For realtime control, you will need to use a Python MQTT client (we use the API for record storage and MQTT for realtime control). The MQTT server documentation lists the MQTT channels that farmbot uses, as well as how to log on to the server.
- Example application I wrote that controls a FarmBot via IRC chat
- Example application written by @mdingena that uses telegram
- CeleryScript documentation (our internal message format)
A good starting point would be to connect to your FarmBot via a desktop MQTT client such as MQTTFx and observe the message patterns as the device operates. Were here to help if you have any questions.
Hope that helps!