Yokogawa and ANYbotics to integrate robotics software with inspection robots
Yokogawa Electric Corp. and iANYbotics AG reported Feb. 10 they’re jointly integrating Yokogawa’s OpreX Robot Management Core software with ANYbotics’ software and four-legged ANYmal inspection robots. The two companies adds that integrating management of explosion- and non-explosion-proof robots that conduct autonomous inspections of industrial facilities will help them develop new opportunities in the oil and gas, power and metals industries.
OpreX Robot Management Core helps users maintain facilities more safely and efficiently by combining management of various types of robots that perform plant maintenance tasks usually performed by humans. When connected to plant control systems, the data acquired can be used to issue instructions to robots, and enable first steps toward autonomous plant operations.
ANYmals are autonomous, remotely operable, and equipped with sensors that enable super-human sensing. They’re IP67-rated, and protected against water and dust ingress. Their two models include ANYmal D for mobile and autonomous inspections in indoor and outdoor settings, and ANYmal X, which is reported to be the first explosion-proof, four-legged inspection robot certified for use in ATEX and IECEx Zone 1 environments. Following several prototype deployments, ANYmal X is expected to launch later this year.
“This collaboration marks an important milestone in our growth strategy, particularly as we expand further into the energy markets across Asia and the Middle East, where there’s strong demand for innovative inspection solutions in hazardous areas,” says Dr. Péter Fankhauser, CEO of ANYbotics. “By integrating Yokogawa’s OpreX Robot Management Core software with our ANYmal robots, we’re delivering a fully integrated solution that allows industrial operators to improve safety, reduce downtime, and drive operational excellence.”
Masaharu Maeda, VP, executive officer and head of Yokogawa’s Solutions business, adds, “Using OpreX Robot Management Core software with ANYbotics’ hazardous environment-proof robot technology will let our global network cover robotics implementations from planning to operations and maintenance. Plus, combining ANYmal with our AI-based OpreX Plant Image Analyzer will help digitalize inspection work.”
