---
title: ToolRouter — Agent Use Case Guide
description: Step-by-step guide for completing a task with a specific AI agent using ToolRouter.
url: https://toolrouter.com/tools/academic-research/use-cases/search-papers-by-topic/openclaw
---
# How to Search Papers by Topic with OpenClaw

OpenClaw processes academic searches systematically, returning structured paper metadata suitable for automated literature analysis. Run queries across multiple subtopics in one session, extract citation graphs from results, and build research databases that can be filtered and sorted programmatically.

## Setup

openclaw mcp add toolrouter -- npx -y toolrouter-mcp

## Steps

1. Connect ToolRouter: openclaw mcp add toolrouter -- npx -y toolrouter-mcp
2. Ask OpenClaw: "Search for papers on quantum error correction"
3. OpenClaw returns relevant papers with metadata
4. Review the results and refine your search
5. Explore cited references for deeper research

## Example Prompt

```
Find recent papers on reinforcement learning from human feedback. Show the most influential ones.
```

## Tips

- Start broad then narrow with more specific terms
- Citation count helps identify foundational papers in a field
- Use paper IDs to fetch full details with the paper_details skill
