Bitterbot-desktop

Bitterbot-desktop is an open-source personal AI agent designed as a local-first alternative to stateless chatbot wrappers. It functions as a persistent assistant that resides on the user's device, utilizing a cognitive architecture to maintain long-term memory and a developing personality. The software is built with TypeScript and requires Node.js 22 and pnpm for installation on the desktop.

Users interact with the agent through a browser-based Control UI or a terminal interface. The application includes an onboarding wizard to configure API keys for models and web search, as well as wallet and workspace setup. It integrates with external channels such as WhatsApp to extend its utility beyond the desktop environment, allowing the agent to perform tasks and browse the web on behalf of the user.

Key features

• Biological memory system using Ebbinghaus forgetting curves for knowledge decay
• Hormonal system modulating behavior via dopamine, cortisol, and oxytocin
• Dream engine that runs offline cycles to compress and consolidate memories
• Curiosity engine that identifies knowledge gaps to drive autonomous exploration
• P2P skills marketplace for trading learned capabilities using USDC
• Proactive recall that injects identity and directive memories into every turn
• Genome-based identity system to enforce immutable safety axioms
• Multi-channel support for interacting via the web, terminal, or messaging apps

The architecture is grounded in computational neuroscience, moving away from simple vector database retrieval toward a self-regulating cognitive loop. It employs a consolidation pipeline every 30 minutes and a dream cycle every two hours to optimize its internal state through modes like mutation, extrapolation, and simulation. The system is designed for users who want an AI with a persistent identity and the ability to execute code and browse the web autonomously. It manages a distinct separation between the immutable genome and the evolving phenotype, ensuring that the agent's personality grows based on experience while remaining within defined safety constraints.

Bitterbot-desktop positions itself as a decentralized AI agent that evolves its personality through lived experience rather than static prompting.