Model Context Protocol moderate risk

Ros

ROS-MCP-Server bridges LLMs and robots via ROS/ROS2, enabling natural language robot control and AI-driven observation without modifying robot code.

Connections & Capabilities

Connects To

GitHub

Capabilities

readwriteexecadmin

Quickstart

Install

npx -y

Config

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ros-mcp-server": {
      "command": "uv",
      "args": [
        "--directory",
        "/ABSOLUTE/PATH/TO/PARENT/FOLDER/ros-mcp-server",,
        "run",
        "server.py"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Exposed MCP Tools (7)

safe

list_topics

Lists all available ROS topics.

Read-only operation, no side effects.

safe

get_topic_type

Retrieves the message type of a specified ROS topic.

Read-only operation, no side effects.

moderate

publish_topic

Publishes a message to a specified ROS topic.

Can control robot behavior, but requires knowledge of topic and message type.

safe

list_services

Lists all available ROS services.

Read-only operation, no side effects.

moderate

call_service

Calls a specified ROS service.

Can trigger robot actions, but requires knowledge of service and arguments.

safe

get_parameter

Retrieves the value of a specified ROS parameter.

Read-only operation, no side effects.

moderate

set_parameter

Sets the value of a specified ROS parameter.

Can alter robot configuration, but requires knowledge of parameter and value.

Safety Assessment

The ROS-MCP-Server offers a convenient way to integrate LLMs with robots, but it's crucial to understand the potential risks. It is relatively safe for read-only operations like listing topics and viewing message types. However, caution is advised when publishing to topics, calling services, or setting parameters, as these actions can directly affect the robot's behavior. Implementing proper network security and access controls is essential to mitigate risks.

No robot code changes required, reducing the risk of introducing bugs into existing robot control systems.
Supports listing topics, services, and message types, allowing for safe exploration of the robot's environment.
Provides a clear interface for interacting with the robot, potentially reducing the risk of unintended actions.
MCP-compatible, allowing integration with LLMs that may have their own safety mechanisms.

Allows publishing to topics and calling services, which can directly control the robot's behavior.
Enables setting parameters, potentially altering the robot's configuration in unexpected ways.
Lack of built-in permission controls in the current version increases the risk of unauthorized access.
Direct connection to ROS environment exposes the robot to potential vulnerabilities if the ROS network is not properly secured.