| name | install-openclaw-raspi |
| description | Deploy OpenClaw AI assistant on Raspberry Pi 4 with Node.js 22+. Use when setting up personal AI assistant, deploying AI chatbot on Pi, configuring voice-enabled AI agent, or automating Raspberry Pi AI setup. Covers hardware requirements, OS installation, SSH setup, and full deployment workflow on 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS Lite. |
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
- Download Raspberry Pi Imager from official sources
- Insert microSD card into your setup machine
- Open Raspberry Pi Imager and select Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit)
- 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
- Write the image to the microSD card (takes 2-5 minutes)
- Eject the card and insert into the Raspberry Pi
Step 2: Boot and Enable SSH Access
- Connect Raspberry Pi to power and network (Ethernet recommended for stability)
- Wait 2-3 minutes for first boot
- From your development machine, SSH into the Pi:
ssh username@hostname.local
ssh username@192.168.x.x
- Accept the SSH key fingerprint when prompted
- 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
