Connect KnowMan to OpenClaw

Add the local server

Stop the local Gateway before changing saved server definitions. Add KnowMan with the command above. OpenClaw's mcp add command accepts stdio server options such as --command, --arg, and --env. OpenClaw MCP registry

KnowMan's MCP server runs locally over stdio and connects to the KnowMan HTTP API. It requires Node 22 or newer. OpenClaw stdio transport

Create a KnowMan API key

In KnowMan, open Settings > Connections > Connect an AI agent to create a key. Keys begin with km_; paste the key in place of km_... in the command. KnowMan also supports signing in once with its CLI, which lets the MCP server use the saved credential without an environment variable.

Sign in once with knowman login

To use the shared saved credential, run npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login in a terminal and approve the browser sign-in. Then run npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman status to check sign-in status. The MCP server reads the same saved credential, so you can remove the KNOWMAN_API_KEY environment entry after login.

Verify the connection

Run openclaw mcp doctor knowman --probe to check that the server starts and exposes tools. You can also run openclaw mcp probe knowman --json to inspect its live capabilities. OpenClaw MCP registry

Tools available in OpenClaw

kb_search searches saved items by keyword or meaning. kb_ask answers questions with citations, and kb_get_item retrieves readable content for one item.

kb_save saves a URL with an optional note. kb_recent lists recent items, and kb_memories lists saved claims, decisions, and playbooks.

If a change does not appear

Saved-server mutations require the local Gateway to be stopped. openclaw mcp reload clears cached MCP runtimes for the current CLI process only; a Gateway or agent in another process needs its own reload or restart path. OpenClaw MCP registry