Yokogawa Electric Corporation, a Japan-based multinational specializing in industrial control and automation, and
ANYbotics AG, the Swiss leader in industrial inspection robots, have announced a partnership to integrate Yokogawa’s OpreX Robot Management Core with the software platform used by ANYbotics’ range of ANYmal robots, including the ANYmal X explosion-proof robot. Through this integration, the two companies aim to enable centralized management of both explosion-proof and non-explosion-proof robots used for autonomous inspections in industrial facilities. The collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for robotic inspection applications in sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, and metals.
OpreX Robot Management Core is a core component of the robot solutions developed by Yokogawa Electric Corporation. The platform enables safer and more efficient facility maintenance by integrating the management of multiple robots that perform plant inspection and maintenance tasks traditionally handled by human workers. When connected with plant control systems, the software can utilize collected operational data to issue instructions to robots, marking an important step toward fully autonomous plant operations. The latest version of the software now supports ANYmal robots and will integrate with the proprietary software ecosystem developed by ANYbotics AG.
ANYmal is an autonomous, remotely operated four-legged inspection robot equipped with high-quality sensors that deliver advanced sensing capabilities beyond typical human inspection. Designed specifically for challenging industrial environments, the quadruped robot is built to withstand harsh conditions and carries an IP67 rating, ensuring protection against dust and water ingress. ANYbotics currently offers two models: ANYmal D, optimized for highly mobile and autonomous inspections across indoor and outdoor industrial sites, and ANYmal X, the world’s first explosion-proof legged inspection robot certified for operation in ATEX and IECEx Zone 1 environments. Several prototype deployments of ANYmal X have already been conducted, with the official product launch expected later this year.
Dr. Péter Fankhauser, CEO of ANYbotics, highlighted, “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 – regions with strong demand for innovative inspection solutions in hazardous areas. 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, Yokogawa Electric vice president, executive officer, and head of the company’s Solutions Business Division, added, “Through the integrated use of the OpreX Robot Management Core software with ANYbotics’ hazardous environment-proof robot technology, we will take advantage of our extensive global network to provide comprehensive support covering all phases of our customers’ robotics implementation, from planning to operation and maintenance. Furthermore, by combining it with our company’s AI-based OpreX Plant Image Analyzer, we will contribute to promoting the digitalization of inspection work.”
