Kiro powers is a new feature in AWS agentic development tool that delivers dynamic, context-aware expertise as you code. It allows developers to focus more on shipping great products and less on configuration hassles.
Many current AI development tools fall short in two major areas. First, they lack framework-specific insights, often forcing developers to tweak outputs or consult documentation manually. Second, loading every possible tool or pattern at once leads to "context rot," where overloaded memory degrades both speed and quality. These issues create:
- Context guessing: Agents fail to deliver best practices for unfamiliar frameworks.
- Overloaded context: Loading too many tools slows down performance and reduces clarity.
- Fragmented solutions: Disconnected tools force developers to patch together integrations themselves.
Kiro Powers: Unified, On-Demand Expertise
Kiro powers address these pain points by bundling tools, context, and best practices for any technology into a single, dynamic package. Inspired by the "download a skill" idea from The Matrix, powers activate only when relevant, mention "payments" and the Stripe power activates, switch to "databases" and Supabase takes over. The promise is that everything is automatic, or at least close to it.
- Dynamic loading: Powers activate only the tools and knowledge you need for the task at hand.
- Unified configuration: Each power features a
POWER.mdonboarding file, MCP server details, and optional hooks for one-click setup. - Curated ecosystem: Kiro offers a growing library of ready-to-install powers, built in partnership with platforms like Figma, Netlify, Postman, Stripe, and Supabase. You can also create and share your own or import from GitHub and private sources.
- Cross-tool compatibility (coming soon): Powers are being designed to work not just in Kiro IDE, but across other AI development tools, offering true portability and standardization.
How Powers Operate: Efficiency and Precision
Each power is crafted for both relevance and efficiency. For instance, the Supabase power activates via keywords such as "database" or "postgres." Its onboarding process validates your environment and sets up necessary hooks. During development, the agent loads only workflow-specific knowledge, like RLS policies or Edge Functions, so your context window stays sharp, fast, and accurate.
- Keyword-based activation: Ensures only pertinent tools are loaded when needed.
- Guided onboarding: Powers validate dependencies and set up your workspace upon first use.
- On-demand workflows: Deep, task-focused guidance is loaded only as required, reducing cognitive load and resource consumption.
Continuous Learning and Future-Proofing
Kiro powers go beyond packaging, they create a framework for ongoing learning. As frameworks update or your team develops new tools, agents gain new skills automatically. When Supabase releases new security features, your agent benefits immediately. If your team builds an internal design system, share it as a power and distribute expertise instantly across your organization.
This attempts to mirror how top developers learn, by acquiring skills as needed rather than trying to know everything upfront. The outcome is a smarter, more agile, and always up-to-date AI development process.
Experience Instant Expertise
Kiro powers are transforming how developers leverage AI, making expertise easy to access, share, and adapt. Whether you're using curated integrations or building custom powers for your team, you'll spend less time on configuration and more on creation. Explore Kiro powers today and embrace the future of AI-driven software development.
For more information on the format and how to build your own Kiro Powers visit https://kiro.dev/blog/introducing-powers/
Revolutionizing AI Development with Kiro Powers: Instant, Context-Aware Expertise