Docker
Install with Docker
The fastest way to get started. Run OpenClaw in a Docker container and connect Lobster Shell in minutes.
Prerequisites
Steps
Start OpenClaw
Clone the OpenClaw repository and run the setup script. This pulls the Docker image and starts the gateway.
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
./docker-setup.shThe setup script will prompt you for your LLM API key and other configuration. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Verify OpenClaw is running
Check that the gateway is healthy and accessible on port 18789.
curl http://localhost:18789/healthzYou should see a JSON response with "ok": true.
Install the Lobster Shell plugin
Run the plugin install command inside the running OpenClaw container.
docker compose exec openclaw-gateway openclaw plugins install @spikelabs/lobster-shell-pluginRestart the gateway
The gateway needs to restart to load the newly installed plugin.
docker compose restart openclaw-gatewayOpen the setup page
Open the Lobster Shell setup page in your browser. You'll see a "Connect to Lobster Shell" button.
open http://localhost:18789/lobster/setupConnect your account
Click "Connect to Lobster Shell". You'll be redirected to lobstershell.ai to sign in (or create an account). After authorizing, you'll be redirected back to the setup page with a confirmation.
Choose a shell and start chatting
Head to your Lobster Shell dashboard, pick an avatar shell for your bot, and send your first message. You should see the avatar transition through idle, listening, thinking, and talking states.
Troubleshooting
Plugin install fails with a network error
Make sure the container has internet access. If you're behind a corporate proxy, configure Docker's proxy settings in ~/.docker/config.json.
Setup page shows 'Not Found'
The plugin may not have loaded. Check logs with: docker compose logs openclaw-gateway | grep lobster
OAuth redirect fails with 'invalid redirect_uri'
The plugin builds the callback URL from the Host header in your browser request. Make sure you're accessing the setup page with a consistent hostname (e.g. always use localhost, not sometimes 127.0.0.1). If the problem persists, check the gateway logs for the redirect URI being used.
Avatar stays in 'idle' after sending a message
Check the bridge status at /lobster/setup. If it shows 'disconnected', try clicking Connect again. Also verify your LLM API key is valid in the OpenClaw config.
Ready to give your bot a face?
Connect your OpenClaw instance and go live with a custom shell in under five minutes.