Architecture

What Is MCP Server?

A service that exposes tools and data to an AI agent through the Model Context Protocol, enabling standardized integrations with external systems.

In Plain English

An MCP server is a tool adapter. It takes an external system — GitHub, Slack, Stripe, a database, a file system — and exposes it as a set of tools that any MCP-compatible agent can use.

The server handles authentication with the external system, translates the agent's tool calls into API requests, and returns structured results. This abstraction means the agent does not need to know how each API works — it just calls standardized MCP tools.

OpenClaw ships with support for hundreds of MCP servers. You can also build custom MCP servers for internal tools and APIs that are unique to your organization.

Why It Matters for OpenClaw

MCP servers are how AI agents interact with the real world. Without them, agents can only generate text. With them, agents can read emails, manage projects, process payments, and control any system with an API.

How Clawctl Helps

Clawctl provides 200+ pre-configured MCP server integrations. Add servers through the dashboard. Credentials are encrypted. Every MCP tool call is logged in the audit trail.

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Common Questions

How do I add an MCP server?

Configure it in your openclaw.json or through the Clawctl dashboard. Add the server URL and credentials.

Can I build my own MCP server?

Yes. The MCP SDK supports TypeScript, Python, and other languages. Build a server for any API in hours.

Are MCP server calls audited?

Yes. Every tool call through an MCP server is logged with parameters and results in the Clawctl audit trail.