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Bots in Towns Protocol are programmable applications that can interact with spaces, channels, and users through end-to-end encrypted messaging. They enable automation, integrations, and enhanced user experiences within Towns communities.

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Architecture

Towns bots consist of two interconnected pieces:

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Onchain Component

Bots are smart contracts registered through the App Registry on Base and installed in a Space. The onchain component provides:
  • Secure identity: Each bot has a unique address and public key
  • Fine-grained permissions: Control exactly what the bot can do (read/write messages, ban users, moderate, etc.)
  • Recurring revenue: Bots can be paid monthly or yearly by spaces that install them
  • ERC-4337 Account Abstraction: Bots use SimpleAccount contracts enabling advanced onchain interactions
  • Batch execution support: Execute multiple contract calls atomically using ERC-7821
This allows bots to:
  • Have their own wallet address funded with ETH/tokens
  • Interact with any smart contract (DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, etc.)
  • Execute complex multi-step transactions in one atomic operation
  • Receive payments and tips onchain

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Server Component

The server component is a webhook endpoint that receives events from Towns Protocol nodes and processes them. A bot operates like a specialized user in the Towns Protocol network. It can:
  • Send and receive messages with full end-to-end encryption
  • React to events in real-time (messages, tips, joins, leaves)
  • Execute slash commands with custom logic
  • Moderate channels (ban/unban users with proper permissions)
  • Check permissions before executing sensitive operations
  • Receive tips just like regular users
All of this with the same security guarantees as a user: end-to-end encryption for all messages. Additionally, the server can communicate with the onchain component, allowing it to:
  • Read from any smart contract
  • Write to contracts using the bot’s wallet
  • Execute complex DeFi operations (swaps, staking, liquidity provision)
  • Mint NFTs, manage DAOs, and interact with any Web3 protocol

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Use Cases

With these capabilities, you can build bots that:

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Communication & Engagement

  • AI assistants that answer questions using LLMs
  • Welcome bots that greet new members
  • Announcement bots for important updates
  • Poll and voting systems

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Moderation & Safety

  • Auto-moderation based on rules
  • Spam detection and prevention
  • Content filtering
  • User verification systems

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Onchain Integration

  • Tip tracking and leaderboards
  • Token price monitoring and alerts
  • NFT minting and distribution
  • DeFi operations (swaps, staking, yield farming)
  • DAO proposal notifications and voting

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External Services

  • GitHub integration for code updates
  • Calendar and meeting reminders
  • Weather and news updates
  • Custom webhooks from any service

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Next Steps

Ready to build your first bot? Continue to the Getting Started guide to create and deploy your bot in minutes.