set_lifecycle_transition · ROS 2 MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What set_lifecycle_transition does on ROS 2 MCP Server

AI agents invoke set_lifecycle_transition to trigger actions in ROS 2 MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_lifecycle_transition needs a policy

This tool triggers lifecycle state transitions in ROS 2 managed nodes, which executes operations that change node states (e.g., configure, activate, deactivate, shutdown). These transitions can start or stop physical systems, sensors, actuators, or robotic processes. Misuse could cause robots or machinery to enter unexpected states, potentially causing physical harm or system failures.

From the tool's definition Trigger lifecycle state transition

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_lifecycle_transition Rate-limited

set_lifecycle_transition stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "set_lifecycle_transition": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_lifecycle_transition_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches ROS 2 MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_lifecycle_transition

What does the set_lifecycle_transition tool do? +

Trigger lifecycle state transition. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the ROS 2 MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on set_lifecycle_transition? +

Register the ROS 2 MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_lifecycle_transition: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches ROS 2 MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_lifecycle_transition? +

set_lifecycle_transition is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit set_lifecycle_transition? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_lifecycle_transition rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block set_lifecycle_transition completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for set_lifecycle_transition. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides set_lifecycle_transition? +

set_lifecycle_transition is provided by the ROS 2 MCP Server MCP server (ranch-hand-robotics/rde-mcp-ros-2). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.