Which teams is this relevant to?

Teams carrying out regular site inspections

You need images and measurement data along set routes. Specialists must still assess the findings and decide what action to take.

Inspection teams working in challenging terrain

Your routes may include stairs, uneven or wet surfaces, or narrow spaces. You’ll need to check whether the platform can handle these conditions on the route you plan to use.

Teams with specific measurement or Ex requirements

For thermal imaging, gas or acoustic inspections, the sensors and data must match the task. In potentially explosive atmospheres, it’s also essential to confirm that the complete robot and sensor configuration is approved for the specific zone.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start by defining your measurement points and inspection route. These will determine your requirements for sensors, controls and day-to-day operation.

Consideration What to check before buying Who should pay particular attention
Route and terrain Check narrow spaces, steps, metal grating and safe turning points on the planned route; confirm the protection rating for the configuration on offer. If the inspection route crosses uneven floors and narrow passages, the platform must be able to navigate those areas reliably. Route access is a priority for around 29% of teams procuring these robots.
Sensors and data Check sensor range and calibration, and make sure the payload, power requirements and data export fit your maintenance process. If you need temperature, gas or acoustic data for a specific inspection point, video alone won’t be enough. Around 29% of teams procuring these robots put the right measurement and data workflow first.
Controls and mission workflow Test mission planning, remote control, wireless coverage, docking and the recovery process along the intended route. For regular inspections, teams need to revisit measurement points and be able to intervene if something goes wrong. Organising this workflow is a priority for around 24% of teams procuring these robots.
Safe operation and servicing Check the documentation for the specific robot and sensor configuration, risk assessment, data protection plan and contractual service arrangements. If the platform will be used in an operational factory, responsibilities, safety measures and ongoing support must all be clear. This is the top priority for around 18% of teams procuring these robots.

Which assumptions can complicate procurement?

  • Planning missions around the stated battery life

    Sensors and their power supply can affect how long the robot can operate. Boston Dynamics quotes a base runtime of around 90 minutes for Spot, falling to around 60 minutes when powering a payload.

    Test the complete inspection route with the sensor package you plan to use. Allow time for the return journey and charging process, too.

  • Assuming a protection rating means every route is approved

    A protection rating or manufacturer’s statement about obstacle clearance doesn’t tell you how the complete configuration will perform in narrow spaces, on metal grating or in wet conditions. Under Section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, the risk assessment must also take the working environment and work equipment into account.

    Start your risk assessment during the selection process and test the most challenging planned routes, including foreseeable disruptions.

  • Choosing sensors before defining how findings will be handled

    Measurement data is only useful for a technical inspection if you know which readings you need, where the data will go and who will assess any anomalies. In the application described by Wacker Chemie AG, the operator remains responsible for deciding whether to shut down the plant.

    For every measurement point, define the sensor requirements, data format, responsible specialist and process for deciding on follow-up action.

    Calibration, data integration and expert review of findings remain part of day-to-day operations.

  • Treating cameras and microphones as just another technical feature

    If people are captured, video recordings can affect their privacy rights, according to guidance from the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information. Germany’s Federal Network Agency describes covert image or audio transmission as prohibited.

    Limit use to technical inspections and clarify the areas being recorded, access rights and how recordings will be handled before operation begins.

Brands worth considering

ANYbotics

ANYmal is designed for regular inspections in industrial facilities. ANYmal X is a separate variant for certain potentially explosive atmospheres.

  • ANYbotics lists integrated visual, thermal, acoustic and LiDAR sensors, as well as automatic docking, for ANYmal.
  • ANYbotics describes ANYmal X as ATEX- and IECEx-certified up to Zone 1 IIB. This does not cover other zones, dust atmospheres or different sensor configurations; check the complete configuration.

Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics says Spot can be operated manually or used for repeatable missions; its capabilities depend on the payload selected.

  • The manufacturer’s current specifications quote a base runtime of around 90 minutes, or around 60 minutes when powering a payload.
  • Technical specifications vary across Spot documentation for different model generations. Make sure your quote clearly specifies the generation on offer, the payload configuration and the relevant specifications.

Unitree

Unitree describes B2 as a four-legged platform for industrial applications, with a swappable battery and optional autonomous charging.

  • The manufacturer lists terrain capabilities and expansion options for B2, which you can assess against your planned route and sensor requirements.
  • Before buying, confirm the battery, sensors, runtime and connections against the documentation for the exact B2 configuration on offer.

Related products at Joybuy

Relevant products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is CE marking enough for use in a factory?

No. CE marking does not replace a risk assessment for the specific use of the robot as work equipment in Germany. Under Section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, this assessment should begin before selection and procurement. Also check the manufacturer’s information, conformity documentation, and German operating instructions and warnings for the specific robot variant on offer.

Can an inspection robot record images and audio at work?

That depends on the specific plan for its use; carrying out a technical inspection does not automatically permit the recording of people. The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information highlights the importance of privacy rights in relation to video recordings, while Germany’s Federal Network Agency describes covert image or audio transmission as prohibited. Clarify the recording area, access rights and how recordings will be handled before use.

When should the works council be involved?

Under Section 87(1), No. 6 of the German Works Constitution Act, the works council has co-determination rights in relation to technical equipment intended to monitor employees’ conduct or performance. Whether the planned robot configuration falls into this category depends on its features and specific use, so check with the relevant workplace representatives.

Can a rugged robot dog operate in any Ex zone?

No. A rugged design does not mean a robot is approved for potentially explosive atmospheres. ANYbotics describes ANYmal X as ATEX- and IECEx-certified up to Zone 1 IIB; this does not cover other zones, gas groups, dust atmospheres or different sensor configurations. Check that the complete configuration is certified for the intended area.

Who decides what to do after an unusual reading?

The responsible personnel make the expert decision. In the plant application described by Wacker Chemie AG, an employee creates and monitors the missions and the operator also decides whether the plant should be shut down.