Yokogawa Electric Corporation, the Japan-based industrial control and automation giant, and Swiss robotics leader ANYbotics AG announced a strategic partnership to integrate Yokogawa’s OpreX Robot Management Core software with ANYbotics’ lineup of ANYmal inspection robots, including the explosion-proof ANYmal X.
The collaboration aims to streamline the management of both explosion- and non-explosion-proof robots conducting autonomous inspections in industrial facilities, unlocking new opportunities in the oil & gas, power, and metals sectors.
“OpreX Robot Management Core is a key product in Yokogawa’s robot solutions,” the companies said. The software allows customers to maintain facilities more safely and efficiently by managing a variety of robots performing tasks traditionally done by humans.
When connected to plant control systems, OpreX can send instructions directly to robots, marking a critical step toward fully autonomous plant operations. The latest version of OpreX will now support ANYmal and integrate seamlessly with ANYbotics’ existing software.
ANYmal is a four-legged, autonomous inspection robot designed for harsh industrial environments. Equipped with advanced sensors, it delivers super-human sensing capabilities and is fully IP67-rated against water and dust.
ANYbotics offers two models: ANYmal D, built for mobile, autonomous inspections in indoor and outdoor settings, and ANYmal X, the world’s first explosion-proof quadruped certified for ATEX and IECEx Zone 1 environments. Prototype deployments of ANYmal X are already underway, with the official launch slated for later this year.
Dr. Péter Fankhauser, CEO of ANYbotics, said, “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 and head of the 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."
