Yokogawa Electric and ANYbotics Form Strategic Partnership: Integrating OpreX Robot Management Software with ANYmal Inspection Solutions

Yokogawa Electric Corporation, a multinational company in the field of industrial control and automation, has announced a strategic partnership with Swiss industrial inspection robotics company ANYbotics AG. The collaboration aims to integrate Yokogawa’s OpreX™ Robot Management Software with the software stack of ANYbotics’ ANYmal series of robots, including the explosion-proof ANYmal X model. This integration will enable unified management of autonomous inspection tasks performed by both explosion-proof and non-explosion-proof robots, paving the way for new market opportunities in sectors such as oil and gas, power, and metals.

The OpreX Robot Management Software is the core product of Yokogawa’s robotic solutions. It facilitates the integrated management of various types of robots that traditionally undertake maintenance tasks usually performed by humans, thereby assisting clients in maintaining their facilities more safely and efficiently. When connected to factory control systems, the data collected can be used to issue commands to robots, marking a significant step towards autonomous factory operation. The latest version of the OpreX Robot Management Software is compatible with ANYmal robots and will seamlessly integrate with ANYbotics’ existing proprietary software.

ANYmal is a remote-controlled quadruped inspection robot equipped with high-performance sensors that provide superior perception capabilities compared to humans. Designed specifically for inspection in harsh industrial environments, it boasts an IP67 protection rating, safeguarding it against water and dust intrusion. ANYbotics offers two models: the ANYmal D, designed for agile autonomous inspections in both indoor and outdoor industrial scenarios, and the ANYmal X, which is certified explosion-proof under ATEX and IECEx Zone 1 standards. The ANYmal X prototype has been deployed multiple times, with an official market launch planned for this year.

Dr. Péter Fankhauser, CEO of ANYbotics, emphasized that this partnership represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy, particularly as it seeks to expand further into the energy markets of Asia and the Middle East, where there is a pressing demand for innovative inspection solutions in hazardous areas. By integrating Yokogawa’s OpreX Robot Management Software with ANYmal robots, the collaboration aims to provide customers with comprehensive solutions that enhance safety, reduce downtime, and drive operational excellence.

Masaharu Maeda, Vice President, Executive Officer, and Head of Solutions Division at Yokogawa Electric, added, “By synergizing the OpreX Robot Management Software with ANYbotics’ explosion-proof robotic technology, we will leverage our extensive global network to provide comprehensive support for the entire lifecycle of robot deployment, from planning to operation. Together with our AI-based OpreX Plant Image Analysis applications, we will drive the digital transformation of inspection work.”

About ANYbotics

ANYbotics is an AI-driven robotic inspection solution provider focused on addressing challenges in safety, efficiency, and sustainability within industrial sectors. The ANYmal series is designed for demanding industrial environments, excelling in autonomous operation, high mobility, and real-time data collection, making it ideal for routine inspections, remote operations, and predictive maintenance. ANYbotics’ solutions are trusted by hundreds of industry leaders in the global energy, power, metals, mining, and chemical sectors. The company aims to enhance industrial labor through autonomous robots, addressing labor shortages and ensuring employee safety. ANYbotics has secured over $150 million in funding from investors in Europe and Silicon Valley and boasts a team of 200 experts. Since its inception in 2009, the company has been shaping the future of industrial automation, with offices in Zurich and San Francisco. For more information on transforming industrial operations with ANYmal robots, visit anybotics.com.

About Yokogawa Electric

Yokogawa Electric provides advanced measurement, control, and information solutions for various industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. By effectively applying digital technologies, Yokogawa helps clients tackle increasingly complex challenges in production, asset management, and supply chain optimization, facilitating their transition to autonomous operations. Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa employs over 17,000 people and is committed to contributing to a sustainable society through a network of 128 companies across 62 countries. For more details, please visit www.yokogawa.com.

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