Open Heidelberg AI Lab
Node.js is included. Use the desktop icon created by the installer.
Private and local
App Store
Reviewed tools for AI, automation, and agent workflows. Pinned and under your control.
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01 / APP STORE
Curated local apps
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Local learning path
Install AI Lab on your computer.
Follow these steps once. AI Lab then opens its dashboard only on your computer.
INSTALL AI LAB
Install AI Lab, then set up Podman once.
Set up Podman Desktop and WSL2
If needed, install Podman Desktop. In AI Lab, select Repair Podman to create and start its local machine.
Download Podman DesktopAI Lab checks this automatically when you start it. The installer already includes Node.js. Select Repair Podman only after you approve the creation or start of Podman's local machine.
Heidelberg AI LabOpen Heidelberg AI Lab
Node.js is included. Drag AI Lab to Applications, then open it.
Set up Podman Desktop
If needed, install Podman Desktop. In AI Lab, select Repair Podman to create and start its local machine.
Download Podman DesktopAI Lab checks this automatically when you start it. The installer already includes Node.js. Select Repair Podman only after you approve the creation or start of Podman's local machine.
Heidelberg AI LabInstall Node.js 20 or newer
Use your distribution's package manager, or follow Node.js' official package-manager guide.
Install Node.jsInstall Podman
Use your distribution's package manager, then start the Podman service if your distribution requires it.
Install PodmanAI Lab checks this automatically when you start it. Node.js must already be installed to run AI Lab. Package installation belongs to your Linux distribution, so AI Lab does not silently change your computer.
npx --yes --package=. ai-labAFTER YOUR FIRST START
Start AI Lab from your desktop.
Create a permanent desktop icon once. After a restart, click it instead of opening a terminal.
Heidelberg AI Lab
Settings
See where this local lab keeps its files and manage the model connections available to your apps.
Local by design
Frequently asked questions
Two essentials about what Heidelberg AI Lab does and how it keeps local application management understandable.
01 What is Heidelberg AI Lab?
Heidelberg AI Lab is a small local workbench and curated app store for AI, automation, and agent tools. It does not download arbitrary marketplace entries: every available app is reviewed, version-pinned, and shipped with the launcher.
02 How do installation and privacy work?
The dashboard runs on your computer and binds to loopback only. Lifecycle requests require a temporary launch token. Container apps use Podman Compose, with Docker Compose as a fallback, keep durable data in named volumes, and receive no container-runtime socket. Initial downloads need Internet access; downloaded apps continue to work locally subject to their configured model provider.
SYSTEM DIAGRAM
How your local AI system works
Browser dashboardChoose apps and manage connections
Heidelberg AI LabLocal launcher and private control point
Local appsReviewed containers or host tools
Model serversOllama, LM Studio, LAN, or your cloud provider
AI Lab connects the parts without exposing its container control socket. Your apps and data remain on the routes you configure.