Local Runners, introduced as "ngrok for AI models," enable developers to run AI models directly on their local hardware while maintaining the benefits of Clarifai's platform for API handling, routing, and integration. This approach is particularly useful for projects that require access to local files, private data, or regulated environments, as it avoids the need to upload models to the cloud or manage complex infrastructure. By using Local Runners, developers can securely serve models, such as Hugging Face models, from their laptops or on-prem servers, ensuring data privacy and reducing deployment delays. The system is designed to handle API requests by routing them to the local machine, where they are processed and returned, mimicking the behavior of a Clarifai-hosted model. Developers can customize models through the Clarifai CLI and configure them using a predefined directory structure, allowing for rapid prototyping and iteration without extensive setup. Additionally, Clarifai offers a Free Tier and a Developer Plan to access Local Runners, providing flexibility and scalability for different development needs.