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

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]"

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

Open your Claude Desktop configuration:

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

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:

create_matlab_script: Create a new MATLAB script file
- Scripts are saved in the matlab_scripts directory
- File names must be valid MATLAB identifiers
create_matlab_function: Create a new MATLAB function file
- Functions are saved in the matlab_scripts directory
- Must include valid function definition
execute_matlab_script: Run a MATLAB script and get results
- Returns output text, generated figures, and workspace variables
- Can pass arguments to scripts
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

MATLAB Engine Installation Fails
- Verify MATLAB_PATH is correct
- Try installing engine manually:
  cd $MATLAB_PATH/extern/engines/python python setup.py install
Python Version Issues
- Make sure you're using Python 3.11
- Check with: python --version
- Use uv python pin 3.11 if needed
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