The idea of using a Raspberry Pi to run OpenClaw makes no sense
The Register
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Raspberry Pi, the British single-board computer maker, saw its shares surge by 90% over two days this week following an X post linking OpenClaw—a viral AI personal assistant—to increased demand for their devices. While OpenClaw's ability to perform tasks like sending emails and managing calendars has made it a hit among AI enthusiasts, concerns about security vulnerabilities have prompted warnings from experts. Running OpenClaw on low-power devices like Raspberry Pis is often suggested as a safer alternative to personal devices, but the reality is less straightforward.
Despite their reputation for affordability, Raspberry Pis are no longer cheap. The top-specced Raspberry Pi 5 with 16GB of memory now costs over $200, up from $120 a year ago, driven by global memory shortages and outdated technology. While OpenClaw can run on older or less powerful models, it still requires access to an API service for large language model (LLM) functionality, which strains even high-end hardware like Mac Minis.
Security experts recommend against running OpenClaw locally due to potential risks of exposing sensitive data. Instead, using a virtual private cloud (VPC) instance preconfigured for OpenClaw offers a more secure and scalable solution, allowing users to rent instances for a few bucks a month and shut them down when not needed. This approach mitigates the risks associated with running AI agents on personal devices.
While some enthusiasts may prefer keeping OpenClaw close by for convenience, the long-term sustainability of Raspberry Pi's stock price rally remains uncertain. The
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Originally published on The Register on 2/20/2026