Industrial sites often face dangers that put human inspectors at risk, especially where explosive gases or hazardous chemicals are present. ANYbotics AG, a Zurich-based robotics company, has steadily developed legged robots like ANYmal D and the recently announced ANYmal X to autonomously perform inspections in these environments. Now, with a strategic investment from Climate Investment (CI), ANYbotics aims to further extend its reach into demanding sectors. The company’s robots promise not only to support safety compliance but also to facilitate the shift toward reduced emissions, crucial for the energy and manufacturing industries. The recent funding signals a growing confidence from investors in robotics solutions tailored for challenging environments, while also addressing global decarbonization goals.
While earlier investments in ANYbotics and other robotics firms typically centered on general automation and industrial efficiencies, recent news marks a stronger emphasis on environmental monitoring and safety in hazardous locations. Partnerships involving major oil and gas companies, as well as integration of new detection features, set the company apart from past coverage which focused primarily on navigation and operational autonomy. The addition of gas detection capabilities and direct deployments like the Northern Lights CCS facility signal an expansion in both scope and technological robustness compared to previous milestones. Earlier press reports around industrial robots largely referenced incremental improvements, but the current focus on climate action aligns with sector-specific needs and regulations, especially in oil, gas, and process industries.
How Does ANYbotics Address Industrial Inspection Challenges?
ANYbotics has engineered the ANYmal robots to navigate challenging industrial settings where human access can be limited or unsafe. Their systems autonomously identify risks such as equipment overheating, abnormal vibrations, or gas leaks, providing early warnings and supporting ongoing asset performance. The models feature robust mobility through AI-powered navigation, enabling them to climb stairs and avoid collisions in unpredictable environments. ANYmal D is already conducting thousands of inspections each week, according to the company.
What Role Does the New Funding Play in Expanding ANYbotics’ Capabilities?
With the latest round led by Climate Investment, ANYbotics has increased its total funding to over $150 million. This investment will expedite the global rollout of ANYmal X, designed for use in explosive and hazardous locations, and foster new industrial partnerships. CI’s sector knowledge is seen by ANYbotics as an asset for scaling its operations and accessing a wider industrial network. As Dr. Péter Fankhauser, ANYbotics’ CEO, remarked,
“CI’s deep sector expertise and strong network of industrial partners will be invaluable as we scale our operations and continue to deliver autonomous robotics inspection solutions to customers worldwide.”
Which Industries and Clients Are Adopting ANYmal Robots?
ANYmal robots are already integrated into multiple facilities across energy, oil, and gas sectors. Clients include industry giants such as Equinor, ENI, Petrobras, Siemens Energy, GE Vernova, and more, with deployments evident in demanding environments like Norway’s Northern Lights carbon capture and storage site.
“ANYbotics’ technology has the potential to significantly enhance industrial inspection,”
stated Felicity O’Kelly of Climate Investment, highlighting the alignment with emission reduction targets. The robots’ real-time analysis and automatic reporting are seen as tools for improving safety and asset integrity.
ANYbotics’ trajectory reflects both the urgency around industrial decarbonization and the need for safer site inspections. The alignment with OGCI-backed Climate Investment connects the company to partners focused on minimizing emissions, making inspection automation not only a technical solution but also a strategic one. For industries dealing with hazardous materials or remote operations, deploying robotics like ANYmal D and ANYmal X offers a consistent method for early risk detection and compliance. Users exploring robotic automation should prioritize systems with built-in diagnostics, remote operation capabilities, and environmental certifications for hazardous areas—attributes increasingly required in international standards and by environmental agencies. Companies adopting such technologies can expect advances in safety oversight, data-driven maintenance, and regulatory compliance without increasing risks to personnel.
