Olo Robotics COO: Making Robot Programming Accessible to Everyone

Robotics hardware has advanced rapidly, but software remains a major barrier to adoption for many organizations. Olo Robotics, a UK startup based in Sheffield, aims to bridge this gap with a browser-based platform that simplifies robot programming, simulation, and deployment without requiring deep robotics expertise.

Founded by Nick Thompson and Eleanor Tang-Smith, Olo recently completed its commercial launch and announced partnerships with Deep Robotics, Fiction Lab, and InMotion Robotics. The company also raised £4 million to support its mission of making robotics more accessible to developers, researchers, and businesses.

A Platform Built on ROS 2

Olo’s platform sits on top of ROS 2, the open-source framework that is the de facto standard for modern robotics development. While ROS 2 has driven innovation, it remains complex for newcomers. Olo’s solution combines cloud simulation, AI-assisted coding, visualization tools, and sim-to-real deployment capabilities.

“The hardware exists, but programming robots remains difficult,” said Eleanor Tang-Smith, COO and co-founder of Olo Robotics, in an interview with Robotics & Automation News. “There aren’t enough robotics specialists to meet demand, so we’re trying to make robotics more accessible to developers, researchers, students, and businesses that may not have deep robotics expertise.”

Users can load virtual robots into simulated environments—such as libraries, orchards, or solar farms—develop applications using Python or JavaScript, and then transfer those workflows to physical robots. The platform includes an AI coding assistant to help newcomers get started.

Early Adoption and Surprising Results

Olo launched commercially only weeks ago but has already onboarded about 80 beta testers. Users range from universities and researchers to software developers and businesses exploring robotics for the first time.

Tang-Smith noted that non-technical users were able to build robotics projects using the platform’s AI assistant. “It showed us that robotics can become accessible to a much wider audience than traditionally expected,” she said.

For academics, the platform reduces time spent configuring robots. For businesses, it offers a low-risk way to evaluate ideas before investing in hardware.

Humanoid Robots Still a Work in Progress

While Olo is actively talking with humanoid robot manufacturers and plans to support them in the future, Tang-Smith cautioned that humanoids remain extremely complex. “Programming dexterous hands, coordinating multiple joints, and operating safely in real-world environments remain major challenges,” she said.

She believes there is a significant gap between online demonstrations and reliable real-world deployment. “Many demonstrations take place in highly controlled conditions or involve some level of teleoperation,” she added. “Truly autonomous humanoids operating reliably in homes and everyday environments are still several years away.”

Simulation, she emphasized, is critical for testing and refining systems before real-world deployment.

UK Robotics Talent and Business Outlook

Tang-Smith is confident about the UK’s robotics talent pool, citing strong universities, excellent programs, and facilities like the National Robotarium and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. “The challenge is less about talent and more about creating opportunities, encouraging adoption, and showcasing innovation internationally,” she said.

Olo is focusing on areas with clear return on investment, such as inspection, security, education, and industrial automation. Quadruped robots are particularly attractive, Tang-Smith noted, because they can already perform useful tasks in real-world environments. The company also sees potential in creative industries, where robotics could become a tool for production companies, entertainment businesses, and content creators.

Security and Responsibility

As robotics becomes more accessible, Tang-Smith acknowledged the risks. “Robots increasingly combine mobility, cameras, microphones, and AI capabilities, which means security and privacy have to be taken seriously.” Olo prioritizes secure deployment, access controls, testing, and responsible use. “The industry has a responsibility to ensure robotics is deployed safely, securely, and responsibly,” she said.

Olo Robotics will be exhibiting at FOS Future Lab at the Goodwood Festival of Speed between July 9 and 12, 2026.

The source for this article is https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2026/06/22/interview-with-olo-robotics-coo-eleanor-tang-smith-making-robot-programming-accessible-to-everyone/102712/.