Hybrid Architecture: VPS Gateway + Local Mac Nodes

The **VPS + Nodes** architecture is the ultimate setup for power users. By running the Clawdbot Gateway on a cheap $5 VPS (Linux) for 24/7 availability and linking your local Mac as a **Node**, you get the best of both worlds: round-the-clock automation and full access to your Apple ecosystem (Notes, Things, Screen Control) without the cost of a Mac Mini.

Why This Architecture?

24/7 Availability: AI stays online even when your Mac is sleeping.
Apple Ecosystem: AI can control Apple Notes, Things, and Reminders natively.
Cost Efficient: Replaces the need for a dedicated $600+ Mac Mini for server use.
Privacy: Local tasks run only on your node; memory lives on your VPS.

Step 1: VPS Gateway Setup (The "Brain")

Deploy the main Clawdbot core on a Linux VPS (Ubuntu 22.04+ recommended).

1.1 System Preparation

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y git curl build-essential ca-certificates jq ufw

1.2 Install Node.js 22 & Clawdbot CLI

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
sudo npm install -g clawdbot

1.3 Initialize and Start Daemon

clawdbot onboard
# Select "local" mode, provide API keys, and bind to 127.0.0.1
clawdbot gateway:start --daemon

Security Tip: Use Tailscale to securely access the VPS Gateway port (18789) without exposing it to the public internet.

Step 2: Local Mac Node Setup (The "Body")

Link your Mac as an execution node to the VPS Gateway.

2.1 Install CLI on Mac

Ensure Node.js 22 is installed via Homebrew or official installer.

sudo npm install -g clawdbot

2.2 Start Node Service and Pair

clawdbot node:start

Open your VPS Dashboard (Dashboard → Nodes).
Approve the connection request from your Mac.
Once connected, your Mac will show as an active node.

Step 3: Controlling the Apple Ecosystem

Once linked, your AI can execute commands natively on your Mac via the Node host.

Action	Command / Prompt
Open Apple Notes	`"Use my Mac node to create a new note titled 'Shopping List'"`
Control Application	`clawdbot nodes run --node <id> --raw "open -a Things"`
AppleScript Task	`clawdbot nodes run --raw "osascript -e 'tell application \"Notes\" to activate'"`

Pro Tips for Hybrid Setups

Swap Memory: Enable 2GB of Swap on your VPS if it only has 1GB-2GB of RAM.
Auto-Reconnection: The Node host automatically reconnects to the Gateway if the connection is dropped.
Persistence: Run clawdbot node:start --daemon on your Mac if you want it to always be available as a worker.