Ardupilot MCP Server Sandbox

🚀 ArduPilot MCP Server Sandbox

ArduPilot MCP Server is a server that combines ArduPilot, a drone platform, with Large Language Models (LLMs) to enable natural - language operations using the Mission Control Protocol (MCP). MCP hosts such as Claude Desktop or Cline can connect to and control drones through this server.

Video link: youtu.be/y1WE1cDC54Y?si=iy6vdGl38aTRcFcF

🚀 Quick Start

✨ Operating Environment (Supports SITL Testing)

• ArduPilot (SITL or actual device)
• MAVLink communication can listen on tcp:127.0.0.1:5762
• Python 3.10+

💻 Using the Mission Planner Simulator

To conveniently test ArduPilot drones, you can use the built - in simulator of Mission Planner.

Steps:

1. Install Mission Planner.
2. After starting, click the Simulation button in the top menu.
3. Select Multirotor in the pop - up interface.
4. Click the Stable button in the dialog box.
5. The ArduPilot simulator starts and begins listening on tcp:127.0.0.1:5762.

📦 Installation and Configuration Steps

1. Prepare the Python environment:

   • It is recommended to use Python 3.10+.
   • Supports Windows / macOS / Linux.

2. Install the required tools:

pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Manually start the MCP server to confirm the running status:

python ardupilot_mcp_server.py

If it displays "Starting the MCP server...", the configuration is complete.

📚 Integration Steps with Cline

1. Register on OpenRouter and obtain an API Key.
2. Install the Cline extension in VS Code.
3. Add the following content to the settings.json file in VS Code:

{
    "cline.apiKey": "sk-xxxxxxx",
    "cline.apiBaseUrl": "https://openrouter.ai/api/v1",
    "cline.defaultModel": "deepseek/deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free",
    "cline.customTools": [
        {
            "name": "ArduPilot MCP Server",
            "type": "custom",
            "outputFile": "ardupilot_mcp_server.log",
            "command": "python ardupilot_mcp_server.py"
        }
    ]
}

💻 Usage Examples

You can control ArduPilot by issuing natural - language instructions through Cline or Claude Desktop:

• "Please help me start the arming mode of ArduPilot."
• "Please raise the drone to a height of 10 meters."
• "Please change the flight mode to GUIDED."
• "Please disconnect the arming state of ArduPilot."

⚠️ Important Note

The actual supported natural - language instructions depend on the toolset registered in the MCP server.