DC Robot to Ease Datacenter Monitoring 

Datacenters require the utmost care and attention in order to properly maintain the expensive technology that they house. Not only is this a time-consuming process, but it can be pricey as well. To assist with this task, there are several types of monitoring tools that have entered the spotlight recently.

One instrument in particular is referred to as "Data Center Robot" or just "DC Robot." Developed by three engineers from EMC India, DC Robot helps to monitor datacenter metrics like temperature. Considering that cooling typically accounts for 50 percent of datacenter power usage, maintaining an optimal temperature is crucial. Of course, it's also important to equipment life that the datacenter is not allowed to get too hot.

Some datacenter operators spend millions of dollars on thermal sensors to collect temperature data, however, DC Robot is a cost-effective alternative and not to mention, mobile. With an iRobot base, remote control software and on-board cameras, DC Robot is able to navigate the entire datacenter facility, collecting data all the way.

DC Robot gathers temperature data using three digital sensors and relays the data through wifi for further processing. EMC software converts the data into a thermal map, which in turn helps datacenter managers identify areas where the temperature needs to be adjusted.

Shailendra Ravi, senior director, Emerging Markets, EMC India, recently offered some of his insights on the product. He said that temperature, humidity, and vibration are critical areas of concern for datacenters and DC Robot can provide an analysis of all three factors. By indicating the variations in temperature and then recommending what the temperature should be in those areas, improved cooling efficiency and energy consumption can result.

Multiple tests at EMC datacenters resulted in power consumption savings of 10-20 percent. This was achieved by using the DC Robot-created heat maps to improve the cooling efficiency of their datacenters.

While DC Robot was one of the first of its kind, other companies have jumped aboard the same ship. IBM released an incredibly similar model and there is even a monitor by the name of "Audit-Buddy" that collects the same type of data without the "robotic" base. As far as pricing goes for these three instruments, Audit-Buddy retails for around $1,450 while pricing for IBM's device has yet to be disclosed, although the company reported that the prototype was constructed for around $700. The DC Robot platform cost about $200 to build, not including the laptop, but that doesn't shed much light on what the retail price will be.

EMC's Ravi also shared that there has been massive growth in the data and storage infrastructure needs in India, thus resulting in an increased demand for datacenter services. Between the datacenter boom and the growing green mandate, innovative datacenter measuring tools will take on new significance.