Olis App Turns Android Device Into Remote Diagnostic Tool for Robotics

Downtime in manufacturing with an automated system isn't just frustrating—it can be expensive and take hours, days, or even weeks to correct. For companies relying on robots and PLCs to keep their lines moving, every minute of halted production can mean missed deadlines, lost revenue, and a scramble to diagnose issues with systems that often require an expert physically on site.

At this year’s Automate, Olis Robotics revealed a lightweight, affordable solution: a $499/year Android app that turns tablets and smartphones into fully functional remote diagnostic tools for robotic systems. With just a dongle and an Ethernet cable, users can connect to industrial controllers, stream video, analyze system logs, and troubleshoot faults from virtually anywhere.

The Olis Android app supports real-time controller data and video streaming for quick and simple remote troubleshooting. Image used courtesy of Olis Robotics

The Olis Android App

The Olis Android app brings industrial-grade diagnostic capabilities to devices that fit in your backpack. Once the tablet or smartphone is connected to a PLC, the app overlays telemetry data on live video streams, giving users a real-time view of both the robot’s physical activity and its internal state. Engineers can scrub through synchronized logs and time-stamped footage to identify faults without relying on secondhand reports or having to be on site.

As an added benefit, the setup can be finished in under five minutes. All that’s required is an Android device, an Ethernet cable, a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, and the Olis app. Once connected, the Olis interface provides a searchable list of PLC tags, I/O status, and program states, plus built-in port forwarding that supports third-party tools like Studio5000 or VNC viewers, so no VPN is necessary.

The Olis app can be set up with a controller in just five minutes using an Android device, Ethernet cable, and dongle. GIF used courtesy of Olis Robotics

Low Barrier, High Return

The app’s customizable alerts and condition monitoring features help with predictive maintenance, and users can set tags and filters tailored to their workflows, helping detect irregular activity before it spirals into downtime. Screen-sharing capabilities also mean that troubleshooting can allow teams to collaborate in real time from anywhere at any time. Currently, the app supports Allen-Bradley, FANUC, Kawasaki, and Universal Robots controllers.

The Olis app is designed to be an easy retrofit for legacy automation systems and a low-cost entry point for smaller manufacturers without industrial IT budgets. According to Olis, the company Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation has been using the app and has already seen its benefits. From its Pennsylvania headquarters, the Mid Atlantic service team can now assist customers in Texas without boarding a plane. In one case, the tool has already enhanced Mid Atlantic’s press brake tending operations, continuously monitoring machines while reducing the need for costly hardware.

The Olis app currently supports Allen-Bradley, FANUC, Kawasaki, and Universal Robots controllers. Image used courtesy of Olis Robotics

Remote Monitoring and Maintenance 

While traditional setups demand specialized hardware or complex networking, Olis takes a different path: simple, secure, and scalable. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about seeing issues before they happen. According to Olis CEO Fredrik Ryden, “Instead of reactive maintenance and lengthy troubleshooting cycles, the Olis app enables businesses to take a proactive, predictive approach.” With the Olis App combining real-time video, system logs, and remote access into a single platform, it lets teams solve problems before they become disasters.