A step-by-step guide to deploying Hermes, an open-source self-improving AI agent by Nous Research, on a DigitalOcean Droplet. The tutorial covers installing Hermes, connecting it to Telegram via a message gateway, and extending it with a custom skill and MCP server to build a grocery tracking automation. The grocery agent monitors daily consumption, sends Telegram alerts when stock is low, and places orders automatically through a grocery delivery service. The pattern is reusable for any MCP-compatible service or repetitive task.
Table of contents
Step 1 - Creating the dropletStep 2 - Installing Hermes AgentStep 3 - Connecting Hermes to TelegramStep 4 - Understanding Skills and MCP ServersStep 5 - Building a Real-World Automation: Grocery TrackingStep 6- Authenticating with Your MCP ServerStep 7 - Testing the Full FlowSort: