local-model-orchestrator

name

local-model-orchestrator

description

Scan, explain, select, install, and call local AI models across Ollama, Hugging Face cache, MLX Whisper, whisper.cpp, LM Studio, and common Mac model stores. Use when the user asks to list local models, understand what installed models do, check whether models are healthy, manage local model caches, choose a local model for a task, run local inference/transcription/embedding, or prefer Apple Silicon / Mac-optimized models.

Local Model Orchestrator

Core Workflow

1. Scan before advising or calling models:

   python3 /Users/apple/.agents/skills/local-model-orchestrator/scripts/local_model_manager.py scan --format table
   

2. Explain each model by provider, purpose, status, size, and call method. Use the script's purpose labels as the starting point, then add task-specific judgment.
3. Choose a model/runtime by task:
   • Chat, reasoning, coding, summarization: prefer Ollama models or an OpenAI-compatible local endpoint already running.
   • Embeddings / RAG: prefer Ollama embedding models such as nomic-embed-text, mxbai-embed-large, bge-m3, or qwen3-embedding if installed.
   • Speech-to-text / transcription: prefer mlx-whisper on Apple Silicon; use whisper-large-v3-turbo for speed, whisper-large-v3 for accuracy, smaller Whisper models for lightweight use.
   • Raw GGUF files: use llama.cpp / LM Studio / Ollama import only if an actual GGUF file exists.
   • Hugging Face cache: treat as cached assets, not necessarily runnable unless the matching runtime is installed.
4. If the task has a Mac-optimized model path, recommend that path before generic alternatives. Do not install without explicit user consent.
5. When calling a model, run the smallest deterministic probe first, then the real task.

Scanning

Use:

python3 /Users/apple/.agents/skills/local-model-orchestrator/scripts/local_model_manager.py scan --format table
python3 /Users/apple/.agents/skills/local-model-orchestrator/scripts/local_model_manager.py scan --format json

The scanner covers:

• Ollama models via ollama list and ollama show.
• Hugging Face cache via hf cache ls --format json or direct cache directory inspection.
• Common local model files: .gguf, .safetensors, .bin, .onnx, .mlpackage, .npz.
• Common Mac app stores: LM Studio, Jan, GPT4All, MLX/HF cache, Ollama.

Report health conservatively:

• ok: listed by the owning runtime or present with expected files.
• found: raw model file exists but no runtime test was performed.
• missing-runtime: model/cache exists but the recommended runtime command is missing.
• unknown: not enough information; do not claim it is runnable.

Calling Models

Use the script helpers when possible:

python3 /Users/apple/.agents/skills/local-model-orchestrator/scripts/local_model_manager.py call-ollama MODEL "prompt"
python3 /Users/apple/.agents/skills/local-model-orchestrator/scripts/local_model_manager.py transcribe AUDIO_PATH --model mlx-community/whisper-large-v3-turbo

For Ollama, first verify the model exists:

ollama list
ollama show MODEL

Then call:

ollama run MODEL "prompt"

For MLX Whisper, verify/install with user consent:

command -v mlx_whisper || python3 -m pip install mlx-whisper
mlx_whisper audio.mp3 --model mlx-community/whisper-large-v3-turbo

For Hugging Face cache, use:

hf cache ls
hf cache ls --revisions

Do not assume a Hugging Face cached model can be called directly. Match it to a runtime first.

Apple Silicon Recommendation Rules

Prefer Apple Silicon optimized models/runtimes when all are true:

• The user is on macOS arm64 or Apple Silicon is likely from context.
• The task has a known MLX/Core ML/Metal-accelerated path.
• The model is not already installed in a more suitable local runtime.

Common recommendations:

• Speech-to-text: mlx-whisper + mlx-community/whisper-large-v3-turbo; choose large-v3 if accuracy matters more than speed.
• Local LLM chat: Ollama for ergonomics; LM Studio for GUI/model browsing; MLX runtimes for maximum Apple Silicon performance when the user accepts more setup.
• Embedding: Ollama nomic-embed-text is a good default if already installed; mxbai-embed-large / bge-m3 / qwen3-embedding when multilingual or retrieval quality matters.

When recommending an install, include the command and explain why, but ask before downloading large models or installing new packages.

Output Contract

When the user asks to scan/manage local models, return:

• Total count by ecosystem.
• Table with Name, Provider, Purpose, Size, Status, Call method.
• Any likely duplicates or stale caches.
• Recommended model for the user's current task.
• Exact next command to run.

Keep secrets out of output. Never print API keys found in local config.