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What is OLO?

OLO is a comprehensive ROS2 accelerator platform that transforms robot programming from complex to simple. It's an all-in-one solution that supercharges ROS2 with internet connectivity, advanced visualization, and cross-language programming capabilities.

The OLO Platform

OLO consists of three main components working together:

  1. OLO Portal - Web-based development environment, visualization, cloud simulation and management dashboard
  2. OLO Appliance - Robot-side software that bridges ROS2 to the internet (Docker container or hardware)
  3. OLO Client SDK - Multi-language programming libraries (JavaScript and Python) for robot control

This documentation focuses primarily on the OLO Client SDK, which provides programmatic access to robots through the OLO platform. Whether you're using the browser-based SDK Playground or building standalone applications, the SDK is your interface to robot control.

What OLO Provides

Plug & Play Simplicity

  • Simplified Configuration - All ROS2 dependencies and configuration handled automatically on the Appliance
  • Instant Connectivity - Connect via WiFi, connect to portal, and start programming immediately
  • No Driver Installation - Works with standard ROS2 robots without additional software
  • Universal Compatibility - Supports any ROS2-compatible robot or simulation
  • Extensible - Assisted install of ROS2 drivers and extensions. You can even build your own ROS driver!

Internet-Native Robot Control

  • Remote Programming - Control robots from anywhere in the world via secure websocket/WebRTC connections
  • Cross-Platform Access - Program from any device with a web browser
  • Multi-Robot Coordination - Control multiple robots simultaneously with pub/sub architecture
  • Cloud & Edge Deployment - Run code in the cloud or deploy to robot-side appliances

Advanced Telepresence & Telemetry

  • WebRTC Streaming - Low-latency, high-quality topic data and video feeds
  • 3D Visualization - Real-time URDF-based robot visualization and environment mapping
  • LiDAR & Depth Camera Support - Point cloud visualization and processing
  • Comprehensive Telemetry - Real-time monitoring and historical data storage
  • Interactive Teleoperation - Direct robot control through web interfaces

Multi-Language Programming

  • JavaScript - Full-featured robot programming in the world's most popular language
  • Python Support - Native Python execution
  • Standard Web APIs - Familiar development patterns for web developers

Cloud Simulation

  • Zero Installation - Run robot simulations entirely in the cloud with no local setup required
  • Instant Testing - Quickly test and iterate on your code without needing physical robot hardware
  • Multiple Robot Types - Access pre-configured simulations for various robot platforms
  • Seamless Transition - Code written for Cloud Sim works identically on real robots

Cloud Sim is particularly valuable for learning, prototyping, and validating robot behaviors before deploying to real hardware. Simply select a simulated robot from the portal and start programming immediately.

Integrated Development Experience

  • SDK Playground - Browser-based IDE with AI assistance and live execution
  • Rich Visualization - 3D robot models, sensor data, and mapping visualization
  • Script Management & Orchestration - Save, share, schedule, and chain robot programs
  • Cloud Sim Integration - Seamless transition between cloud simulation and real robots

Flexible Deployment

  • Cloud-Based - Instant access through web browser, no installation required
  • Docker Container - Download and run on your own hardware
  • Hardware Appliance - Pre-configured plug-and-play device
  • On-Robot - Install directly on robot's computer where appropriate