For context, we started working on our general AI agent CraftBot before OpenClaw came out. It works similarly to OpenClaw and Hermes agent: control your PC to do task + memory + proactivity. However, here is the catch: it can create and operate its own SaaS tools with the concept of Living UI
Living UI is a system where an AI agent can scaffold and launch real, working web apps on demand. Each living UI can be a dashboard/software/internal tool. They are essentially just frontend with X techstack talking to a backend + database with the techstack of your choice, spun up in its own pair of ports as supervised subprocesses managed by a host process. The backend owns all the state (so the app survives page reloads, tab switches, even host restarts), while the frontend is just a dumb view that fetches data and posts user actions. CraftBot can create a project from a template, install dependencies and launch it. It can also read and write its data through a scoped HTTP client, plus built-in endpoints that return a DOM snapshot and a screenshot so the agent can see what's on screen.
Currently, there are 3 ways to create a living UI
(1) Build from scratch. Just describe what you want, and CraftBot generates the backend, API, and UI, then iterates with you.
(2) Install from the marketplace. Use ready-to-use apps built by the community (we are looking for contributors!).
(3) Import your existing project or GitHub repo. CraftBot converts it into a Living UI and integrates itself into it (similar to CLI-anything, except the app runs directly in the agent UI).
Besides, if CraftBot encounters a problem it can’t solve with a simple script, it invents the Saas tool required to solve it proactively (with user approval, of course). It’s not just building a UI for you, but it’s building a workspace for itself to be more efficient.
The net effect: You no longer have to subscribe to Saas tools that are not built 100% for your needs, plus, the Saas tools come with their own general AI agent.
Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48469352
Points: 7
# Comments: 3