What it does
MATLAB MCP connects MBD Mind to a live MATLAB and Simulink session on your computer through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). The LLM plans steps; the desktop app executes real toolkit tools against your models.
What MCP does in MBD Mind
Without MCP, the agent only sees text you paste. With MCP enabled, it can:
- Run MATLAB code (
evaluate_matlab_code) - List loaded Simulink models
- Read block diagrams, parameters, and interfaces (
model_read,model_overview) - Apply structured edits (
model_edit) - Run Gherkin-style model tests (
model_test) when Simulink Test is available
The agent does not run MATLAB inside the cloud. Tools execute locally via the Simulink Agentic Toolkit MCP server while MATLAB is running on your machine.
How a typical turn works
- You ask, for example: "Add a Gain block to my_controller.slx"
- The agent selects native MCP tools (not hand-wavy code blocks).
- MBD Mind calls the toolkit — often
model_read→model_edit→model_readto verify. - Results return to the model; you see tool cards and an Activity log entry (Native MCP tool loop).
Project folder vs MATLAB folder
MBD Mind tracks an active project folder (your repo root). That is separate from MATLAB's pwd. The agent is instructed to use the project path for workspace context and only discuss MATLAB pwd when you ask explicitly.
MathWorks skills
For reliable edits, the app loads MathWorks skills on demand (e.g. building-simulink-models). Sources include:
- Bundled
resources/skills/in the installer %USERPROFILE%\.agents\skills\after toolkit setup- Project
.cursor/skills/if present
The Activity log lists loaded skills when they are used.
What MCP does not do
- Replace a MATLAB license or Simulink installation
- Run simulations on a remote cluster by itself (use MATLAB APIs in your project)
- Upload your
.slxsource to MBD Mind servers — execution stays local
Prerequisites
You need MATLAB R2021b+, the Simulink Agentic Toolkit, and a running MATLAB session. MBD Mind can download and configure the toolkit for you from Settings → Connection → Install Simulink toolkit. See Requirements and Enabling it.