SwitchBot Launches AI Hub with Local AI & OpenClaw Support

SwitchBot, a prominent innovator in embodied home robotics, has officially announced the global launch of the SwitchBot AI Hub. Distinguishing itself as the first local home AI agent to integrate the OpenClaw framework, the hub represents a major leap toward autonomous, privacy-centric smart home management.

By decentralizing AI processing from the cloud to the edge, the AI Hub offers users a secure environment to run sophisticated models locally. This reduces latency and safeguards personal data while providing advanced visual understanding of household events.

Advancing Smart Homes with OpenClaw and VLM

The SwitchBot AI Hub is the industry’s first local agent to support OpenClaw, an open-source framework for autonomous AI. This integration allows the hub to function as a persistent digital assistant that operates 24/7. Unlike traditional hubs, it can be accessed through over 50 common messaging applications, including WhatsApp, iMessage, and Discord, enabling users to manage their homes through natural dialogue.

The device is further enhanced by an on-board Vision-Language Model (VLM). When synchronized with SwitchBot cameras or third-party RTSP feeds, the VLM interprets visual data like a human observer. It can identify nuanced behaviors—such as a family member resting on a sofa or a pet entering a specific area—and use these events as precise triggers for complex automations.

Local Security and Expandable Ecosystem

At its core, the AI Hub acts as a robust Network Video Recorder (NVR) powered by Frigate. It supports up to eight cameras simultaneously and features on-device facial recognition. To eliminate the need for costly cloud subscriptions, the hub includes 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable via USB-C to a massive 16TB.

Technical highlights include:

• Connectivity: Supports over 100 SwitchBot devices and acts as a Matter bridge for up to 30 products.
• Network Stability: Equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi and extended Bluetooth range for faster local execution.
• Customization: Advanced users can install Home Assistant Core directly onto the device without additional hardware.

Executive Vision: The Evolution of Home Intelligence

“The launch of the AI Hub marks our transition from simple automation to true embodied intelligence,” said Richard Johnson, CEO of SwitchBot. “By bringing the power of OpenClaw and local VLM processing into the home, we are giving our users an agent that doesn’t just follow schedules but actually understands and anticipates their needs. Our goal is to provide a smarter, more responsive environment that remains entirely under the user’s local control.”

Regional Pricing and Availability

The SwitchBot AI Hub is available immediately through the official SwitchBot website and major retailers. Check the price range for country of choice below.