how AI can bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility. Its story is not just about code and algorithms—it’s about a nation’s ambition to lead in the digital age, one customized assistant at a time.
