vellum-heartbeat

Run HEARTBEAT.md checklist items periodically in a background conversation.

2|2|Updated May 13, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/autonomy-cloud/kairos-interface --skill vellum-heartbeat-autonomy-cloud
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: vellum-heartbeat
Source: https://github.com/autonomy-cloud/kairos-interface/tree/main/skills/vellum-heartbeat
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/autonomy-cloud/kairos-interface --skill vellum-heartbeat-autonomy-cloud

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It solves the problem of forgetting to perform recurring maintenance and reviews by automatically running a checklist on a fixed background cadence.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Periodic background checklist execution: Runs your HEARTBEAT.md checklist periodically in a separate background conversation.
  • Configurable scheduling controls: Supports interval-based execution and optional active-hour windows to limit when runs occur.
  • Attention flagging behavior: Works through checklist items each run and highlights anything that needs attention.

Quick Start

Enable heartbeat in your config.json, set heartbeat.enabled to true and heartbeat.intervalMs to your desired run frequency, and then edit HEARTBEAT.md with the items you want checked.

Frequently Asked Questions about vellum-heartbeat

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate recurring checklist tasks in the background?

Automate recurring checklist tasks by enabling heartbeat in your config.json, setting heartbeat.intervalMs for run frequency, and editing HEARTBEAT.md with your maintenance items. The Skill processes these items periodically in a separate background conversation.

What is a heartbeat configuration for background task scheduling?

A heartbeat configuration establishes a fixed background cadence for automated task scheduling. By setting heartbeat.enabled to true and heartbeat.intervalMs in config.json, you ensure recurring maintenance checklists run automatically without manual intervention.

Can I limit background health checks to specific active hours?

Yes, you can limit background health checks to specific active hours using the optional active hours scheduling control. This restricts when the periodic checklist execution occurs, preventing runs outside your defined operational windows.

How does the assistant flag items needing attention during recurring follow-ups?

During recurring follow-ups, the assistant works through the HEARTBEAT.md checklist items each run and highlights anything that needs attention. This attention flagging behavior ensures critical maintenance tasks are not missed.

Do I need any external dependencies to run periodic checklists on a schedule?

No external dependencies are required to run periodic checklists on a schedule. The Skill operates independently using your existing config.json for heartbeat settings and a dedicated HEARTBEAT.md instruction list for checklist content.