Tasker: Open-Source Desktop AI for Automation

A new tool named Tasker has been released as an open-source desktop agent designed for AI-powered automation. The developer created this solution after realizing that existing automation tools often lack the ability to interact with computer interfaces like a human user. Tasker focuses on handling complex workflows that involve clicking through user interfaces and managing data between applications, rather than relying solely on APIs and webhooks.

Currently, the tool is in its early stages and focuses on browser automation. It has already been applied to specific use cases, including sales workflows and generating estimates for an HVAC business. The developer is actively seeking community feedback regarding the reliability of the tool and the practical differences between keeping the automation local versus moving it to a cloud environment.

The development of Tasker was driven by a specific gap in the automation market. The creator identified a need for a tool that could mimic human interaction with a computer, specifically for outbound sales processes. Existing solutions were deemed either too technical, not local-first, or insufficiently flexible for messy, real-world tasks.

The developer described the motivation behind the project: "I wanted an automation tool that could actually use my computer like a person. Click through UIs, copy/paste between apps, handle messy workflows — not just APIs and webhooks."

Key requirements for the new tool included:

• Consumer-friendly accessibility for non-technical users
• Local-first architecture for privacy and control
• Flexibility to handle UI-driven tasks

Despite being in the early stages of development, Tasker has already seen practical application. The developer has utilized the tool daily for approximately 2-3 weeks to streamline sales workflows. Additionally, the tool has been tested in a business context outside of the developer's own use.

A family member has adopted the tool to assist with operations in an HVAC business. Specifically, it is being used to help generate estimates, demonstrating the tool's potential for small business automation. The developer noted that while the tool currently operates within the browser environment, it has successfully replaced a significant amount of manual work.

However, the project is acknowledged as a work in progress. The current version is limited to browser-based tasks, and the developer has stated that it "still needs to expand to general OS" capabilities to fulfill its full potential as a desktop automation agent.

The developer has outlined potential future directions for Tasker, highlighting the need for a deployable version. A cloud-based iteration that can run on a schedule or be triggered via HTTP requests is identified as a feature that would "unlock a lot of use cases." This shift would allow for automated background processing rather than manual initiation.

To guide the project's evolution, the developer is soliciting feedback from the community on several critical points:

• Which workflows users would trust an automation agent to handle
• The tradeoffs between desktop and cloud deployment
• Specific scenarios where the tool might break down in practice
• General perception of the tool's utility versus potential scariness

The developer remains uncertain about the exact trajectory of the project but chose to release it early to gather insights and refine the tool based on real-world usage and user input.

Tasker represents an attempt to democratize complex automation by bridging the gap between human-like interaction and machine efficiency. By prioritizing a local-first and consumer-friendly approach, it addresses specific frustrations found in the current automation landscape. As the tool transitions from a personal project to a community-driven open-source initiative, its success will likely depend on its ability to handle diverse, real-world workflows securely and reliably. The ongoing development toward general OS support and cloud deployment suggests a promising future for this versatile automation agent.