ANYbotics integrates badge-style door access into ANYmal inspection robots
ANYbotics has partnered with dormakaba and LEGIC Identsystems to let its ANYmal quadruped robots open both unlocked and locked doors during facility inspections. The system uses radar detection and retrofitted door operators, requiring no structural changes and complying with fire-rated specifications. The company plans to offer this as an add-on across its entire fleet, expanding coverage in processing industries.
The integration uses a radar sensor that triggers retrofitted dormakaba ED 100 or ED 250 swing door operators. These mount on existing doors, avoiding structural changes and meeting fire-safety standards. dormakaba's regional teams handle surveying and installation. For locked doors, LEGIC's secure credentials authenticate the robot, while a tele-assist feature lets remote operators handle exceptions.
ANYbotics, a spinout from ETH Zurich, has about 200 staff and over $150 million in funding. Its ANYmal robots perform routine inspections, remote operations, and predictive maintenance in energy, metals, mining, and chemicals. The door-access capability will be offered as an add-on across the entire fleet, aiming to reduce labor shortages and human exposure to hazardous areas while boosting plant uptime.
This development could significantly reduce human exposure to hazardous industrial environments, as robots gain autonomous access to previously restricted zones. Plant operators may see improved efficiency and lower downtime, but workers in inspection roles might face shifts in responsibilities. The integration of secure credentials into robots could also standardize access control across industries, potentially raising questions about audit trails and cybersecurity. Overall, it may accelerate the adoption of physical AI in critical infrastructure, with broad implications for workforce training and safety protocols.