Viam is an open-source platform that enables developers and businesses to build, deploy, and manage robots and smart machines using modern software tools. It bridges the gap between hardware and cloud infrastructure by allowing users to control physical devices through a unified software stack, APIs, and cloud-based orchestration.
Unlike traditional robotics frameworks that are complex and tightly coupled to hardware, Viam offers a modular, cloud-native architecture that brings scalability, flexibility, and ease of development to smart machines. It is designed for a wide range of applications—from factory automation and warehouse robotics to custom-built hardware projects.
Viam helps teams reduce time to deployment, streamline machine management, and ensure ongoing software and security updates for connected devices.
Features
Viam delivers a robust set of features that make it easy to manage hardware with software, both locally and at scale:
Modular Architecture
Components are loosely coupled and reusable, allowing developers to create flexible hardware configurations and replace parts without changing the software logic.Cross-Platform SDKs
Viam supports multiple programming languages including Python, Go, and C++, enabling rapid development across diverse hardware ecosystems.Real-Time Cloud Syncing
Devices can be controlled remotely and configured from the cloud, with real-time telemetry, logs, and updates.API-First Development
Expose every hardware and software component through APIs, making it easy to test, integrate, and scale smart machines.Secure Connectivity
Built-in authentication, encryption, and secure tunneling ensure safe operation of robots and devices over the internet.Data Collection and Telemetry
Automatically collect logs, metrics, and sensor data to monitor device health, performance, and real-world behavior.Device Orchestration
Manage firmware updates, cloud-based configurations, and deployment pipelines for fleets of devices from a single control plane.Simulation Support
Test hardware logic and software modules without physical machines using integrated simulation tools.
How It Works
Install the Viam Software
Deploy Viam software on your smart machine or embedded hardware, connecting sensors, motors, cameras, and other components.Configure via Cloud Interface
Use Viam’s web-based interface to register your machine, assign components, and configure behaviors.Connect with SDKs or API
Use your preferred programming language to build applications that interact with your machine’s components via Viam’s SDKs or HTTP APIs.Test and Deploy
Simulate interactions, run live tests, and deploy code directly to your machine, either locally or remotely.Monitor and Update
Access real-time logs, data streams, and diagnostics. Use the cloud dashboard to apply updates and manage access.
Use Cases
Viam can be applied in numerous industries and for a wide range of smart machine applications:
Industrial Automation
Manage robotic arms, conveyor systems, and custom manufacturing tools with flexible hardware/software integration.Logistics and Warehousing
Control and monitor autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for picking, sorting, and inventory management.Agritech and Environmental Monitoring
Build drones or land-based vehicles to collect environmental data and perform autonomous tasks in the field.Healthcare Robotics
Deploy smart assistive devices and automated testing platforms in labs or clinical settings.Education and Research
Enable students and researchers to prototype, test, and deploy hardware projects with intuitive APIs and simulation support.Consumer Robotics
Build and update home automation or consumer robotic products with remote diagnostics and OTA updates.
Pricing
Viam is currently available under an open-source license, and users can access the core software and tools for free. However, advanced features related to cloud management, orchestration, and enterprise support are expected to follow a custom pricing model.
Pricing may vary depending on:
Number of connected devices
Cloud usage and telemetry volume
Access to enterprise support or SLAs
Advanced orchestration and fleet management features
Organizations interested in enterprise offerings or commercial support can contact the Viam team directly through the website at https://www.viam.com/contact.
Strengths
Open-source and community-friendly
Hardware-agnostic and modular architecture
Full-stack platform from device to cloud
Easy-to-use cloud interface and SDKs
Real-time observability and data access
Secure and scalable for enterprise-grade robotics
Drawbacks
Still evolving; some features may be under development
Enterprise pricing details not publicly available
Learning curve for non-developers or hardware beginners
May require cloud connectivity for full feature use
Comparison with Other Tools
Viam stands apart from legacy robotics systems like ROS (Robot Operating System) by focusing on modern cloud-native architecture, developer-first design, and full-stack management. While ROS is widely used in research and academia, Viam is geared toward commercial deployment, remote management, and integration with modern software stacks.
Compared to proprietary robotics platforms, Viam offers flexibility, transparency, and open-source extensibility, making it ideal for teams that want to innovate without vendor lock-in.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
As a newer platform, Viam is gaining adoption among startups, universities, and developers building next-generation robotics applications. Early feedback emphasizes the ease of use, flexibility in hardware integration, and the value of a unified platform that bridges the gap between hardware and cloud operations.
Community members have highlighted how Viam reduces the time it takes to bring prototypes to production by offering prebuilt modules, intuitive APIs, and built-in remote management capabilities.
Conclusion
Viam is redefining how we build, manage, and scale smart machines by combining open-source flexibility with powerful cloud-native infrastructure. Whether you’re developing a robotics prototype or managing a fleet of deployed devices, Viam provides the tools you need to turn hardware into scalable, intelligent systems.
By enabling full-stack control—from firmware to APIs to cloud orchestration—Viam empowers engineers, researchers, and enterprises to build the future of robotics with confidence and speed.
