OpenClaw IoT Event Schema: Design Your Device Gateway

OpenClaw IoT Event Schema: Design Your Device Gateway

Once you accept that OpenClaw is event-driven, not device-driven, the next step is a consistent event schema. Here's a practical pattern for any device or platform.

Canonical Event Shape

A simple schema that works across Apple Watch, ESP32, Home Assistant, and MQTT:

{
  "event": "device.event_type",
  "source": "apple_watch | esp32 | home_assistant | mqtt",
  "device_id": "string",
  "timestamp": "ISO8601",
  "payload": {
    "temperature": 26.3,
    "humidity": 41,
    "battery": 78,
    "duration_min": 32,
    "avg_hr": 148
  }
}

• event — Namespace + action (e.g. sensor.reading, workout.completed)
• source — Where the event came from
• device_id — Stable identifier for the device
• payload — Flexible; device-specific fields

Webhook → Agent Adapter

Your OpenClaw agent receives the raw webhook and can:

1. Validate — Check signature, timestamp, device_id
2. Normalize — Map source-specific fields into a common structure
3. Route — Different event types → different skills or workflows
4. React — Log, correlate, call tools, make decisions

Example agent logic:

• sensor.reading + temp > 30 → trigger cooling workflow
• workout.completed + poor sleep yesterday → suggest rest
• sensor.offline → open ticket, notify ops

Position: "AI Brain for Your Devices"

OpenClaw isn't the hub. It's the brain. Devices and platforms feed it events. It correlates, decides, and triggers actions. That's the value prop.

Next Steps

• Define your event namespace (e.g. home.*, health.*, industrial.*)
• Map each source (Shortcuts, Home Assistant, ESP32) to the schema
• Add a single webhook endpoint in Clawctl
• Let your agent handle the rest

Deploy with Clawctl

Clawctl provides a secure webhook URL, authentication, and audit logs. Egress allowlists ensure your agent only contacts approved services.

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Deploy your device gateway.