Who are four-legged inspection robots suitable for?

Teams carrying out regular site inspections

You need repeatable routes to set measurement points and inspection data you can put to use. ANYbotics describes stored, repeatable missions for ANYmal.

Operators of difficult or classified areas

You need to check routes and surfaces, and, where relevant, an Ex zone, against the documented suitability of the specific configuration. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health describes how Ex-protected equipment is selected according to the relevant zone.

Maintenance teams with existing data systems

You need measurements and images to feed into existing workflows, with access that can be controlled. Boston Dynamics documents data management and connections to other systems among Orbit’s features.

What should you consider when choosing?

Autonomous inspection rounds

Suitable if: the same measurement points are visited regularly and you can set up the route, charging point and data analysis.

Trade-off: the mission and actual route need to be configured and tested with the intended equipment.

Remote-controlled sensor platform

Suitable if: an operator needs to visit changing targets or take a closer look at anything unusual from a distance.

Trade-off: the task requires an operator and a connection that works along the entire route.

Integration with maintenance and site systems

Suitable if: inspection results need to feed into existing work orders or analysis.

Trade-off: an API alone does not confirm compatibility with your specific control system or the site’s access rules.

Priority What to check before buying Who is this particularly important to?
Repeatable route Test measurement points, obstacles, the return route and charging on the actual route with the planned equipment. If you’re planning regular inspections, you’ll want to reach the same measurement points repeatedly and get usable data. Around 25% of customers put repeatable routes first.
Suitability for Ex zones Check the zone classification and documentation for the robot, sensors and accessories in the planned configuration. If you operate a route in a suitably classified area, you’ll need documentation that matches the specific zone and configuration. For around 20% of customers, Ex suitability is the main priority.
The right sensors For each measurement point, decide whether you need a visual image, thermal image, acoustic inspection or another reading; check the equipment and software requirements. If you need to monitor specific site conditions, you’ll need sensors and analysis that suit your measurement points. Around 20% of customers prioritise a particular measurement task.
Difficult routes and operating conditions Compare steps, stair width, grating, narrow spaces, flooring, temperature and humidity against the model and payload. If you need to reach measurement points via stairs or over difficult surfaces, pay particular attention to conditions along the entire route. For around 20% of customers, whether the robot can navigate the route is their main concern.
Connecting to IT and maintenance systems Test exports, APIs, work orders, network coverage, access rights and storage location with a real data handover. If you want inspection results to feed into existing workflows, you’ll need suitable data flows and controlled access. Around 15% of customers put system integration first.

Common mistakes when choosing inspection robots

  • Assuming IP67 means the robot is suitable for Ex zones

    A rating for protection against water and dust ingress does not prove that equipment is suitable for a classified potentially explosive atmosphere.

    For an Ex route, compare the zone classification with the documentation for the complete planned configuration. If your route does not include an Ex zone, Ex suitability is not a general requirement.

  • Assuming advertised stair-climbing figures apply to every site route

    Figures for steps and surface conditions do not automatically apply to every route, payload or model variant. Some manufacturers highlight differences between laboratory figures and real-world operation.

    Test the most challenging sections with the sensor payload you actually plan to use, and check the model’s limits against the route.

    Difficult sections may mean adapting the route or carrying out additional on-site tests.

  • Confusing the base platform with a complete inspection solution

    Navigation and a live video feed alone may not include the sensors, software or accessories needed for a specific measurement task.

    Ask for a quote that lists the robot, sensors, software, charging and set-up for your specific task.

    PUDU’s inspection kit and charging station are optional; for a specific acoustic spot check, Boston Dynamics lists an additional sensor software licence.

  • Assuming an existing API means the system is already integrated

    Documented interfaces do not confirm compatibility with every site system or its access rules.

    Before deciding to buy, ask for a demonstration of an actual data handover, including permissions and storage location.

    Integration may require additional work and IT checks.

Key manufacturers to consider

ANYbotics

ANYmal is designed for autonomous technical inspections; ANYmal X is described as a separate model for specific Ex zones.

  • ANYbotics lists visual and thermal imaging sensors, as well as an ultrasonic microphone, for ANYmal.
  • The ATEX/IECEx rating up to Zone 1 IIB applies to ANYmal X and must not be assumed to apply to ANYmal. Check the documentation for the specific configuration and its attachments.

Boston Dynamics

Spot can be used for manual or autonomous inspection tasks with suitable sensor payloads; Orbit adds fleet and data management features.

  • Boston Dynamics lists a payload capacity of 14 kg for Spot and documents thermal imaging and acoustic workflows with the appropriate components.
  • The manufacturer’s instructions require an additional sensor software licence for a specific acoustic inspection. The platform specification alone does not confirm that all the necessary measurement equipment is included.

PUDU

The D5 series is a four-legged platform for remote monitoring and can be fitted with an inspection kit for a site-specific pilot.

  • PUDU lists an IP67 rating and an operating temperature range of −20 °C to 55 °C for the D5 series.
  • The manufacturer labels these figures as laboratory results and notes that there may be differences between versions. The inspection kit and charging station are optional.

Unitree

B2-W is a wheel-legged quadruped designed for routes with changing surfaces; the specific inspection solution depends on the configuration.

  • Unitree lists an IP67 rating and an operating temperature range of −20 °C to 55 °C for B2-W, among other specifications.
  • According to the manufacturer, some features require an operator or additional development; specifications may vary depending on the configuration and application.

DEEP Robotics

The X30 series is available as an industrial quadruped; the manufacturer also describes an inspection solution with a choice of measurement equipment.

  • DEEP Robotics lists an IP67 rating and an operating range of −20 °C to 55 °C for the X30 series, and describes visual, infrared and acoustic components for inspection.
  • The product page labels performance figures as laboratory results. Confirm the package contents and specific configuration before buying.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions about four-legged inspection robots

What level of autonomy makes sense for regular site inspections?

If your measurement points and route are consistent, a stored mission that runs autonomously may be suitable; if targets vary, remote control may be a better option. Test the full route, including the return journey and charging, with the planned payload.

Can I assume a thermal imaging camera is included just because of the robot platform?

No, the platform alone does not confirm that the required thermal imaging equipment is included. For example, Boston Dynamics’ instructions for the Spot thermal imaging workflow described here require a Spot Cam+IR to be fitted. Specify the sensor, measurement point and analysis together.

Can any quadruped advertised as weatherproof enter an Ex zone?

No. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health describes the selection of Ex-protected equipment according to the zone and equipment category. ANYbotics describes ANYmal X as suitable for up to Zone 1 IIB; this does not mean other models, zones or arbitrary sensor attachments are suitable.

Which machinery rules apply on 19 October 2026?

According to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Directive 2006/42/EC on machinery will continue to apply to the placing on the market of machinery until 19 January 2027. In Germany, it is implemented through the ProdSG and the 9th ProdSV. Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 must be applied for this purpose from 20 January 2027; the documentation and safety suitability of the specific configuration must be checked.

What should I consider when collecting camera or audio data about employees?

If employees are captured, data processing and access rights must be assessed under data protection law for the intended use. If there is a works council and the technical equipment is intended to monitor behaviour or performance, Section 87(1)(6) of the German Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) provides for a right of co-determination; this is not a blanket statement about every inspection camera.