MATLAB MCP Server

MATLAB MCP Server

This Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provides integration with MATLAB, allowing you to create and execute MATLAB scripts and functions through Claude or other MCP clients.

Setup Requirements

• Python 3.11 (Python 3.13 and 3.12 are not currently supported by MATLAB Engine)
• MATLAB R2024a (or compatible version)
• uv package manager

Installation

1. Create and set up the Python environment:

# Pin Python version
uv python pin 3.11

# Create virtual environment
uv venv

# Activate virtual environment
source .venv/bin/activate

# Install MCP
uv add "mcp[cli]"

2. Install MATLAB Engine The MATLAB Engine will be installed automatically when the server first runs, using the MATLAB installation specified in the MATLAB_PATH environment variable.

Directory Structure

• matlab_server.py: The main MCP server implementation
• matlab_scripts/: Directory where all MATLAB scripts and functions are saved (created automatically)
• pyproject.toml: Python project configuration
• .python-version: Specifies Python version for uv

Claude Desktop Integration

1. Open your Claude Desktop configuration:

# On macOS
code ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

2. Add the MATLAB server configuration:

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "matlab": {
            "command": "uv",
            "args": [
                "--directory",
                "/absolute/path/to/matlab-mcp",
                "run",
                "matlab_server.py"
            ],
            "env": {
                "MATLAB_PATH": "/Applications/MATLAB_R2024a.app"
            }
        }
    }
}

Make sure to:

• Replace /absolute/path/to/matlab-mcp with the actual path to your project directory
• Verify the MATLAB_PATH points to your MATLAB installation
• Use absolute paths (not relative)

Features

The server provides several tools:

1. create_matlab_script: Create a new MATLAB script file

   • Scripts are saved in the matlab_scripts directory
   • File names must be valid MATLAB identifiers

2. create_matlab_function: Create a new MATLAB function file

   • Functions are saved in the matlab_scripts directory
   • Must include valid function definition

3. execute_matlab_script: Run a MATLAB script and get results

   • Returns output text, generated figures, and workspace variables
   • Can pass arguments to scripts

4. call_matlab_function: Call a MATLAB function with arguments

   • Returns function output and any generated figures

Testing

You can test the server using the MCP Inspector:

# Make sure you're in your virtual environment
source .venv/bin/activate

# Run the inspector
MATLAB_PATH=/Applications/MATLAB_R2024a.app mcp dev matlab_server.py

Example test script:

t = 0:0.01:2*pi;
y = sin(t);
plot(t, y);
title('Test Plot');
xlabel('Time');
ylabel('Amplitude');

Script Storage

• All MATLAB scripts and functions are saved in the matlab_scripts directory
• This directory is created automatically when the server starts
• Files are named <script_name>.m or <function_name>.m
• The directory is in the same location as matlab_server.py

Environment Variables

• MATLAB_PATH: Path to your MATLAB installation
  • Default: /Applications/MATLAB_R2024a.app
  • Set in Claude Desktop config or when running directly

Troubleshooting

1. MATLAB Engine Installation Fails

   • Verify MATLAB_PATH is correct
   • Try installing engine manually:

     cd $MATLAB_PATH/extern/engines/python
     python setup.py install
     

2. Python Version Issues

   • Make sure you're using Python 3.11
   • Check with: python --version
   • Use uv python pin 3.11 if needed

3. Script Execution Errors

   • Check the matlab_scripts directory exists
   • Verify script syntax is valid
   • Look for error messages in MATLAB output

Updates and Maintenance

• Keep your MATLAB installation updated
• Update Python packages as needed: uv pip install --upgrade mcp[cli]
• Check MATLAB engine compatibility when updating Python