ThingsPanel

ThingsPanel MCP Server provides a programmable interface that lets you interact with ThingsPanel IoT data and devices using natural language, retrieve device information, monitor real-time telemetry, and issue control commands through an MCP client. It centralizes AI-assisted control and analysis for your IoT deployment, making it easier to build AI-enabled workflows and insights.

How to use

Install and run the MCP server with your client to start querying devices and issuing commands. You can use the MCP with chat assistants or AI models to ask for device status, retrieve sensor readings, list devices, or control actuators. The server accepts your API key and the ThingsPanel base URL, and then you can send natural language requests to access device data and perform actions.

How to install

Prerequisites: install Python 3.8 or newer, create a ThingsPanel account, and obtain an API key.

Option 1: Pip Installation

pip install thingspanel-mcp

Option 2: Source Code Installation (clone and install in editable mode)

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/ThingsPanel/thingspanel-mcp.git

# Navigate to project directory
cd thingspanel-mcp

# Install the project in editable mode
pip install -e .

Configuration and usage notes

Choose a configuration method and provide your API key and base URL to connect to ThingsPanel.

Direct command line configuration (recommended)

thingspanel-mcp --api-key "Your API Key" --base-url "Your ThingsPanel Base URL"

Environment variable configuration (alternative)

# Add to your shell profile
export THINGSPANEL_API_KEY="Your API Key"
export THINGSPANEL_BASE_URL="Your ThingsPanel Base URL"

# Apply changes
source ~/.bashrc  # or source ~/.zshrc

Claude Desktop Integration

To integrate with Claude Desktop, add a configuration entry that launches the MCP server with your credentials.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "thingspanel": {
      "command": "thingspanel-mcp",
      "args": [
        "--api-key", "Your API Key",
        "--base-url", "Your Base URL"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Interaction examples

Use natural language to query and control devices, such as asking for sensor readings, listing devices, turning devices on or off, or viewing recent activity.

Security

The MCP server uses token-based authentication and secure credential handling to protect access to your ThingsPanel data and devices.

Notes

This server requires a valid API key and a base URL for the ThingsPanel platform. Store credentials securely and avoid embedding them in shared scripts.