OpenAI builds and deploys advanced AI models like GPT-4o for autonomous agents and workflows.
Arbiter
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About Arbiter
Arbiter is a local-first agent runtime designed to orchestrate multi-agent workflows on a single machine. It operates via a native binary and supports terminal, CLI, and HTTP interfaces, with optional network use. The runtime enforces hard tool allowlists for agent behavior, ensuring explicit control over capabilities. Configuration and runtime data are stored locally under ~/.arbiter/, with model requests directed only to the user-configured provider. Agents can execute shell commands based on user permissions, and the system includes an optional advisor gate for additional oversight before results are finalized. The orchestration loop streams events consistently across all interfaces, enabling durable logs and reconnection capabilities. Arbiter is distributed as a prebuilt binary for macOS Apple silicon and Linux x86_64, with source builds available for other platforms.
Key features
- Multi-agent workflow orchestration
- Hard tool allowlists for agent capabilities
- Terminal, CLI, and HTTP interfaces
- Shared storage under ~/.arbiter/
- MCP and A2A bridges
- Advisor gate for optional oversight
- Durable event logs with reconnection support
- Editable agent constitutions for role and rules
Use cases
- Automating multi-step tasks in CI/CD pipelines
- Running persistent agent sessions per project directory
- Serving tenant-isolated agent workflows over HTTP
Pros
- Local-first operation with optional network use
- Hard tool allowlists for explicit agent capabilities
- Supports terminal, CLI, and HTTP interfaces
- Shared storage and orchestration loop across agents
- Open-source under Apache-2.0 license
Cons
- Experimental software with potential interface changes
- No prebuilt binaries for Windows
- Requires manual configuration of model providers
- Shell command execution depends on user permissions
Frequently asked questions about Arbiter
What is Arbiter and what does it do?
Arbiter is a local-first agent runtime designed to orchestrate multi-agent workflows on a single machine. It operates via a native binary and supports terminal, CLI, and HTTP interfaces, enabling users to run agents with explicit control over their capabilities and behavior.
Who should use Arbiter?
Arbiter is suitable for developers, engineers, or teams who need to automate complex workflows locally while maintaining explicit control over agent behavior, tool access, and data storage. It is particularly useful for those who prefer local-first solutions over cloud-based alternatives.
How does Arbiter enforce security and control over agent behavior?
Arbiter enforces hard tool allowlists for each agent, ensuring only explicitly permitted actions can be executed. Optional advisor gates can review results before they are finalized, and all model requests are directed only to the user-configured provider.
What interfaces does Arbiter support?
Arbiter supports three interfaces: an interactive terminal TUI, a one-shot CLI for scripting or automation, and an HTTP server with SSE for remote access. All interfaces share the same orchestration loop and durable event streaming.
How do I get started with Arbiter?
To get started, install Arbiter using the provided script, initialize starter agent constitutions, and launch the runtime. The process is outlined in three commands on the website, with additional setup options for customization.
Is Arbiter available for all platforms?
Arbiter provides prebuilt binaries for macOS Apple silicon and Linux x86_64. Users on other platforms can build from source. The runtime is distributed as a native binary, ensuring efficient local execution.
