Lightning Labs has introduced a new open-source toolkit that empowers AI agents to interact directly with the Bitcoin Lightning Network, enabling autonomous systems to make payments and access services natively.
This innovative solution addresses a crucial challenge in the evolving AI economy: facilitating transactions by agents without human involvement.
Michael Levin, Head of Product Growth at Lightning Labs, highlighted that this toolkit allows AI-driven systems to operate a Lightning node, execute payments for services, and host paid endpoints—all without requiring identity verification, API keys, or conventional registration processes.
The toolkit’s repository features seven modular components designed for various functions including node management, key isolation techniques, scoped credentials usage, L402-based payment handling, hosting paid endpoints securely, and querying node status efficiently.
‘Inget’ – Your Bitcoin Payment Agent
A standout element of this release is lnget—a command-line HTTP client compatible with the L402 payment standard. This standard derives from the HTTP 402 “Payment Required” status code used on the internet. Instead of relying on logins or API keys for access control, an L402-enabled server responds by issuing a Lightning invoice upon request.
lnget automatically processes these invoices by paying through an associated Lightning backend and then obtains cryptographic proof confirming payment. Once verified, it grants access to the requested resource while caching credentials for future requests to streamline repeated interactions.
The tools support multiple backend options: users can connect directly via gRPC to a local lnd node; utilize Lightning Node Connect which provides encrypted tunnel connections; or experiment using an embedded Neutrino light wallet. This versatility enables developers to test functionalities without running full nodes while maintaining compatibility with production environments.
Lightning Labs positions this launch as progress toward creating a “machine-payable web.” Traditional financial infrastructures like credit cards or bank accounts are ill-suited for autonomous agents that require instant programmatic payments often involving very small amounts.
The integration of lnget on clients alongside Lighting Labs’ Aperture reverse proxy server completes a commerce cycle where one agent can offer paid services and another can consume them seamlessly—payments being handled transparently via the Lightning Network behind the scenes.
Security Measures Around Private Keys
Security remains paramount within this toolkit. The recommended approach involves using LND’s remote signer architecture which decouples private key storage from active node operations—allowing agents interaction capabilities without direct exposure to sensitive keys.
Additionally, developers may leverage scoped credential tokens known as macaroons that restrict permissions (such as pay-only or read-only), thereby minimizing risks while enabling secure agent transactions across different scenarios.
This release aligns with growing initiatives aimed at integrating AI-driven payments more broadly into digital ecosystems. For instance, Coinbase recently launched Agentic Wallets permitting agents not only holding funds but also making payments and trading tokens via protocols like x402.
Meanwhile, Stripe has previewed machine-to-machine USDC payment capabilities.
This article originally appeared on Bitcoin Magazine authored by Micah Zimmerman.