🦾 OpenClaw on Raspberry Pi 5

Professional Setup Guide (Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS)

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📌 Overview

This guide outlines the recommended hardware and operating system configuration for running OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi 5.

For stability, long-term support, and Docker compatibility, the recommended OS is:

Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (64-bit)

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is officially supported on the Raspberry Pi 5 and receives security updates until April 2029, making it ideal for a production or semi-production server setup.

🔗 Useful Links:

• Ubuntu Server for Raspberry Pi: https://ubuntu.com/download/raspberry-pi
• Raspberry Pi Imager: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
• Raspberry Pi 5 Documentation: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/raspberry-pi.html

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🖥️ Hardware Requirements

Raspberry Pi 5

Recommended Model

• Raspberry Pi 5 – 8GB RAM

Why 8GB?

• 4GB may work for cloud API-based usage.

• 8GB provides headroom for:

  • Running Docker containers
  • Small local AI models
  • More complex OpenClaw workflows
  • Better system responsiveness under load

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💾 Storage

High-speed storage significantly improves system performance.

Minimum

• Class 10 or A2-rated microSD card

Recommended (Best Performance)

• NVMe SSD via PCIe interface

  • Faster boot
  • Faster Docker container startup
  • Better overall responsiveness
  • Increased reliability for sustained workloads

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🔌 Power & Cooling (Critical for Stability)

Power Supply

• Official Raspberry Pi 27W USB-C Power Supply
• Required for stable operation under CPU + USB load
• Undervoltage can cause crashes and data corruption

Cooling

• Active cooling is required

  • Official Active Cooler or equivalent
  • Prevents thermal throttling
  • Ensures sustained performance under AI or Docker workloads

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🧠 Operating System

Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (64-bit)

Why Ubuntu Server?

• Officially supported on Raspberry Pi 5
• Long-Term Support (LTS)
• Excellent Docker compatibility
• Extensive documentation
• Stable base for headless deployments

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⚙️ Installation Guide

The simplest installation method uses Raspberry Pi Imager.

Step 1 — Install Raspberry Pi Imager

Download and install:

👉 https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/

Available for:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

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Step 2 — Select Device and OS

Inside Raspberry Pi Imager:

1. Click Choose Device

   • Select: Raspberry Pi 5

2. Click Choose OS

   • Navigate to: Other general-purpose OS → Ubuntu → Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (64-bit)

⚠️ Ensure you select the 64-bit version.

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Step 3 — Configure Advanced Settings (Highly Recommended)

Click the ⚙️ Advanced Options (gear icon) before writing the image.

Configure:

• Hostname (e.g., openclaw.local)
• Username
• Secure password
• Enable SSH
• (Optional) Configure Wi-Fi credentials

This allows headless setup without connecting a monitor.

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Step 4 — Write to Storage

• Select your:

  • microSD card
  • OR NVMe SSD (via USB adapter or PCIe HAT)

• Click Write

• Wait for verification to complete

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Step 5 — First Boot

1. Insert storage into the Raspberry Pi 5
2. Connect Ethernet (recommended)
3. Connect power
4. Wait ~1–2 minutes for first boot initialization

If SSH was enabled:

ssh username@hostname.local

Example:

ssh openclaw@openclaw.local

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🐳 Post-Installation Recommendations

After logging in:

Update System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install Docker (Recommended for OpenClaw)

Official Docker installation guide: https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/ubuntu/

Quick install:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sudo sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Log out and back in afterward.

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✅ Validation Checklist

• Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (64-bit) installed
• 8GB Raspberry Pi 5 used
• Official 27W PSU connected
• Active cooling installed
• System updated
• Docker installed and working
• NVMe configured (if applicable)

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📈 Performance Tips

• Prefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi for stability
• Use NVMe for production deployments
• Monitor temperature:

vcgencmd measure_temp

• Monitor undervoltage warnings:

dmesg | grep voltage

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🏁 Final Recommendation

For a stable and future-proof OpenClaw deployment:

Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) + NVMe SSD + Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS + Active Cooling

This setup provides:

• Long-term OS support (through 2029)
• Strong Docker compatibility
• Excellent performance-to-cost ratio
• Headless server reliability

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