Skill Cortex

Triggers when installed Skills cannot complete the current task. If you can handle it yourself, just do it — do not trigger this flow.

Cortex data file: ~/.openclaw/skill-cortex/cortex.json (schema in DESIGN.md).

Phase 1: Perception

1. Read cortex.json (if missing or corrupt, skip to step 3).
2. Semantically match the users task description against sensory.patterns signals.
3. On miss, search ClawHub.

Phase 2: Validation

Present candidates to the user with safety info. Wait for explicit approval before installing.

Phase 3: Execution

Install the Skill, generate an execution plan, execute the task. On failure, auto-recover or switch to next candidate.

Phase 4: Learning

Update the cortex memory. Successful Skills gain weight; failed ones decay.

Boundary Rules

1. Never interfere with long-term Skills.
2. Installation requires user confirmation.
3. System dependency installation requires separate confirmation.
4. Write operations never enter reflex.
5. Max 2 candidate switches.