Node types

The four types of nodes in the OctoMY™ network, each serving a distinct role.

Did You Know?

The term "Agent" is general on purpose, because OctoMY™ can control anything with actuators and sensors - not one kind of machine only. A smart home device, an animatronic prop, or even a virtual character could all be Agents.

Agent

The Agent represents an autonomous device. It is called an "Agent" because the term is general and doesn't impose assumptions about physical form.

Characteristics

• Runs on the controlled hardware itself
• Controls actuators (motors, servos, etc.)
• Reads sensors (cameras, distance, orientation)
• Executes Plans for autonomous behavior
• Can run a local LLM for on-device intelligence

Typical hardware

• Android phone attached to a chassis
• Raspberry Pi with motor controllers
• Arduino with communication shield
• Custom embedded system

Examples

• RC car with Arduino + Android combo
• Hexapod walker
• Quadcopter drone
• Simulated device in a virtual scene

Remote

The Remote represents the user interface for controlling Agents. It allows both human operators and automated systems to provide input.

Characteristics

• Thin client focused on user interface
• Displays real-time status from Agents
• Sends commands to paired Agents
• Adapts UI dynamically based on Agent capabilities
• Can control multiple Agents simultaneously

Input modes

Remotes support various levels of control:

• Low-level: Direct actuator manipulation in real-time
• Mid-level: Preset movements and gestures
• High-level: Target points on maps, natural language commands

Typical hardware

• Smartphone or tablet
• Desktop computer
• Dedicated control station

Hub

The Hub is a coordination node designed for stationary, high-performance hardware. It serves as the bridge between the local OctoMY™ network and external services.

Characteristics

• Runs on server or workstation hardware
• Never runs on mobile devices
• Gateway to internet services
• Coordinates multi-Agent operations
• Provides "LLM as a service" to Agents

Responsibilities

• Data aggregation: Collects data from all connected Agents
• Heavy processing: Runs compute-intensive tasks (AI inference, path planning)
• External integration: Connects to cloud APIs, external LLMs
• Fleet coordination: Manages collaboration between multiple Agents
• Persistent storage: Long-term data archival

Key principle

Agents and Remotes never contact the internet directly. All external communication goes through a Hub, creating a single point of security control.

Zoo

The Zoo is OctoMY™'s discovery and connectivity service. It helps nodes find each other across network boundaries.

Characteristics

• Runs as a cloud service
• Minimal functionality for security
• No access to user data
• Facilitates NAT traversal

Services

• UDP hole-punching: Helps nodes connect through firewalls
• Discovery coordination: Helps nodes find each other by GPS proximity
• Connectivity relay: Last resort when direct connection fails

Security design

The Zoo is designed to know as little as possible:

• No access to message contents
• No persistent storage of user data
• Minimal attack surface

Node comparison

Network topology

A minimal OctoMY™ setup requires only an Agent and a Remote. Additional nodes add capabilities:

Minimal setup

With Hub

Full network