Hermes Co-Founder on Building an AI Agent That Improves Itself | Karan Malhotra

Hermes agent functions as an open-source AI chief of staff, prioritizing user-aligned performance over the restrictive, sycophantic behaviors common in closed-model systems. By utilizing a modular harness that manages memory, skills, and context, the agent adapts to individual user needs and improves through self-curation. This approach enables users to achieve complex tasks, such as the demonstrated technical modding of *Sonic Adventure 2*, where the agent successfully handled rigging, animation, and C-code implementation. Co-founder Karan Malhotra emphasizes that the mission of Noose Research is to democratize intelligence, ensuring that advanced AI capabilities remain accessible and free from the regulatory capture of major tech corporations. By treating intelligence as a public good, the platform empowers individuals to build custom, highly capable agents that operate without the arbitrary constraints or philosophical agendas imposed by proprietary AI providers.