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jonatan draganczuk
jonatan draganczuk

Posted on Originally published at yonijd.github.io

I built a local engine to give Web AIs hands (and no, it doesn't use APIs)

#python #ai #opensource #showdev

I built a local engine to give Web AIs hands (and no, it doesn't use APIs)

We all use web AIs like DeepSeek, ChatGPT, or Gemini. They are incredibly smart, but they have a huge limitation: they are trapped in the browser.

They can write code, but they can't execute it on your machine. They can analyze data, but they can't read your local files. To give them "hands", you usually need to pay for an API, set up a server, or use a complex framework.

I wanted to change that. So I built WAIO (Web AI Orchestrator).

What is WAIO?

WAIO is a super lightweight local engine that acts as a bridge between a web AI and your operating system.

The flow is simple:

  1. The AI generates a JSON with actions (e.g., {"comando": "crear_carpeta", "ruta": "proyecto"}).
  2. You save that JSON in your Downloads folder.
  3. WAIO detects it, executes the actions locally using its Skills (Python scripts), and returns the result.
  4. You paste the result back into the AI.

No APIs. No tokens. No servers. Everything happens on your machine.

The Architecture: Skills, Profiles, and a Dual-Thread Engine

WAIO is not just a script runner. It's a platform designed to be safe and extensible.

1. The Skill System (26 audited skills)

Instead of hardcoding commands, WAIO uses Skills. Each skill is a folder with a .json (metadata) and a .py (code).

  • Want to read a PDF? There's a skill for that.
  • Want to create a ZIP? There's a skill for that.
  • Want to use text-to-speech? There's a skill for that.

Anyone can create a skill following a documented standard (PROMPT_CREACION_SKILLS.md).

2. Security Profiles (4 levels)

Giving an AI access to your PC is dangerous. That's why WAIO has 4 security profiles:

  • readonly: Can only read and list files.
  • standard: Can write, but everything goes to the Recycle Bin.
  • advanced: Can execute scripts and skills.
  • debug: Full access (for rescue and testing).

3. Folder-based Sandbox

Unlike other agents that use a fixed system folder, WAIO inverts the model: Right-click on any folder, select "Start WAIO Here", and that folder becomes the sandbox. The only compromised documents are those in that folder. It's safer and more practical.

4. Dual-Thread Engine (v3.3)

If a JSON is invalid or malicious, the engine doesn't hang. It processes in a queue and keeps running. No more frozen terminals.

Why "Volver a Casa" (Coming Home)?

WAIO started as a bridge for the AI. But the roadmap points to something bigger: "WAIO comes home".

The idea is that you won't need to open a chat to use the tools. You'll just use WAIO directly (via context menu or hotkeys) to execute skills locally, without the AI in the middle. The same skills, the same security, but faster.

Try it out

WAIO 3.3 is open source (MIT) and available for Windows.

If you find it useful, give it a star. And if you create a skill, send a PR!

Made in Argentina, with mate and patience. 🧉

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