The open-source AI agent OpenClaw continues to gain widespread attention, with its lobster icon leading many to refer to training it as "raising a lobster." This trend has become a hot topic at China's ongoing Two Sessions meetings.
A member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and founder of 360 Group, Zhou Hongyi, remarked that the "lobster" concept is excellent. It transforms previously intangible cloud-based software into a personal assistant that anyone can "raise" on their computer, making operation remarkably straightforward. Another CPPCC National Committee member and researcher at the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhang Yunquan, stated that simple, repetitive tasks once done manually will gradually be taken over by AI agents. This shift will free people to focus on higher-value work such as creative design and complex decision-making.
As an open-source AI agent, OpenClaw's core capability lies in using natural language to handle various computer tasks—executing terminal commands, reading and writing files, sending and receiving emails, and managing schedules—effectively bringing cloud software capabilities to the local machine. It serves as a valuable tool for boosting efficiency and lowering the barrier to AI adoption, while also helping enterprises reduce operational burdens. These applications underscore AI's fundamental value: automating mechanical, repetitive human labor, thereby liberating people from mundane tasks to concentrate on more creative endeavors.
However, this does not imply that AI can fully replace humans. Technologically, no matter how intelligent AI becomes, it remains a "learning machine" based on statistical data modeling. It lacks genuine human consciousness and rich emotional capacity. While AI can perform tasks efficiently, it cannot comprehend the human values behind those tasks. It can output information accurately but cannot convey the warmth inherent in human interactions. Insights drawn from life experiences and wisdom accumulated over time are beyond AI's ability to replicate—these form the irreplaceable core of human contribution.
Moreover, from a responsibility and ethical standpoint, AI cannot supplant human oversight. AI's actions depend entirely on rules set and data provided by humans. Misconfigurations or erroneous instructions can lead to significant risks. Recently, monitoring by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's cybersecurity threat and vulnerability sharing platform identified high security risks in certain OpenClaw instances under default or improper configurations, which could easily trigger cyber attacks or information leaks. This has drawn attention from Two Sessions delegates. Zhou Hongyi noted that fully integrating AI agents with computer systems is a "double-edged sword." Qi Xiangdong, a CPPCC National Committee member and Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, also warned that AI's rapid development introduces new risks such as data security crises, increasingly vulnerable defenses, and chain-reaction cybersecurity threats, emphasizing the need to establish "safety guardrails" for AI.
Historically, technological revolutions have not simply replaced existing systems but have instead reshaped production and daily life. The advent of steam engines replacing horse-drawn carriages and assembly lines displacing handmade workshops once raised concerns about job losses, yet they ultimately gave rise to new professions and industries, driving societal progress. Similarly, while the current wave of AI may cause structural disruptions and replace some standardized, entry-level positions, it will also create numerous new types of jobs. The World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs Report 2025" forecasts that by 2030, while AI may displace 92 million jobs globally, it will also generate 170 million new roles. Rather than fearing replacement, individuals are encouraged to proactively embrace AI as a tool for enhancing their own capabilities, thereby improving their competitiveness through human-machine collaboration.
The "lobster-raising" trend reflects public recognition and anticipation of AI tools. It demonstrates that AI is not an adversary meant to replace humans, but a collaborative partner moving forward together. In future workplaces and daily life, humans will remain central to value judgment and accountability, while AI will serve as an efficient executive assistant. The two will complement each other, enabling synergistic development.
As AI agents become increasingly integrated into everyday life, it is essential to uphold the uniquely human qualities of warmth, creativity, and responsibility—leveraging and mastering AI effectively. In this new era of human-machine collaboration, working together to build a better future represents the true significance of technological revolution.