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Overview

Praxos provides two levels of web browsing capabilities: simple HTML reading for static sites and AI-powered browsing for JavaScript-heavy dynamic sites.

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Simple Web Reading

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read_webpage_content

Fast, efficient reading of static HTML pages. Use Cases:
  • News articles
  • Blog posts
  • Documentation pages
  • Simple product pages
  • Any content-first website
Example: 
User: What's on the Python documentation homepage?
Praxos: Let me check the Python docs...

[2-3 seconds later]

The Python documentation homepage features:
- Getting Started guide
- Tutorial for beginners
- Library Reference
- Language Reference
- Python Setup and Usage guides
Characteristics:
  • Speed: 2-5 seconds
  • Cost: Minimal (no LLM calls)
  • JavaScript: Not supported
  • Interaction: Read-only

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AI-Powered Browsing

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browse_website_with_ai

Intelligent browser automation using Playwright and AI. Use Cases:
  • JavaScript-rendered content
  • Dynamic web applications
  • Form submissions
  • Multi-step navigation
  • Complex site interactions
  • Content behind interactions
Example: 
User: Search for "wireless headphones under $100" on Amazon
       and tell me the top results

Praxos: I'm browsing Amazon now, this will take about 30 seconds...

[30-60 seconds later]

Top wireless headphones under $100 on Amazon:
1. Anker Soundcore Q20 - $59.99
   - 40hr battery, active noise cancellation
   - Rating: 4.5/5 (12,483 reviews)

2. JBL Tune 510BT - $29.95
   - Lightweight, 40hr battery
   - Rating: 4.4/5 (8,291 reviews)

3. Sony WH-CH510 - $38.00
   - 35hr battery, quick charge
   - Rating: 4.3/5 (15,673 reviews)
Characteristics:
  • Speed: 30-60 seconds
  • Cost: ~$0.01-0.05 per task
  • JavaScript: Full support
  • Interaction: Clicks, forms, navigation

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How AI Browsing Works

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User Experience Pattern

Praxos ALWAYS sends an intermediate message before starting AI browsing to set expectations.
Flow:
  1. User makes request involving browsing
  2. Praxos: “I’m browsing that website now, about 30 seconds…”
  3. [Browser automation happens]
  4. Praxos: [Final response with information]
This ensures users know the operation will take time.

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Capabilities

  • Load pages - Go to any URL
  • Click links - Follow links and buttons
  • Form submission - Fill forms and submit
  • Scrolling - Scroll to load more content
  • Back/Forward - Navigate history

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Interaction

  • Input fields - Type into text boxes
  • Dropdowns - Select from menus
  • Checkboxes - Toggle options
  • Buttons - Click any clickable element
  • Hover - Trigger hover effects

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Data Extraction

  • Text content - Extract visible text
  • Structured data - Parse tables, lists
  • Metadata - Titles, descriptions, prices
  • Images - Alt text and descriptions
  • Links - Extract URLs

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Multi-Step Tasks

User: Go to product page, add to cart,
      and tell me the total price

Praxos: I'll browse that site now, about 45 seconds...

[Steps executed:]
1. Navigate to product page
2. Click "Add to Cart"
3. Go to cart
4. Extract total price

Result: Total price with this item is $127.49

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Configuration

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Tool Parameters

browse_website_with_ai(
    url: str,              # Target URL
    task: str,             # Natural language task
    max_steps: int = 10    # Maximum browser actions
)

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Environment Setup

# Playwright installation required
playwright install

# Or in Docker (already included)
FROM mcr.microsoft.com/playwright/python:v1.55.0-noble

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Resource Requirements

  • Memory: ~200-500MB per execution
  • CPU: Moderate usage
  • Network: Required
  • Time: 30-60 seconds average

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Comparison

Featureread_webpage_contentbrowse_website_with_ai
Speed2-5 seconds30-60 seconds
JavaScript❌ No✅ Yes
Forms/Interaction❌ No✅ Yes
Multi-page❌ No✅ Yes
CostFree~$0.01-0.05
User notificationNot neededRequired
Use caseStatic sitesDynamic sites

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Best Practices

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When to Use Simple Reading

  • Static content sites
  • Speed is priority
  • No interaction needed
  • Content loads without JavaScript

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When to Use AI Browsing

  • JavaScript-rendered content
  • Need to interact with forms
  • Multi-step navigation required
  • Content behind clicks/scrolls

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Task Descriptions

Write clear, specific tasks: Good: 
"Search for 'laptop' and extract the top 5 results with prices"
"Fill the contact form with name 'John', email 'john@example.com', and submit"
"Navigate to pricing page and extract all plan details"
Too Vague: 
"Get information from the site"
"Look around"
"Find stuff"

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Limitations

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Website Restrictions

Some sites block automation:
  • CAPTCHAs
  • Bot detection systems
  • Rate limiting
  • Cloudflare protection

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Performance

  • Not suitable for real-time needs
  • Resource intensive
  • May timeout on very slow sites

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Accuracy

  • AI may misinterpret complex layouts
  • Depends on clear task descriptions
  • May need multiple attempts

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Troubleshooting

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Browser Timeout

Problem: Task takes too long Solutions:
  • Increase max_steps parameter
  • Simplify the task
  • Try a more specific URL
  • Check site isn’t blocking automation

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Playwright Not Found

Problem: playwright executable not found Solution: 
playwright install

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Memory Issues

Problem: Out of memory errors Solutions:
  • Increase pod/container memory
  • Limit concurrent browsing tasks
  • Use simple reading when possible
Problem: Can’t find elements or navigate Solutions:
  • Check URL is correct
  • Verify site structure hasn’t changed
  • Try more specific task description
  • Check site isn’t behind login

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Advanced Usage

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Screenshots (Future)

Vision model integration for:
  • Visual verification
  • Layout understanding
  • Image-based navigation

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Session Persistence (Future)

Maintain browser sessions:
  • Stay logged in
  • Persist cookies
  • Continue from previous state

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Parallel Browsing (Future)

Multiple browser instances:
  • Research across sites
  • Price comparisons
  • Data aggregation

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Security

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Privacy

  • Each user gets isolated browser
  • No session sharing
  • Cookies cleared after task
  • No tracking

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Safety

  • No credential storage in browser
  • HTTPS enforced where possible
  • No arbitrary code execution
  • Sandboxed environment

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Next Steps

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File Management

Tools Overview