ExRobotics launches UL-certified inspection robot for hazardous environments

ExRobotics B.V. today announced the North American launch of its UL-certified ExR-2.5 autonomous inspection robot at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit in Houston. The company cited mounting pressure on oil and gas operators from aging infrastructure, acute workforce shortages, and the escalating cost of unplanned downtime as key drivers for the new system.

“The inspection challenges facing oil and gas operators are intensifying — skilled labor is harder to find, assets are aging, and the cost of failure is rising fast,” said Mark Mildon, CEO of ExRobotics. “We build rugged, reliable Ex-certified inspection robots because this is not a side capability for us; it’s our sole focus.”

With thousands of robotic missions completed for operators including Shell, Repsol, and BP, the ExR-2.5 aims to reduce personnel exposure to hazardous environments while delivering better data and boosting productivity. Mildon added that the launch at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit signals that autonomous inspection has moved beyond pilot projects into real industrial operations.

Analysts predict the energy industry will face a global shortage of up to 40,000 skilled workers this year, while 62% of Gen Z and Millennials reportedly view oil and gas careers as unappealing. ExRobotics noted that this makes replacing retiring engineers an active operational risk. Meanwhile, unplanned downtime now costs the world’s largest industrial companies an estimated 11% of total revenue, according to Siemens—just 3.5 days of downtime can generate over $5 million in losses for a midsize facility.

ExR-2.5 capabilities: acoustic imaging and more

The ExR-2.5 robot performs safety inspections and collects real-time data across upstream and downstream operations, both onshore and offshore, as well as at LNG and chemical facilities worldwide. Its built-in tools include acoustic imaging sensors that detect high-frequency sound signatures from gas leaks and mechanical faults, enabling earlier detection than visual or manual inspections.

High-resolution cameras allow visual inspection of assets, corrosion, valves, gauges, and structures. A thermal imaging camera identifies overheating equipment and temperature anomalies, while environmental and safety sensors monitor conditions relevant to hazardous locations. Autonomous navigation with administrative control and built-in obstacle-avoidance systems enable the robot to operate safely in complex, live industrial facilities and be remotely controlled from on site or thousands of miles away. After completing missions, the robot returns to its docking station for redeployment.

UL certification ensures safe deployment

UL Solutions evaluated the ExR-2.5 against risks including fire, explosion, and electrical shock across its intended operating modes and power systems. Testing focused on safety challenges associated with hazardous-area robotics, including battery systems, electrical controls, and mechanical components operating safely under both normal and fault conditions in explosive atmospheres.

UL 6260 establishes a framework for safety certification of robotic inspection technology in environments where explosive gases, vapors, or combustible dusts may be present, ensuring the robot itself does not become an ignition source.

“Hazardous locations present unique safety challenges for remotely operated systems,” said Wesley Kwok, vice president and general manager of energy and industrial automation at UL Solutions. “Certification helps provide operators with confidence that these technologies can be deployed safely and responsibly in hazardous locations.”

ExRobotics added that as operators increasingly explore automation to address workforce shortages and aging infrastructure, certification is becoming a critical barrier to adoption in hazardous locations. UL 6260 creates a recognized certification pathway for safely deploying inspection robots in these settings.

North American partnership with MicroWatt

MicroWatt serves as ExRobotics’ exclusive partner in North America, acting as distributor, manufacturer, and service provider.

“As the exclusive North America distributor, manufacturer, and service provider, we are proud to support the introduction of certified robotic technology for the oil and gas industry in North America,” said Shawn Coffey, CEO of MicroWatt. “Our role is to help customers access proven solutions with the local expertise, deployment support and operational understanding needed to reduce risk and improve operational safety and efficiency.”

ExRobotics is conducting scheduled live demonstrations of the UL Certified ExR-2.5 at Booth 816 throughout the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit from June 22 to 24 at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Visitors can pre-book demos of the ExR-2.5 at MicroWatt’s website.

The source for this article is https://www.therobotreport.com/exrobotics-launches-ul-certified-inspection-robot-for-hazardous-environments/.