Project Overview

In this tutorial, we'll build an AI assistant that can read, categorize, and respond to emails automatically using OpenClaw and Gmail integration.

Prerequisites

OpenClaw installed and running
Google Cloud project with Gmail API enabled
OAuth 2.0 credentials configured

Step 1: Configure Gmail MCP Server

// config.js
module.exports = {
  mcp: {
    servers: [
      {
        name: 'gmail',
        type: 'stdio',
        command: 'npx',
        args: ['@mcp-servers/gmail'],
        env: {
          GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID: process.env.GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID,
          GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET: process.env.GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET
        }
      }
    ]
  }
}

Step 2: Define Email Workflow in AGENTS.md

# Email Management Workflow

## When checking email:
1. Fetch unread emails from inbox
2. Categorize each email:
   - URGENT: From known contacts about deadlines
   - ACTION: Requires response or task
   - INFO: Newsletters, notifications
   - SPAM: Promotional, unsubscribe
3. Present summary to user by category
4. Wait for instructions before any action

## When drafting responses:
1. Match tone of original email
2. Keep responses concise
3. Always show draft before sending
4. Ask for confirmation before send

Step 3: Implement Email Checking

// User message: "Check my email"

// Agent executes:
const emails = await gmail.listMessages({
  query: 'is:unread',
  maxResults: 20
});

// Categorize and summarize
const summary = await categorizeEmails(emails);

// Response:
"📬 You have 12 unread emails:
- 🔴 URGENT (2): Meeting tomorrow, Contract review
- 📝 ACTION (5): Reply needed from team
- ℹ️ INFO (4): News updates
- 🗑️ SPAM (1): Promo email"

Step 4: Auto-Draft Responses

// User: "Draft replies to the urgent emails"

// Agent process:
for (const email of urgentEmails) {
  const draft = await generateDraft(email);
  await gmail.createDraft({
    to: email.from,
    subject: `Re: ${email.subject}`,
    body: draft
  });
}

// Response:
"✍️ Created 2 draft responses:
1. Re: Meeting tomorrow - Confirmed 2pm
2. Re: Contract review - Requested extension

Would you like to review these drafts?"

Step 5: Smart Filtering

# In USER.md - customize filtering

## Email Priorities
- Priority contacts: [email protected], [email protected]
- Auto-archive: newsletters@*, promo@*
- Never auto-reply: legal@*, hr@*

## Response Templates
- Meeting confirmations: Brief, confirm time/location
- Quick questions: Direct, helpful
- Formal requests: Professional tone

Security Considerations

Never auto-send without confirmation
Redact sensitive info in logs
Limit OAuth scopes to necessary permissions

Conclusion

You now have an intelligent email assistant that can manage your inbox while keeping you in control of all actions.