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Your First Session

Once your device is connected, you can start a session to run software and collect data. This guide walks you through your first session.

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Prerequisites

  • Device Manager installed and connected (Installation Guide)
  • Device visible in the Fleet dashboard

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Starting a Session

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From the Dashboard

  1. Navigate to Fleet in the left sidebar
  2. Click on your device
  3. Click Start Session
  4. Select a composition and mode (or use the default)
  5. Click Start Start Session Button

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What Happens During a Session

When you start a session: 
1. START command sent to device
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2. Device Manager loads composition
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3. Software modules start running
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4. Logs stream to cloud in real-time
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5. Data is collected and uploaded

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Session Lifecycle

StateDescription
StartingDevice is loading the composition
RunningModules are executing, logs streaming
StoppingGraceful shutdown in progress
StoppedSession complete, data available

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Viewing Logs

While your session is running:
  1. Go to Sessions in the dashboard
  2. Click on your active session
  3. View real-time logs in the Logs tab
Logs are streamed in real-time and stored for later analysis.

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Collecting Artifacts

Sessions can produce artifacts like:
  • Log files
  • Rosbag recordings (for ROS2)
  • Data exports
  • Screenshots or recordings
View artifacts in the Artifacts tab of your session.

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Stopping a Session

  1. Navigate to your session
  2. Click Stop Session
  3. Wait for graceful shutdown

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Example: HelloWorld Session

Let’s run the built-in HelloWorld example:

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1. Start the Session

roboticks session start \
  --device my-device \
  --composition HelloWorldComposition \
  --mode prod

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2. Watch the Logs

In the dashboard, you’ll see logs like: 
[INFO] HelloWorldTask starting...
[INFO] Publishing: Hello from Roboticks! (count: 1)
[INFO] Publishing: Hello from Roboticks! (count: 2)
...

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3. Stop When Done

roboticks session stop --device my-device

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4. Review the Session

Go to Sessions in the dashboard to see:
  • Session duration
  • Log history
  • Any artifacts produced

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Troubleshooting

  • Check the device is online in Fleet
  • Verify the composition exists on the device
  • Check device logs: sudo journalctl -u roboticks-manager -f
  • Wait a few seconds for logs to stream
  • Check the session is in “Running” state
  • Verify network connectivity from the device
  • Check the composition configuration is valid
  • Look at device logs for error messages
  • Ensure required dependencies are installed on the device

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Next Steps

ROS2 Integration

Connect your ROS2 applications

Remote Access

Access your device remotely

CLI Commands

Learn all CLI commands

View Sessions

Explore session management