llm-arduino-mcp

An intelligent backend server that uses Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate, compile, and upload Arduino, ESP8266, and ESP32 firmware automatically — powered by Ollama and Arduino CLI.

LLM + MCP inspired flow

Generate, compile, and upload Arduino sketches automatically using natural language prompts and local Ollama LLM models.

Features

• Ollama local LLM API for private codegen
• Automated compile & upload using Arduino CLI
• Supports multiple boards: Arduino Uno, ESP8266, ESP32 — extend easily
• Simple Express API — plug into your own frontend

Quick Start

1. Install and run Ollama (ollama serve)
   • ollama run llama3.2
2. Install and configure arduino-cli
3. Clone this repo and npm run start (or bun run version)
4. Send POST request with your prompt:

   curl -X POST http://localhost:3000/generate-arduino \
     -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
     -d '{"prompt": "Write Arduino code to blink LED on pin 2 using ESP32."}'
   

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MCP (Model Context Protocol) Status

This project partially follows MCP (Model Context Protocol) principles:

• Uses structured system + user roles.
• Passes prompt context in a clear format.
• Automates an external tool (Arduino CLI) based on generated context.

Planned Improvements for MCP Compliance

• Add a versioned Context Registry for reusable system instructions.
• Support custom context creation and switching via REST.
• Standardize request/response payloads to fully align with OpenAI’s Chat API format.
• Add tool/plugin calls as structured operations.
• Store complete chain-of-thought and compile/upload logs.
• Add role-based API auth for context control.

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The goal is to evolve this project into a reusable, standards-friendly MCP backend for embedded LLM workflows.

Prerequisites

• Install arduino-cli
  • Refer: https://arduino.github.io/arduino-cli/1.2/

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/arduino/arduino-cli/master/install.sh | sh

Or download a copy of the Arduino CLI, place it in a directory of your choice, and make sure to add it to your system’s PATH according to your operating system.

arduino-cli core update-index
arduino-cli core install arduino:avr
arduino-cli core install esp8266:esp8266
arduino-cli core install esp32:esp32

• Add arduino-cli to the system path
• Ensure Ollama is setup on your machine
  • Refer: https://ollama.com/download

To install dependencies:

bun install

Update the server.js

• Update Ollama model as per your Ollama setup
  • Tested with llama3.2:latest
• Update Port for you board

const OLLAMA_URL = 'http://localhost:11434/api/chat'; // Change if your Ollama server is running on a different port
const SERIAL_PORT = 'COM5';        // Change as per your board
const OLLAMA_MODEL = 'llama3.2:latest'; // Change as per your Ollama setup

To run:

bun run start

Usage

• Make sure the Arduino Board is attached to the com port
• Run following from the terminal

curl --location 'http://localhost:3000/generate-arduino' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--data '{
    "prompt": "Write Arduino code for ESP8266 board to blink an LED on pin LED_BUILTIN every 3 seconds. Do not include any libraries."
}'

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Roadmap & Future Improvements

This project is a strong starting point for combining LLMs with embedded automation. Here are planned ideas to take it further:

• Web UI Enhancements

  • Add a proper web frontend with code syntax highlighting (e.g., Ace Editor or Monaco).
  • Display generated code nicely with download or copy buttons.
  • Show compilation logs and upload status in real-time.

• Board Management

  • Add a dropdown in the UI to select supported boards manually.
  • Fetch board list dynamically from a config file (boards.json).
  • Auto-detect connected boards and available serial ports.

• User Prompts & Templates

  • Offer ready-made prompt templates for common tasks (blink LED, read sensor, etc.).
  • Add prompt history and re-run support.

• Project Files

  • Allow multiple sketches and auto-archive generated code.
  • Provide an option to download the .ino as a zip.

• Security & Permissions

  • Add basic API authentication or API keys.
  • Validate generated code before compile/upload for safety.

• Docker & Deployment

  • Add a Dockerfile to package Ollama, Arduino CLI, and the server together.
  • Provide instructions for deployment on local networks or edge devices.

• CI/CD Integration

  • Use GitHub Actions to lint, test, and deploy the backend.
  • Add unit tests for code block & board parsing.

• Extensibility

  • Support other microcontroller families (RP2040, STM32, etc.).
  • Modular plugin system for new boards or new codegen models.

• Monitoring

  • Add basic logging & metrics for LLM usage, compile stats, success/failure rates.

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Want to contribute?
Feel free to open an Issue or PR for any of these improvements! Do start the project if you like it.