Lobster

Execute multi-step automation workflows with approval checkpoints and resumable execution.

Updated Apr 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/JOHNNYWHITEMIKE/openclaw --skill lobster-johnnywhitemike
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Lobster
Source: https://github.com/JOHNNYWHITEMIKE/openclaw/tree/main/openclaw/.openclaw/openclaw/extensions/lobster
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/JOHNNYWHITEMIKE/openclaw --skill lobster-johnnywhitemike

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Lobster helps you coordinate repeatable multi-step automations that need human approval checkpoints before side-effecting actions run, reducing the risk of accidental sends, posts, or deletes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Deterministic pipeline execution: typed, JSON-first workflow steps produce a structured JSON envelope for consistent results.
  • Approval gates with resumability: pipelines can halt for approval and continue later using a resume token.
  • Tool-bridge invocation (OpenClaw → Lobster → OpenClaw): Lobster workflows can call back into OpenClaw tools via the gateway invoke endpoint, under policy allowlists.
  • Use cases: triage, monitor-and-notify, scheduled checks with approval, and stateful recurring automations where actions must be reviewed.

Quick Start

Ask your agent to run Lobster with an approval gate for a multi-step workflow, for example: process recent items with a human confirmation checkpoint before sending any replies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lobster

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I add human approval checkpoints to multi-step automation workflows?▼

Multi-step automation workflows can include human approval checkpoints by using resumable execution pipelines that halt before side-effecting actions and continue only after explicit approval. This prevents accidental sends, posts, or deletes during deterministic pipeline execution.

How do I resume an automation pipeline after it pauses for approval?▼

To resume an automation pipeline after an approval pause, you provide a resume token along with an explicit approve action. The workflow then continues execution from the checkpoint, returning structured results in a typed JSON envelope.

What is a deterministic pipeline and when do I need it for automation?▼

A deterministic pipeline executes typed, JSON-first workflow steps to produce a structured JSON envelope for consistent results. You need it for triage, monitoring, or scheduled review automations where behavior and structured results must be predictable and repeatable.

Can I use OpenClaw tools inside a resumable automation workflow?▼

Yes, resumable automation workflows can call back into OpenClaw tools via the gateway invoke endpoint. These tool-bridge invocations execute under policy allowlists to maintain safety limits during pipeline execution.

What safety limits apply when running automated workflows with subprocesses?▼

Automated workflows with subprocesses enforce safety limits through stdout parsing and subprocess timeouts. These constraints prevent runaway processes and ensure pipelines requiring human confirmation execute safely within defined boundaries.

Do I need external dependencies to run resumable approval workflows locally?▼

No external dependencies are required to run resumable approval workflows locally. The tool operates independently, applying deterministic pipeline execution with approval gates and structured JSON envelopes without prerequisite packages.