Japan’s Yokogawa Electric Corporation and Switzerland’s ANYbotics AG recently announced a strategic partnership. The goal of this collaboration is to integrate Yokogawa’s OpreX Robot Management Core software into ANYbotics’ ANYmal robot platform—including the explosion-proof ANYmal X model. By jointly managing explosion-proof and non-explosion-proof robots that perform autonomous inspections in industrial facilities, both companies aim to tap into new business opportunities in the oil & gas, energy, and metals sectors.

An important step toward autonomous plant operations

OpreX Robot Management Core is a key product within Yokogawa’s robotics solutions. The software helps operators run their plants more safely and efficiently. It integrates the management of various robot types that perform maintenance tasks previously carried out by humans. In conjunction with control systems, the collected data can be used to precisely control robots. This enables an important step toward autonomous plant operations. The current version of OpreX Robot Management Core supports ANYmal and is integrated into ANYbotics’ existing proprietary software stack.

“Animal-like” robot with heightened senses

ANYmal is an autonomous and remotely controllable four-legged inspection robot. It is equipped with high-quality sensors and enables perception capabilities that go beyond human senses. ANYmal was specifically developed for inspections in demanding industrial environments and is considered a leading quadruped robot in this field. It is IP67-certified and fully protected against the ingress of water and dust.

Two models

ANYbotics currently offers two models: ANYmal D for highly mobile and autonomous inspections in indoor and outdoor areas, and ANYmal X, the world’s first explosion-proof, walking inspection robot. It is certified for use in ATEX and IECEx Zone 1 environments. Several pilot installations of the ANYmal X prototype have already been successfully completed. The official market launch is planned for later this year.

“A fully integrated solution”

“This collaboration is an important milestone in our growth strategy, particularly with regard to our further expansion into the energy markets of Asia and the Middle East,” says Dr. Péter Fankhauser, CEO of ANYbotics. “There is high demand there for innovative inspection solutions for hazardous environments. By integrating Yokogawa’s OpreX Robot Management Core with our ANYmal robots, we offer operators a fully integrated solution. It enhances safety, reduces downtime, and supports operational excellence,” Fankhauser continues.

“Contributing to the Further Digitalization of Inspection Processes”

“By leveraging the integrated use of OpreX Robot Management Core and ANYbotics’ robust robotics technology, we can utilize our global network to support our customers throughout all phases of robot implementation—from planning through to operation and maintenance. In combination with our AI-based OpreX Plant Image Analyzer, we are also contributing to the further digitalization of inspection processes,” adds Masaharu Maeda, Vice President, Executive Officer, and Head of the Solutions Business Division at Yokogawa Electric.

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