Walking robot for explosive environments: ANYbotics starts delivering ANYmal X

Zurich-based ANYbotics is delivering its ANYmal X inspection robot to its first customers, the company announced on 27 October. According to the company, the four-legged robot is the first legged robot built for explosive atmospheres, such as those in oil, gas and chemical plants; it is designed to meet the ATEX (Europe) and IECEx (international) explosion-protection standards. The first recipients include Norwegian energy group Equinor and DSM-Firmenich. ANYbotics' video shows the robot at work.

To prevent sparks, the twelve leg actuators and the battery sit in flameproof housings, while the computer and inspection equipment are in sealed, nitrogen-filled chambers. Non-metallic shells, conductive feet for grounding and automatic shut-off at excessive temperatures complete the design. Sensors capture heat, images, sound and gas. Development took four years, ANYbotics says; since 2023 BP, Shell, Petronas, Petrobras, BASF and SLB, among others, have tested the robot in an early access programme.

"Many experts thought a legged robot could never be made safe for explosive atmospheres," said co-founder and CEO Péter Fankhauser. The company did not disclose a price. ANYbotics plans to show ANYmal X publicly for the first time at the ADIPEC energy fair in Abu Dhabi from 2 to 5 November.