OpenDots

Overview

OpenDots is an open-source, self-hostable alpha template for building always-on AI coworkers called Dots. Each Dot has its own role, instructions, permissions, and computer, and can work across text, calls, and Slack. Spaces provide a home for working documents with a searchable library and visual editor, while CopilotKit human-in-the-loop review cards let users approve or decline saved work.

Key Features

• Specialist Dots with roles, instructions, and per-Dot permissions for browser, files, shell, and memory.
• Dot computers using OpenBot's container supervisor, with per-Dot browser profiles, files, shell, takeover, and action records.
• Spaces and pages with a searchable library, visual editor, slash commands, autosave, revision checks, and Markdown source mode.
• Conversations across text, realtime calls, and Slack, with thread history and timeline receipts.
• Human-in-the-loop review before saving drafts, with Approve & save or Decline and retry recovery.
• Background work with recurring schedules in the original conversation, pause and retry.

Use Cases

• Run specialist AI coworkers for research and writing, such as a researcher investigating a topic and a writer turning findings into a draft.
• Keep project documents in Spaces and pages, with conversations connected to specific pages.
• Reach Dots through text, voice calls, or Slack and continue the same thread later.
• Schedule recurring background work and let each Dot run with its own computer and permissions.

Getting Started

• Use Node.js 24 and npm.
• Clone the OpenDots repository and change into the project directory.
• Run npm ci to install dependencies.
• Copy .env.example to .env.
• Run npm run dev, then open the local development address at port 5173. You can create Spaces, write pages, and configure Dots before connecting services.

Deployment & Requirements

• Node.js 24 and npm are required.
• You run the application and configure its services.
• Calls, Slack, and Dot computers each have their own setup guide.
• Dot computers require the pinned OpenBot container supervisor and computer service; an unconfigured template does not execute commands on the host.
• Service credentials stay on the server, and each Dot gets its own computer credential.

Before You Adopt

• License: MIT. Review its terms before using, modifying, or distributing the project.
• OpenDots is an alpha template rather than a hosted product, so operators run and configure its services themselves.
• Running OpenDots requires Node.js 24 and npm, and Calls, Slack, and Dot computers each require separate setup.
• Service credentials are kept on the server, and each Dot receives a distinct computer credential.
• Slack and spoken compute delegation still require connected-service verification.
• The template is single-owner and does not include shared editing, invitations, file uploads, or interactive page embeds.