Previewing the Model Hardware Standard
anthropic ·
Anthropic has introduced a research preview of the Model Hardware Standard (MHS), a shared specification designed to let AI agents safely operate physical devices such as microscopes, liquid handlers, and robotic arms. Developed with HHMI Janelia Research Campus, MHS aims to reduce hardware integration time in labs and factories from weeks or months to minutes by using standardized drivers with simple commands and natural-language device information. The standard is model-agnostic, works with any programmable device, and can be accessed via protocols like the Model Context Protocol, command-line interfaces, or APIs. Anthropic tested MHS with partners in biotech, robotics, and quantum computing, including Genentech, which used it to automate a BCA protein assay by coordinating a liquid handler, robotic arm, and plate reader. Early results showed that Claude could orchestrate multi-device experiments, adjust parameters in real time, and even optimize liquid-handling flow rates autonomously. MHS is being shared with select partners to develop safety evaluations and best practices before it is made open source.
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