Guide
OpenClaw Multi-Agent Workflows: How to Run Specialized Bots That Hand Work to Each Other
Multi-agent orchestration.
Learn how to build multi-agent workflows in OpenClaw. Route tasks between specialized agents, use shared sessions, and create reliable handoffs in 2026.
At a glance
- Type
- Guide
- Topics
- OpenClaw, Multi-agent workflows, AI agents
- Evidence
- Editorial interpretation
- Written by
- Liyam Flexer
The short answer
OpenClaw supports multi-agent architectures through a single Gateway process, allowing specialized sub-agents to hand off work, share conversation state, and coordinate multi-step workflows. Parent agents route tasks to specialized workers configured with dedicated models and restricted tools, while shared sessions enable humans and agents to collaborate within the same live transcript.
OpenClaw supports multi-agent setups through a single Gateway. You can run specialized agents that hand work to each other, share context, and operate as a coordinated team. This is one of the strongest reasons power users choose OpenClaw over single-agent hosted tools.
How Multi-Agent Works in OpenClaw
A parent agent can spawn or route to sub-agents. Shared sessions allow multiple agents (or humans) to open the same conversation and see full context. You define agents in configuration, assign different models or skill sets, and control which agents can talk to which others.
Common workflow architectures include:
- Research agent gathers sources → Writing agent drafts → Reviewer agent checks quality
- Inbox agent triages email → Action agent executes approved tasks
- Monitoring agent detects an event → Specialist agent handles the response
Practical Setup Tips
Start with two agents. Give each a clear role in an AGENTS.md file and limit tools to only what that role needs. Use explicit handoff instructions (“When research is complete, summarize findings and ask the writing agent to draft”). Test in a low-privilege environment before expanding.
Shared sessions work well when humans also need to jump in and steer. The Enterprise pilots add stronger isolation and audit controls on top of this model.
Evidence in this article Editorial interpretation Our reading of what the evidence means. Judgment, clearly separated from the evidence itself.
Frequently asked questions
How do multi-agent workflows work in OpenClaw?
A parent agent spawns or routes tasks to specialized sub-agents, which communicate through shared sessions and explicit handoff instructions.
Can different agents use different models?
Yes. Each sub-agent can be assigned its own model provider, skill set, and tool permissions in configuration.
What are common multi-agent patterns in OpenClaw?
Common patterns include research-to-draft pipelines, inbox triage handoffs, and monitoring agents that trigger specialist response bots.
Related reading
- Category: Agents & automation
- Category: Coding & development
Sources
- OpenClaw Documentation OpenClaw Foundation, accessed .
- OpenClaw Official Site OpenClaw Foundation, accessed .