ANYbotics opens commercial sales of inspection robot

Swiss robotics company ANYbotics last month announced that it has opened commercial orders for ANYmal X, its four-legged robot, to “provide industry-wide access to scalable robotic inspection solutions in oil and gas and chemicals sectors”.

The company says its robot is “a game changer for asset operators”, adding that the impact of deploying ANYmal X is driving companies to accelerate automating robotic inspections.

Oil, gas and chemical operations are complex, and ensuring the highest safety standards is paramount. Operators require Ex-certified, intrinsically safe equipment (ATEX or IECEx certification) in most of the process areas. Compared to tracked and wheeled robots, only legged robots can provide the level of mobility and autonomy required to navigate the intricate and complex multi-level structures of these types of facilities, including industrial stairs and confined spaces. ANYbotics says that ANYmal X is powered by AI-based locomotion, navigation and inspection intelligence, which allows it to conduct seamless, automated inspections in very complex environments, and is the only Ex-certified robotic solution.

Participants in the ANYmal X Early Adopter Program (EAP) have been employing the ANYmal X inspection solution for several months. Asset operators beyond the EAP can now order ANYmal X and include Ex-proof, autonomous and mobile robots in their inspection and operational planning.

Several global innovation leaders, including PETRONAS and BASF, have started deploying ANYmal X at their Ex-rated facilities.

The first deliveries of ANYmal X units to selected customers will commence in mid-2023. The opening of industry-wide order acceptance will further accelerate industry adoption. With over 500 ANYmal X units already reserved by its EAP participants, ANYbotics has already implemented a program through its global manufacturing partner network, to scale production output to meet future demand.

Image caption: ANYmal X carrying out inspection missions at a PETRONAS platform offshore, Terengganu, Malaysia (Source: PETRONAS).