Iblai Router

What it does

The iblai-router is a Node.js proxy that optimizes costs when using OpenClaw with Anthropic's Claude models. It automatically routes each request to the cheapest Claude model capable of handling it, achieving savings of up to 80% compared to always using the most expensive model like Opus. The router operates locally and does not send data to third parties.

When to use it

• Routine tasks: Ideal for automating repetitive operations such as inbox checks or operational alerts where cost efficiency is paramount.
• Subagent workflows: Use it when delegating tasks to subagents, like issue triage or communications, to minimize expenses.
• Cost-sensitive environments: When operating within a budget and seeking significant reductions in LLM API costs.
• OpenClaw deployments: Specifically designed for use with OpenClaw agents.

Key capabilities

• Automatic model routing based on cost optimization.
• Local operation – no data leaves your server.
• Compatibility with Anthropic, OpenRouter, and other providers using your API key.
• Zero dependencies installation process.
• Excludes system prompts from scoring to ensure accurate cost assessment.

Example prompts

• "Install iblai-router from https://github.com/iblai/iblai-openclaw-router" (for agent installation)
• "Uninstall iblai-router" (to remove the skill)
• Use iblai-router/auto as a model provider within your OpenClaw configuration.

Tips & gotchas

The router scores user messages, not system prompts. Since OpenClaw sends a large, keyword-rich system prompt with every request, scoring it would inflate costs and negate savings; this is why the system prompt is excluded from the routing calculation.