Cloud computer
Give a bot a hosted Linux desktop from Box, on your own ascii.dev account and API key.
When to use it
Use it when a bot needs a full desktop and you don't want it on your own computer at all, or your machine can't spare the memory for a Local VM. It works from Mac, Windows or Linux.
Only the desktop is remote. The bot itself, its schedule and your data stay on your computer, so Murage must still be running for the bot to work.
What you need
- An ascii.dev account and a Box API key. Box keys start with
box_. - An engine that can use cloud computer tools. Otherwise Murage says "This model engine cannot use cloud computer tools. Choose Claude, an ACP engine, or the Computer engine."
Set it up
Step 1
Get a Box API key
Create an account at ascii.dev and create an API key. In Murage, Open Box API key guide links to ascii.dev's instructions.
You're done when: you have a key that starts with box_.
Step 2
Save the key in Murage
- Open SettingsTools & Connections.
- Paste the key in Box API key and save.
You're done when: the key is saved under Box API key.
Step 3
Give the bot a cloud computer
- Open the bot's chat and choose Bot's computer at the top.
- Under Runs on, choose Cloud. Under Cloud backend, leave Box selected.
The first time, Murage creates the bot's box and waits for it to be ready. The panel shows the box's screen as the bot works.
You're done when: the panel shows the box's screen.
On Auto, a bot uses a cloud box when one exists, before anything else.
Use it
- Take control pauses the bot's hands and opens the live desktop so you can drive it. Each time you join, you get a fresh desktop link.
- Open live desktop reopens the desktop while you hold control.
- Sleep puts the box to sleep. Its disk is kept.
A box wakes again when the bot next needs it.
Limits
- One box per bot. Its disk survives sleep and wake.
- Auto stop. By default a box stops itself after 8 hours. On an ascii.dev trial account, the limit is 2 hours.
- Changing address. The box's network address changes each time it wakes.
- Routines. Routines can run on the bot's cloud computer. In the bot's computer panel, under Routines, you can run the whole job inside its cloud VM. The schedule still runs from your computer, so Murage must be running.
Troubleshooting
You see
Add a Box API key to give this bot a cloud computer; it spins up right here.Do this
No key is saved yet. Add one in SettingsTools & Connections.
You see
That doesn't look like a box API key: they start with box_.Do this
You pasted a different credential, such as an account or session token. Copy the API key from your ascii.dev account.
You see
ascii.dev rejected that token...Do this
The key may be revoked or expired. Paste a fresh one.
You see
ascii.dev needs a paid Box plan before it will create a computer.Do this
Your trial or plan doesn't cover it. Murage shows ascii.dev's own message and billing link when it has one.
You see
ascii.dev is rate-limiting this account...Do this
Wait a minute and try again.
You see
box did not become ready within 90sDo this
Murage adds "retry in a minute". You may also see "the box did not wake in time, try again". Try again shortly.
You see
Cloud VM is not connected yet. Add your Box key in App Settings > Tools & Connections.Do this
Add the key, then pick Cloud again.
You see
Your browser blocked the live desktop tabDo this
Allow pop-ups for Murage and choose Take control again.