Cloudling is an interactive desk pet that responds to AI coding agent activity. It features real-time eye tracking, state-based animations, and a variety of expressive modes including carrying food clouds, paper plane orbits, task sparks, thundercloud effects, idle peek animations, sweeping context cards, and typing visualizations. The underlying algorithm uses a state machine with priority-based transitions, Catmull-Rom spline interpolation for smooth morphing, and spring dynamics for bouncy reactions.
In 2026, the MiniCPM Desk Pet — Cloudling Interactive Dashboard stands out as the premier real-time visual companion for AI-assisted software development. Unlike static desktop widgets or generic notification tools, Cloudling provides a living, breathing presence that mirrors your coding agent's cognitive state — whether it's thinking through a complex refactor, working on a multi-file edit, or sweeping context between tasks. The underlying algorithm combines a priority-based state machine with Catmull-Rom spline interpolation for fluid shape morphing, spring-damper dynamics for bouncy reactions, and real-time eye tracking that follows your cursor with eased offsets for a natural, lifelike gaze.
Cloudling supports eight distinct animation modes: idle breathing with eye tracking, a carrying animation where food clouds are wrapped and absorbed, a paper plane orbit around a tilted elliptical path, conducting task sparks that orbit and snap into formation, a thundercloud effect with synchronized rain bursts and body squeeze, a long idle bush peek sequence with cartoon-style left/right peeking, sweeping context cards that orbit behind the pet, and a typing visualization with rotating code-glyph eyes. Each mode is fully parameterized through the control panel, allowing you to adjust timing, amplitude, frequency, and spatial offsets in real time.
Key advantages over similar tools include: (1) zero-configuration hook integration with Claude Code, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, Cursor Agent, Kimi CLI, and more — the pet automatically reflects your agent's state without manual setup; (2) a fully customizable theme system with SVG asset overrides, variant support, and per-file hitbox configuration; and (3) a lightweight single-file architecture that runs entirely in the browser with no server dependencies, making it ideal for both local development and remote SSH workflows. The built-in animation override system lets you replace any state animation with your own SVG files, and the preview poster generation ensures instant visual feedback during customization.
Whether you're a solo developer using Claude Code for daily coding tasks, a team lead monitoring multiple agent sessions through the session HUD, or a designer creating custom pet themes, Cloudling provides the most expressive and responsive desk pet experience available in 2026. The open-source AGPL-3.0 license ensures full transparency and community-driven improvements.