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Ros MCP Server

Ros MCP Server is a Python MCP server that connects compatible language-model clients with ROS robots, exposing robot interfaces for observation and control.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Ros MCP Server — OpenViST project profile in MCP & Tooling.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use it when you want an MCP-compatible client to inspect or interact with interfaces in an existing ROS environment, including for diagnostics, robot operation, or simulation.

Who it is for

  • Robotics developers working with ROS 1 or ROS 2 who want to connect a compatible MCP client to a robot.
  • Teams exploring natural-language access to robot status, diagnostics, or available ROS interfaces.

Documented uses

  • Discover ROS topics, services, actions, and message types, including custom interfaces.
  • Read sensor data and monitor robot state through an MCP client.
  • Publish to topics, call services or actions, and set ROS parameters.
  • Connect an MCP client to a ROS 2 navigation or manipulation setup.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The repository is public and licensed under Apache 2.0. The README lists Python 3.10+ and pip 23.0+.

  • The integration uses ROS and MCP: a ROS environment and a compatible MCP client are relevant prerequisites.
  • The README describes adding a rosbridge node to an existing ROS setup and says robot source-code changes are not required.
  • The server exposes both observation and command paths, including topics, services, actions, and parameters.
  • Listed client examples include Claude Code, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, Claude Desktop, ChatGPT, and Cursor.
  • The project describes a ROS 2 example combining Nav2 and MoveIt; hardware and robot configurations differ.

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Install and start RobotMCP Server with pipx

Install the RobotMCP Server and start it to obtain an MCP URL for a compatible client.

Before you start

  • Python 3.10 or later
  • Git
  • An MCP-compatible client for the later connection step

Steps

  1. Install the server with pipx using the repository installation command shown in the getting-started guide.

  2. Run robotmcp-server for the first run; complete the prompted login or signup and provide a robot name.

  3. Copy the MCP URL printed by the server for use in an MCP-compatible client.

  4. Run robotmcp-server verify to check configuration, local connectivity, tunnel authentication, DNS resolution, and endpoint reachability.

Expected outcome

The server starts in the background and displays an MCP URL; the verification command runs the listed diagnostics.

Guide limitations

  • The guide says ROS-MCP modules are downloaded automatically on first run with pipx, but pipx installs cannot add, remove, or update modules.
  • Connecting a client is a separate stage; the guide describes OAuth steps for Claude.ai and ChatGPT, and notes that only the server creator can connect unless access is shared through the dashboard.
  • The documented flow creates a Cloudflare tunnel; it does not describe a local-only alternative.
Documentation 1 ↗
Source-based practical guide

Install RobotMCP Server from a recursive clone

Set up an editable RobotMCP Server installation before starting its server.

Before you start

  • Python 3.10 or later
  • Git

Steps

  1. Clone the repository with its submodules using the recursive-clone command in the getting-started guide.

  2. Change into the cloned robotmcp_server directory and install it with the command below.

    Documented command
    pip install -e .

  3. Run robotmcp-server and follow the first-run prompts for login or signup and a robot name.

  4. Copy the MCP URL displayed at startup; run robotmcp-server verify to check the listed diagnostics.

Expected outcome

The editable installation starts the server and displays an MCP URL; the guide states editable installs support adding, removing, and updating modules.

Guide limitations

  • The guide describes module management as requiring an editable install; it does not provide ROS robot configuration steps in this setup flow.
  • The first-run process creates a Cloudflare tunnel and starts the MCP server in the background.
  • Use of an MCP URL from a client is a separate connection stage.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗Guide documentation ↗
Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
12 October 2026
Original website title
robotmcp/ros-mcp-server · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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