China catches ‘lobster fever’ as cloud companies embrace OpenClaw
The circulating marketing narrative fuels a widespread anxiety that ordinary people would be left out of the job market and the technology-driven economy without mastering AI agents
China’s embrace of OpenClaw has sparked a phenomenon known as “lobster fever,” as the country’s cloud companies rush to create their own versions of the AI agent. The term “lobster fever” stems from the lobster logo of OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant developed by Austrian coder Peter Steinberger. Released in November 2025, OpenClaw has quickly gained popularity in China, where it is used to manage tasks such as email, calendar management, hotel bookings, and social media. Users can also install additional functions, or “skills,” from platforms like ClawHub, enabling control over electronic appliances and more.
The rapid adoption of OpenClaw in China is part of the country’s broader strategy to lead in artificial intelligence development by 2030, as outlined in its “AI+” initiative. This initiative aims to integrate AI across all major economic sectors, and the emergence of OpenClaw has made AI accessibility a reality for regular citizens. The Chinese government’s commitment to AI is evident in the recent five-year plan, which reaffirms its goal of becoming a global AI leader.
However, the widespread adoption of OpenClaw has also fueled anxiety among ordinary Chinese people. The circulating marketing narrative suggests that those who do not master AI agents may be left behind in the technology-driven economy. This has led to a sense of urgency for individuals to adapt to the new AI landscape, with many feeling the pressure to “raise a lobster” – a term coined by users to describe the process of training and developing their own AI agents.
The phrase “raising a lobster” has become a metaphor for the challenges and costs associated with keeping up with AI advancements. While OpenClaw and similar AI agents promise to simplify daily tasks and streamline workflows, the reality for many Chinese citizens is that the process of “raising a lobster” is not without its hurdles. The initial setup and customization of AI agents require technical knowledge and resources, which can be difficult for those outside the tech sector to acquire.
Moreover, the rise of AI agents like OpenClaw has sparked debates about the future of the job market in China. With AI capable of handling a wide range of tasks, there are concerns that traditional jobs may be at risk of automation. This has led to a growing anxiety among workers who fear being displaced by AI technology.
Despite these challenges, the Chinese government remains optimistic about the potential of AI to drive economic growth and improve daily life. Major cloud companies in the country have quickly capitalized on the popularity of OpenClaw, creating their own versions of the AI agent to cater to the local market. This has resulted in a competitive landscape, with companies vying for market share in the rapidly growing AI sector.
The “lobster fever” phenomenon is a reflection of China’s ambitious AI goals and the country’s rapid adoption of new technologies. While the challenges associated with “raising a lobster” are significant, the potential benefits of AI integration in everyday life are undeniable. As China continues to invest in its AI infrastructure, the future of the technology-driven economy in the country remains an exciting and dynamic field, with both opportunities and challenges ahead.
