Why this article is worth reading:
- Learn how a $499 app replaces expensive industrial PCs, offering automation diagnostics through devices you likely already own or can buy inexpensively.
- Understand how complex automation monitoring becomes accessible with a five-minute setup on an Android device.
- Get insights on how companies like Mid Atlantic Automation are already using this technology to streamline their operations and reduce downtime.
Olis Robotics has released a remote automation monitoring, diagnostic and error recovery app that turns Android smartphones and tablets into gateways for any automation cell without the need for additional hardware.
By connecting an Android mobile device to a PLC through the new Olis app, users can remotely control a robot arm and view live video of a remote robot with PLC/telemetry data overlaid, enabling users to diagnose issues from anywhere.
“We're capturing all telemetry through an Ethernet cable straight into the Android tablet to provide access to remote control commands like start, stop and run,” explained Fredrik Ryden, CEO of Olis Robotics. “We can also see the I/Os and even the teach pendant remotely. This is really everything a robot expert needs to diagnose a robot cell because they also have the live video feed. When you have the telemetry, the controls and the live video, you can do pretty much anything at that point.”
The Olis app synchronizes real-time video with system logs, providing a complete picture of any issues occurring in the robot cell. Users can also set up alerts to notify them of irregular activity.
According to Ryden, set-up of the app takes less than five minutes, making it an efficient retrofit for legacy automation systems.
“Users simply download the Olis app onto an Android tablet or phone and connect an Ethernet connection to the controller,” he said. “From there, they can configure IP addresses and start collecting diagnostic data. This means they no longer need to invest in industrial PCs — they can now access the entire automation cell directly through a mobile device, making setup and support significantly more streamlined.”
The Olis app also supports screen-sharing functionality, enabling troubleshooting teams to collaborate in real-time.
At Mid Atlantic Automation, a supplier of fabrication and machine tool technology, the app is being used in press brake tending applications, where it continuously monitors performance and operational data.
“Deploying the Olis app on an Android tablet is the easiest way to add diagnostics capabilities to our machines,” said Josh Mayse, vice president and co-founder of Mid Atlantic Automation.
In the video below, Fredrik Ryden of Olis Robotics explains the new app.
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