China AI Gold Rush & US Battery Industry Struggles | Tech Review

The Rise of ‘Lobster’ Wranglers and a Battery Industry in Flux

A curious trend is unfolding in China: individuals are paying others to install and configure OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent, on their devices. This has sparked a cottage industry of “installers” – some of whom have quit their jobs to meet the surging demand – while simultaneously, the US battery sector faces a downturn, with companies like 24M Technologies reportedly shutting down despite earlier optimism.

OpenClaw: From Niche Tool to National Obsession

Feng Qingyang, a 27-year-ancient software engineer in Beijing, exemplifies this new wave of tech entrepreneurship. Initially tinkering with OpenClaw in January 2026, he quickly recognized an opportunity to assist those less technically inclined. By the end of February, he’d left his job to run a full-fledged operation with over 100 employees, handling approximately 7,000 orders at roughly $34 each. As reported by MIT Technology Review, this rapid growth highlights the eagerness of the Chinese public to embrace cutting-edge AI, even with acknowledged security risks.

OpenClaw, developed by an Austrian team, is an “agentic AI” – meaning it can autonomously complete tasks for a user. The practice of installing and using OpenClaw has even earned a nickname in China: “raising lobsters,” a reference to the tool’s red lobster logo. Channel NewsAsia details how the agent is being used for tasks ranging from drafting reports and organizing emails to booking flights.

Security Concerns and Regulatory Response

The swift adoption of OpenClaw hasn’t gone unnoticed by Chinese authorities. While China aims to be a global leader in AI, the government is also prioritizing data security, and stability. Livemint reports that, as of March 13, 2026, the central government warned state-run enterprises and agencies against installing OpenClaw on office computers. This directive underscores the tension between fostering innovation and maintaining control.

The security risks associated with OpenClaw are significant. As an autonomous agent, it requires substantial permissions to operate, potentially granting access to sensitive data and systems. Kendra Schaefer, partner and director of tech policy research at Trivium China, notes that the rate of OpenClaw’s adoption is currently outpacing the ability of regulators to respond effectively. The open-source nature of the tool also means that vulnerabilities could be exploited by malicious actors.

US Battery Industry Faces Headwinds

While China’s AI sector is experiencing a boom, the US battery industry is grappling with challenges. The recent reported shutdown of 24M Technologies, once valued at over $1 billion, is a stark example of the difficulties facing the sector. The industry, once characterized by rapid growth and substantial investment, is now seeing companies fail and investors retreat.

The downturn isn’t universal. Stationary storage solutions in the US remain resilient, and China’s battery industry continues to thrive. However, a tightening financial environment is impacting the willingness to fund novel battery technologies. The challenges facing US battery companies highlight the difficulties of scaling up innovative technologies and competing in a global market. MIT Technology Review’s coverage suggests that the current climate favors established technologies over unproven concepts.

Agentic AI: A Closer Look at the Technology

OpenClaw represents a shift towards “agentic AI,” a concept gaining traction in the field of artificial intelligence. Traditional AI systems typically require specific instructions for each task. Agentic AI, however, is designed to operate more autonomously, learning and adapting to achieve user-defined goals. This is achieved through a combination of large language models (LLMs), reinforcement learning, and access to various tools and APIs. The agent can then chain together actions to accomplish complex tasks without explicit programming for each step.

The core of OpenClaw’s functionality lies in its ability to interact with a user’s digital environment. This includes accessing email, calendars, web browsers, and other applications. By leveraging these tools, the agent can automate tasks such as scheduling meetings, sending emails, conducting research, and even making travel arrangements. However, this level of access also raises significant security and privacy concerns.

Implications for the Future of Operate

The rise of OpenClaw and similar agentic AI tools has potential implications for the future of work. While automation has long been a concern, agentic AI represents a new level of sophistication. The ability of these tools to perform complex tasks autonomously could lead to increased productivity, but also to job displacement in certain sectors. The emergence of “OpenClaw installers” demonstrates a short-term economic impact, creating new opportunities for those with technical skills. However, the long-term effects remain uncertain.

What’s on the Horizon

Looking ahead, several key developments are likely to shape the future of both agentic AI and the battery industry. In China, regulators will likely continue to grapple with the challenges of balancing innovation and control, potentially implementing stricter regulations on the use of OpenClaw and similar tools. Further research into the security vulnerabilities of agentic AI will be crucial to mitigating the risks associated with these technologies.

In the US battery sector, a renewed focus on cost reduction and scalability will be essential for survival. Investment in stationary storage solutions, which have proven more resilient, may continue to grow. The success of the industry will likely depend on its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and compete effectively with global players, particularly those in China.