Automated Plant Inspections Become ‘A Walk In The Park’

ANYbotics has announced that it has opened the commercial availability of its ANYmal X inspection solution. ANYmal X provides industry-wide access to scalable robotic inspection solutions in Oil & Gas and Chemicals. ANYmal X is stated as the only Ex-certified legged robot and is a game changer for asset operators. The impact of deploying ANYmal X is driving companies to accelerate automating robotic inspections.

The announcement was made at the recent SPRINT Robotics World Conference for Inspection and Maintenance Robotics. 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.

Solution Scales Robotic Ex-Rated Facilities 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 Oil & Gas and Chemical facilities, including industrial stairs and confined spaces. ANYmal X is powered by AI-based locomotion, navigation, and inspection intelligence, which allows it to conduct seamless, automated inspections in very complex environments.

As the only Ex-certified and scalable robotic solution, ANYmal X is a real game changer for end-users and solution integrators, as it helps to close the digitalization gap and enables unmanned facilities. “ANYmal X closes an important technical gap, conducting automated inspections in very complex environments, with stairs and tight passages, and this in combination with Ex-zones, that’s a novelty” states Peter Welter, Automation Manager, BASF.

Deployment of the Game Changing ANYmal X Inspection Solution

The EAP enables end-users to implement the ANYmal X inspection solution efficiently. Several global innovation leaders have started deploying ANYmal X at their Ex-rated facilities. The global energy company PETRONAS has spearheaded the integration of autonomous, legged Ex-certified robots by partnering with ANYbotics on ANYmal X since 2019. The PETRONAS ANYmal X roll-out program is progressing well in its overall deployment plan, which includes upstream platforms, terminals, and downstream plants.

ANYmal X is on deployment at a PETRONAS offshore platform in Malaysia, focusing on integration to existing workflow and scale-up. “Having ANYmal X Ex-certified drives innovation in R&D to go beyond conventional applications, thus improving the safety and efficiency of our operations” comments Iskandar Al-Thani Mahmood, Manager (Robotics), PETRONAS.

Ramping up Production for Increasing Demand

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.

For more information: www.anybotics.com