Automation & Tasks (OpenClaw Docs)
Source: https://docs.openclaw.ai/automation
Summary
Overview page for OpenClaw's automation and task system. Documents six distinct mechanisms and a decision guide for choosing between them.
Six Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Tasks (Cron) | Gateway's built-in scheduler; persists jobs, awakens agents at designated times, routes output to chat channels or webhooks. Supports recurring expressions, one-shot reminders, and inbound webhook triggers. |
| Background Tasks | Append-only ledger recording detached work: ACP runs, subagent spawns, cron executions, CLI operations. Inspected via openclaw tasks list. Not a scheduler — audit log only. |
| Task Flow | Orchestration layer for multi-step workflows: durable execution, managed/mirrored sync modes, revision tracking. Inspected via openclaw tasks flow. |
| Standing Orders | Persistent agent directives in workspace files (typically AGENTS.md), automatically injected into each session. Establishes permanent operating authority for defined programs. |
| Hooks | Event-driven scripts triggered by agent lifecycle events: session init, resets, stops, compaction, tool calls. Auto-discovered from directories; managed via openclaw hooks. |
| Heartbeat | Periodic main-session turn (default 30 min) batching routine checks without creating task records. Driven by HEARTBEAT.md checklist or tasks: blocks for conditional checks. |
Decision Guide
| Need | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Exact timing | Cron |
| Flexible periodic monitoring | Heartbeat |
| Track / audit detached work | Background Tasks |
| Multi-step workflow orchestration | Task Flow |
| React to lifecycle events | Hooks |
| Persistent per-session instructions | Standing Orders |
Integration
These mechanisms are complementary, not exclusive: Cron handles precise schedules → creates Background Task records; Heartbeat handles routine monitoring; Hooks react to events; Standing Orders provide persistent context; Task Flow coordinates multi-step work; Background Tasks audit all of the above.