# π Robotics MCP Platform - Complete Installation Guide
## Overview
The Robotics MCP Platform is a comprehensive robotics development environment that integrates physical robotics, virtual worlds, AI-powered control systems, and creative tools. This guide covers the complete setup process for all required software and hardware components.
---
## π System Requirements
### Minimum Hardware Requirements
- **CPU**: Intel i5-12600K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or better
- **RAM**: 32GB DDR4-3200 or better
- **GPU**: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (12GB VRAM) or better
- **Storage**: 500GB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD for datasets
- **OS**: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
- **Network**: Stable 100Mbps+ internet connection
### Recommended Hardware
- **CPU**: Intel i7-13700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- **RAM**: 64GB DDR5-5600
- **GPU**: NVIDIA RTX 4080/4090 (16GB+ VRAM)
- **Storage**: 1TB NVMe Gen4 SSD + 4TB HDD
- **Display**: 4K monitor for detailed 3D work
---
## π οΈ Core Development Environment
### 1. IDE Setup (Choose One)
#### Option A: Cursor IDE (Recommended)
```bash
# Download and install Cursor
# Visit: https://cursor.sh/
# Alternative: https://cursor.com/
# Install recommended extensions:
# - Python (Microsoft)
# - TypeScript/JavaScript
# - Unity (Visual Studio Marketplace)
# - Blender Development (Jacques Lucke)
# - Docker (Microsoft)
```
#### Option B: Antigravity IDE
```bash
# Download from: https://antigravity.xyz/
# Follow setup wizard for robotics development profile
```
### 2. Python Environment Setup
```bash
# Install Python 3.11+ (required for FastAPI compatibility)
# Download from: https://python.org/downloads/
# Create virtual environment
python -m venv robotics-env
robotics-env\Scripts\activate
# Install core dependencies
pip install fastapi uvicorn[standard] pydantic python-socketio aiohttp
pip install opencv-python pillow numpy requests python-dotenv
pip install openai anthropic
# Verify installation
python -c "import fastapi, uvicorn; print('β
Python environment ready')"
```
---
## π¨ Creative Tools Suite
### 3. Unity3D Setup
**Required Version**: Unity 2022.3 LTS or newer
```bash
# Download Unity Hub from: https://unity.com/download
# Install Unity Hub and create account
# Install Unity Editor:
# - Unity 2022.3.16f1 (LTS)
# - Add modules: Android Build Support, Windows Build Support
# Install Unity packages:
# - Universal Render Pipeline (URP)
# - Input System
# - Cinemachine
# - TextMeshPro
```
**Purpose**: 3D environment creation, robot simulation, VR integration
### 4. Blender Setup
**Required Version**: Blender 4.0+
```bash
# Download from: https://blender.org/download/
# Install Blender 4.0+ (LTS recommended)
# Install add-ons:
# - Go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons
# - Install: Node Wrangler, LoopTools, BoolTool
# - Enable: Import-Export: FBX format, OBJ format
# Optional: Install gsplat-unity plugin for Gaussian splat import
```
**Purpose**: 3D modeling, robot prototyping, environment assets
### 5. GIMP Setup
**Required Version**: GIMP 2.10.34+
```bash
# Download from: https://gimp.org/downloads/
# Install with all optional components
# Recommended plugins:
# - Resynthesizer (content-aware fill)
# - Liquid Rescale
# - G'MIC (effects and filters)
```
**Purpose**: Texture creation, image processing for robot vision
### 6. VRChat (PCVR) Setup
**Required Version**: Latest PC version
```bash
# Download VRChat from Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/438100/VRChat/
# System Requirements:
# - VR Headset: Meta Quest 2/3/Pro, Valve Index, HTC Vive
# - Minimum: GTX 1060 / RX 580
# - Recommended: RTX 3070 / RX 6700 XT
# Create VRChat account and complete setup wizard
# Join robotics/developer communities for testing
```
**Purpose**: Virtual reality testing environment, social robotics simulation
---
## π€ MCP Servers Setup
### 7. Core MCP Server Installation
```bash
# Clone the MCP servers repository
cd D:\Dev\repos
git clone https://github.com/your-org/mcp-servers.git
# Install each server:
cd mcp-servers
# Blender MCP Server
cd blender-mcp
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Configure Blender path in config.json
# GIMP MCP Server
cd ../gimp-mcp
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Configure GIMP executable path
# Unity MCP Server
cd ../unity-mcp
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Configure Unity Editor path
# VRChat MCP Server
cd ../vrchat-mcp
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Configure VRChat SDK paths
# Robotics MCP Server (this repo)
cd ../robotics-mcp
pip install -r requirements.txt
```
### 8. MCP Server Configuration
```json
// config/mcp-servers.json
{
"servers": {
"blender": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["-m", "blender_mcp.server"],
"env": {
"BLENDER_PATH": "C:\\Program Files\\Blender Foundation\\Blender 4.0\\blender.exe"
}
},
"gimp": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["-m", "gimp_mcp.server"],
"env": {
"GIMP_PATH": "C:\\Program Files\\GIMP 2\\bin\\gimp-2.10.exe"
}
},
"unity": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["-m", "unity_mcp.server"],
"env": {
"UNITY_PATH": "C:\\Program Files\\Unity\\Hub\\Editor\\2022.3.16f1\\Editor\\Unity.exe"
}
}
}
}
```
---
## π AI & Cloud Services
### 9. WorldLabs.ai Account Setup
**Cost**: β¬35/month (not free)
```bash
# Visit: https://worldlabs.ai
# Create account and select Marble subscription
# Install WorldLabs SDK:
pip install worldlabs-sdk
# Configure API keys:
# Create .env file in project root
echo "WORLDLABS_API_KEY=your_api_key_here" > .env
echo "WORLDLABS_PROJECT_ID=your_project_id" >> .env
# Test connection:
python -c "import worldlabs; print('β
WorldLabs connected')"
```
**Purpose**: Gaussian splat generation, 3D world creation, AI-powered environment modeling
### 10. Niantic iPhone App Setup
```bash
# Download from App Store: "Niantic" or specific app
# Create account and link to main account
# Enable location services and camera permissions
# Configure for robotics data collection
# Optional: Set up Niantic SDK integration
pip install niantic-sdk # If available
```
**Purpose**: Real-world mapping data, location-based robotics testing
### 11. Escape.ai Setup (Optional - Fan Feature)
```bash
# Visit: https://escape.ai
# Create account (check current pricing)
# Install desktop app if available
# For Gaeta fan features:
# Enable experimental AI features
# Configure for creative robotics projects
```
**Purpose**: AI-powered creative tools, experimental features
---
## π§ Hardware Integration
### 12. Robot Hardware (Optional but Recommended)
#### Option A: Commercial Robot
- **Pilot Labs Scout E**: Tank tracks, waterproof, perimeter patrol
- **Boston Dynamics Spot**: Advanced mobility (expensive)
- **ANYbotics ANYmal**: Rough terrain navigation
#### Option B: DIY Robot Platform
- **Raspberry Pi 4/5** with servo controllers
- **Arduino Mega** for motor control
- **Jetson Nano/Orin** for AI processing
- **ESP32** for wireless communication
#### Option C: Modify Existing Toys
- **Petboot Loona**: Reverse engineer and upgrade
- **WowWee Robotics**: Hack existing consumer robots
```bash
# For USB camera integration (already configured):
# Connect any USB webcam
# System will auto-detect and stream at http://localhost:3000
```
### 13. Charge Point Infrastructure
```bash
# For unattended robot operation:
# Install smart power outlets (TP-Link Tapo)
# Configure automated charging schedules
# Set up power monitoring and alerts
```
---
## π Platform Installation & Startup
### 14. Final Setup Steps
```bash
# Clone the main repository
cd D:\Dev\repos
git clone https://github.com/your-org/robotics-webapp.git
cd robotics-webapp
# Install dependencies
pip install -r backend/requirements.txt
cd src && npm install
# Configure environment variables
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your API keys and paths
# Start the platform
# Backend (with watchfiles):
cd backend
python main.py
# Frontend (in new terminal):
cd ..
npm run dev
# Access at: http://localhost:3000
```
### 15. Verification Checklist
- [ ] Unity3D installed and configured
- [ ] Blender 4.0+ with required add-ons
- [ ] GIMP with recommended plugins
- [ ] VRChat PC version installed
- [ ] All MCP servers running
- [ ] NVIDIA RTX 4070+ detected
- [ ] Cursor/Antigravity IDE configured
- [ ] WorldLabs.ai account active
- [ ] Niantic app configured
- [ ] USB camera connected (optional)
- [ ] Platform accessible at localhost:3000
---
## π§ Troubleshooting
### Common Issues
**"GPU not detected"**
```bash
# Verify GPU
nvidia-smi
# Update NVIDIA drivers
# Visit: https://nvidia.com/drivers
```
**"MCP server connection failed"**
```bash
# Check server logs
tail -f logs/mcp-server.log
# Verify configuration
python -m json.tool config/mcp-servers.json
```
**"WorldLabs API error"**
```bash
# Check API key
echo $WORLDLABS_API_KEY
# Test connection
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer $WORLDLABS_API_KEY" https://api.worldlabs.ai/health
```
---
## π Additional Resources
- **Documentation**: `docs/` directory
- **API Reference**: http://localhost:8354/docs (when running)
- **Community**: Discord/VRChat robotics channels
- **Support**: GitHub Issues
---
## β οΈ Important Notes
- **WorldLabs.ai** requires a paid subscription (β¬35/month)
- **Hardware robots** are optional but enhance the experience
- **VRChat** requires compatible VR hardware
- **All MCP servers** must be running for full functionality
- **GPU requirements** are strict for AI features
**Ready to build the future of robotics! π€β¨**