| name | scienceworld-tool-validator |
| description | Use when the agent has acquired a tool or instrument and needs to verify it is operational before first use in a critical task step. This skill performs a lightweight pre-use check via "focus on [TOOL] in inventory" and confirms readiness based on the system's response, ensuring the tool is functional before measurement, activation, or connection operations. |
Skill: scienceworld-tool-validator
Purpose
Perform a pre-use functionality check on a tool or instrument to confirm it is operational before employing it in a critical ScienceWorld task step such as measurement, activation, or connection.
When to Use
- Immediately after acquiring a tool (e.g.,
pick up thermometer) and before its first use
- When switching to a different tool mid-task and needing to confirm readiness
- When resuming a task after navigation and needing to re-confirm tool availability
Workflow
- Acquire the tool -- Ensure the target tool is in inventory. If not, locate it with
look around and retrieve it with pick up [TOOL].
- Execute validation -- Run:
focus on [TOOL] in inventory.
- Confirm readiness -- A successful response (
"You focus on the [TOOL].") confirms the tool is operational. No further diagnostic steps are needed unless an error is observed.
- Proceed -- Use the validated tool in the task operation (e.g.,
use thermometer on [TARGET]).
Examples
Example 1: Validating a thermometer before measurement
> pick up thermometer
You pick up the thermometer.
> focus on thermometer in inventory
You focus on the thermometer.
The thermometer is validated. Proceed with measurement:
> use thermometer on unknown substance B
The thermometer measures a temperature of 42 degrees celsius.
Example 2: Validating a scale after teleporting to a new room
> teleport to workshop
You teleport to the workshop.
> pick up scale
You pick up the scale.
> focus on scale in inventory
You focus on the scale.
The scale is validated and ready to weigh objects.
Key Principles
- Timing -- Validate immediately after acquisition, before any task-sensitive operation.
- Simplicity -- The
focus on action is the primary, lightweight validation method. Avoid unnecessary examine or use actions during the check.
- State awareness -- Ensure containers are open and items are accessible before attempting to pick up tools. Use
teleport to for efficient navigation.
