kernel/kernel-images

What it solves

Kernel provides sandboxed, ready-to-use Chrome browsers in the cloud, specifically designed for browser automation and AI web agents. It eliminates the need for managing complex browser infrastructure, providing a stable environment where agents can interact with the web while allowing developers to monitor their actions in real-time.

How it works

The project provides Docker images and Unikraft unikernels that run headful Chromium. These environments can be connected to via the Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP), allowing frameworks like Playwright and Puppeteer to control the browser remotely.

Key technical capabilities include:

• Remote GUI Access: Live view streaming via WebRTC or noVNC for visual monitoring and remote control.
• Unikernel Optimization: When run as a unikernel, the browser can enter a "sleep mode" (standby) to save resources and be snapshotted for near-instant restoration of session state (cookies, zoom, page position).
• Fast Restarts: Cold restarts in under 20ms for low-latency event handling.
• Session Recording: An embedded recording server to capture browser sessions as MP4 videos.

Who it’s for

• Developers building AI agents that need to navigate and interact with websites.
• Engineers running automated browser-based workflows.
• Teams needing controlled, sandboxed browser environments for testing and development.

Highlights

• CDP Integration: Native support for Playwright and Puppeteer.
• ** webinars Live View**: High-speed WebRTC streaming for real-time browser monitoring.
• State Persistence: Ability to snapshot and restore exact browser states via unikernels.
• Ultra-low Latency: Sub-20ms cold restarts for high-performance applications.