Introduction

What is Optum Protocol?

Optum Protocol is an execution layer designed for AI operators and robotics, where Vision-Language-Action models finally make AI useful for real work. An Operator is an autonomous software agent powered by VLA models that performs tasks through a continuous perceive-reason-act cycle.

Traditional AI systems excel at understanding and generating content but struggle with real-world interaction. Optum Protocol bridges this gap by providing the infrastructure needed for AI systems to perceive their environment, reason about it, and take meaningful actions in the physical or digital world.

Vision-Language-Action Models (VLA)

VLA models represent a breakthrough in AI capabilities by integrating:

  • Vision: Processing and understanding visual inputs from cameras, sensors, and digital interfaces
  • Language: Natural language understanding and generation for communication and reasoning
  • Action: Converting reasoning into discrete, executable actions in real-world environments

This integration enables AI operators to understand complex scenarios, communicate naturally, and execute precise actions—making them incredibly versatile for robotics, automation, and digital task execution.

Core Features

  • Autonomous AI Operators: Deploy software agents that can perceive, reason, and act independently in complex environments.
  • VLA Model Integration: Built-in support for state-of-the-art Vision-Language-Action models like RT-2, PaLM-E, and custom implementations.
  • Real-Time Execution: Low-latency execution layer optimized for real-time decision making and action execution.
  • MCP Compatibility: Full integration with Model Context Protocol for standardized communication between AI models and external systems.
  • Robotics Ready: Designed from the ground up to work seamlessly with robotic hardware and control systems.
  • Scalable Architecture: Deploy single operators or orchestrate fleets of AI agents across distributed environments.
  • Safety & Monitoring: Built-in safety protocols and comprehensive monitoring for autonomous operations.
  • Open Source: Community-driven development with transparent, extensible architecture.

How AI Operators Work

An AI Operator follows a continuous cycle:

  1. Perceive: Gather information from the environment through vision, sensors, and digital interfaces
  2. Reason: Process perceptual data using advanced VLA models to understand context and plan actions
  3. Act: Execute precise actions based on reasoning, whether controlling robotic hardware or digital systems

This cycle enables operators to adapt to changing conditions, learn from experience, and handle complex, multi-step tasks autonomously.

Getting Started

To begin building with Optum Protocol:

# Install the Optum Protocol CLI
npm install -g optum-protocol

# Initialize a new AI operator project
optum init my-operator

# Deploy your operator
optum deploy --env production

Community & Support

Join our growing community of AI researchers, roboticists, and developers:

License

This project is licensed under the Apache License 2.0.

Optum Protocol

What are AI Operators?
Understanding autonomous software agents powered by VLA models