Anthropic opens a research preview of the Model Hardware Standard for agents driving physical devices

Sources: primary, discussion
Summary: Anthropic published a research preview of the Model Hardware Standard, described as model-agnostic and reachable over the Model Context Protocol, for driving lab and manufacturing instruments such as microscopes, liquid handlers, and robotic arms. Anthropic states that MHS began as a collaboration with HHMI Janelia Research Campus. Access is gated rather than open: the preview goes to a first group of scientific research labs and advanced manufacturers, who are directed to apply for access, and open sourcing is stated as the plan rather than as done.
Why it matters: It extends the agent tool-protocol pattern from software APIs to any device with a programmable interface.
Follow-up: Track whether the specification is open sourced and which hardware vendors implement it.