Lightning Labs has released a new open-source toolkit that allows artificial intelligence (AI) agents to send and receive bitcoin payments on their own. These payments happen over the Lightning Network and do not require human approval, accounts, logins , or API keys.

The launch marks a significant step toward what the company calls a “machine-payable web,” where AI systems can independently pay for data, services, and digital resources.

Lightning Labs builds technology for the Lightning Network, which runs on top of the Bitcoin mainchain. The Lightning Network is designed to make Bitcoin transactions much faster and cheaper. With this new toolkit, the company wants AI systems to use Bitcoin just as easily as humans do.

AI agents are becoming more powerful. They can write code, answer emails, analyze data, and manage tasks. However, they still struggle when it comes to making payments.

Traditional payment systems depend on human identity; credit cards, bank accounts, and payment apps that require names, documents, and manual approval. AI agents do not have IDs or bank accounts.

As Lightning Labs explained, “Agents can read documentation, write code, and call APIs, but they still can’t easily pay for things. They need to transact instantly, programmatically, and at massive scale.”

Because of this, AI systems need a payment method that works automatically, instantly, and in very small amounts. The Lightning Network is built for that kind of use.

The toolkit uses a system called L402. It is based on an old internet message protocol called HTTP 402 “Payment Required.” Instead of asking for a password or API key, a website can send a Lightning invoice.

When the AI agent pays that invoice, it receives digital proof of payment. That proof works like a key and allows the agent to access the service or data.

Lightning Labs also introduced a tool called “lnget.” It works like simple internet download tools. If an AI agent tries to access paid content, lnget automatically handles the payment in the background. There is no need for manual steps.

Michael Levin, head of product development at Lightning Labs, said the tools allow agents to use Bitcoin payments without mandatory identification, API keys, or registration.

The toolkit includes several “skills” that allow AI agents to fully operate on the Lightning Network. They can run a Lightning node, manage permissions, host paid services, and even complete buying and selling tasks with other agents.

On the server side, developers can use a tool called Aperture. It allows them to turn normal APIs into pay-per-use services. This creates what the company describes as a full “agent commerce loop.”

This means one AI agent could sell data or services, while another AI agent pays for them automatically.

The system also includes spending limits and permission controls. Developers can decide how much money an agent can spend and what actions it is allowed to take. These allow for fine-grained permissions, such as “pay-only” or “read-only.” This helps prevent misuse.

For extra safety, the toolkit supports a “remote signer” setup. This keeps private keys stored on a separate machine. Even if the AI system is hacked, the private keys remain protected.