Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Anthropic Gives Claude Tools to Operate Laboratory Machines
Anthropic is testing a way for its Claude AI to control real machines.
The system is called the Model Hardware Standard, or MHS.
It helps different devices communicate with an AI using common commands.
Claude could potentially use microscopes, lasers, robotic arms, and other laboratory tools.
The AI can read information from a machine and change some of its settings.
In one test, Claude adjusted a laser, watched what happened, and made a script to align it.
This could help researchers run experiments more quickly and automatically.
But incorrect commands could damage equipment, ruin samples, or cause safety problems, so MHS is currently being tested by selected partners.
Anthropic introduced a research preview of its Model Hardware Standard for AI control of physical devices.
MHS uses standardized drivers and read/write commands to connect agents with programmable equipment.
The system can coordinate microscopes, liquid handlers, lasers, robotic arms, and manufacturing instruments.
Anthropic says Claude tested a laser by adjusting settings, observing results, and creating an alignment script.
Selected partners are testing MHS while Anthropic develops safety evaluations and guidance before open-sourcing it.
- Who
- Anthropic, its Claude AI model, HHMI Janelia Research Campus, and selected partners in science, robotics, electronics, and manufacturing.
- What
- A research preview of the Model Hardware Standard, a shared specification for letting AI agents communicate with and operate programmable physical devices.
- When
- Anthropic announced the research preview on Thursday, August 27; the articles do not specify the year.
- Where
- Scientific research laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and other settings using programmable equipment.
- Why
- To reduce custom hardware integration work, support automated experiments and workflows, and develop safer ways for AI agents to operate physical equipment.
Potential Benefits
Safety Concerns
Research automation
Potential Benefits
MHS could let AI agents coordinate equipment, update experimental parameters in real time, run round-the-clock workflows, and automate parts of scientific research.
Safety Concerns
An incorrect command to a robotic arm or laboratory instrument could damage equipment, destroy samples, or create safety hazards.
Hardware integration
Potential Benefits
A common standard could replace many bespoke integrations and make it easier for devices and AI agents to discover and communicate with one another.
Safety Concerns
Different machines have physical limits and specialized operating requirements that may not be fully apparent from their software interfaces.
Deployment
Potential Benefits
Testing with partners across several industries could help establish a broader ecosystem for AI-assisted physical research and manufacturing.
Safety Concerns
MHS remains an early research preview, and Anthropic is developing additional safety evaluations, safeguards, and deployment guidance before open-sourcing it.
- Standard
- The Model Hardware Standard is a research preview designed to connect AI agents with physical devices.
- Commands
- MHS drivers use simple read and write primitives, such as getting or setting a machine's temperature.
- Supported equipment
- Examples include microscopes, liquid handlers, lasers, robotic arms, and laboratory and manufacturing instruments.
- Integration goal
- Anthropic says MHS could reduce hardware integration work that normally takes weeks or months to hours or minutes.
- Demonstration
- Claude adjusted a laser, observed its response through a camera, and created a script that aligned the laser with one command.
- Safety information
- MHS can provide AI agents with natural-language descriptions of equipment capabilities, limitations, and operating restrictions.
- Availability
- An early version is being shared with selected partners while Anthropic develops safety evaluations and best practices.
