ANYbotics Delivers Explosion-Protected Inspection Robots
The quadrupedal units are now shipping, enabling autonomous, ATEX-certified safety inspections in hazardous industrial zones.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Robotics
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ANYbotics has commenced customer deliveries of its ANYmal X, an explosion-protected quadruped robot designed for hazardous industrial inspections. The system, which completed four years of engineering development, is now shipping to initial customers including Equinor and DSM-Firmenich.
Why it matters
By automating inspections in volatile zones, the platform reduces human exposure to hazardous environments while capturing consistent data for predictive maintenance. This deployment marks a shift toward integrating mobile autonomous robotics into highly regulated, explosion-prone industrial facilities.
The robot features 12 leg actuators housed within flameproof enclosures and is backed by over 10 patents. ANYbotics currently sustains a scale of 120,000 monthly autonomous inspections across its existing fleet.
The players
ANYbotics
A Swiss robotics firm specializing in autonomous four-legged inspection systems for industrial environments.
Equinor
An international energy company currently integrating autonomous inspection technology into its operations.
DSM-Firmenich
A science-based company in nutrition and health that is an initial customer for the ANYmal X.
The details
ANYmal X utilizes a quadrupedal locomotion architecture that allows it to navigate stairs and narrow walkways without site-specific modifications. To meet ATEX and IECEx explosion-protection standards, the chassis incorporates nitrogen-filled chambers and flameproof seals to prevent ignition. Operators manage the unit via the Shift platform, which coordinates autonomous scheduling and integrates thermal, visual, acoustic, and gas sensor telemetry into digital twin systems.
Timeline
2023: Companies began evaluating the robot technology.
October 27, 2026: ANYbotics began customer deliveries.
November 2-5, 2026: Public demonstration at ADIPEC 2026.
The Tech Race
The delivery of ANYmal X signals a transition for autonomous mobile robots from research programs into strictly regulated explosion-risk environments. This release positions ANYbotics to compete against traditional stationary sensor arrays and human-led inspection workflows in the global energy and chemical sectors.
Industrial facility managers can now deploy the ANYmal X to automate data collection in hazardous zones that previously required manual oversight. The system connects to existing Shift software, meaning operators can incorporate these units into current predictive maintenance workflows immediately.
The takeaway
ANYmal X shifts the standard for automated industrial safety by proving robots can operate in explosive atmospheres without facility modifications. Watch for the performance data emerging from the first large-scale industrial deployments through early 2027.
What happens next
ANYbotics will conduct a public demonstration of the ANYmal X at the ADIPEC 2026 exhibition from November 2 to 5, 2026.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in autonomous hardware and industry deployment trends on our Robotics page.
Live Poll
Do you trust that autonomous robots can perform hazardous industrial inspections as safely as humans?
