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Concepts

How Swarm AI connects AI agents to lab devices.

How It Works​

Claude/Your App  ──▶  Swarm Cloud  ──▶  swarm-client  ──▶  Devices
     (MCP/API)         (hosted)        (in your lab)      (physical)
  1. You ask Claude to control a device
  2. Claude calls Swarm AI via MCP
  3. Swarm Cloud routes the command to your lab
  4. swarm-client executes on the physical device
  5. Results flow back to Claude

Device IDs​

Each device has a unique device_id set during swarm-client configuration:

  • lab1-shaker-01
  • building-a-centrifuge
  • my-preciseflex

Use these IDs when talking to Claude or calling the API.

Authentication​

All access requires an API key:

  • MCP: Configured in Claude Desktop/Code settings
  • REST API: Pass in X-API-Key header

Your API key is tied to your organization. You only see your own devices.

Security​

  • All traffic encrypted (HTTPS/WSS)
  • Device commands execute locally in your lab
  • Only commands and responses travel through Swarm Cloud

What's Next?​