ExRobotics has announced the North American launch of its UL Certified ExR-2.5 autonomous inspection robot at the recent Energy Drone & Robotics Summit in Houston.
This certification marks another industry first for ExRobotics. The ExR-2.5 is the only UL Certified inspection robot for potentially explosive industrial environments. This provides operators with a recognised pathway to deploy autonomous robotic inspections in hazardous locations.
Oil and gas operators face mounting pressure from ageing infrastructure, acute workforce shortages and the escalating cost of unplanned downtime. The UL Certified ExR-2.5 was developed to address a critical industry need.
UL 6260 establishes a framework for the safety certification of robotic inspection technology operating in potentially explosive atmospheres, while ensuring the robot itself does not become an ignition source.
The ExR-2.5 combines Ex-certified robotics with local deployment expertise and customer support designed to accelerate the adoption of advanced inspection technology. Smart robotic missions deliver better data, boost productivity and keep operations on track.
The platform is already trusted by major operators worldwide, including Shell, Repsol and BP. It has completed thousands of successful robotic inspection missions across upstream, downstream, LNG and chemical facilities.
The ExR-2.5 performs safety inspections and collects real-time operational data using a range of integrated technologies:
- Acoustic imaging sensors detect high-frequency sound signatures associated with gas leaks and mechanical faults
- High-resolution cameras allow inspection of assets, corrosion, valves, gauges and structures
- Thermal imaging identifies overheating equipment and temperature anomalies
- Environmental and safety sensors continuously monitor site conditions
Autonomous navigation and obstacle-avoidance systems allow the robot to operate safely within complex live industrial facilities.
Inspection missions can be carried out autonomously or supervised remotely from thousands of miles away. Once a mission is complete, the robot returns automatically to its docking station, ready for redeployment.
The energy industry is projected to face a shortage of up to 40,000 competent workers globally by 2025/26, while 62% of Gen Z and Millennials view oil and gas careers as unappealing.
At the same time, unplanned downtime now costs the world’s largest industrial companies an estimated 11% of total revenue, with just 3.5 days of downtime capable of generating losses exceeding $5 million for a mid-sized oil and gas facility.
Asset integrity monitoring remains fundamental to maintaining a facility’s licence to operate. Traditional inspection regimes increasingly expose personnel to risk, while struggling to keep pace with complex and ageing assets.
Autonomous robotic missions provide a different model. They make inspections continuous, repeatable and data-driven while helping operators maintain inspection frequency and consistency.
Mark Mildon, CEO, ExRobotics, says: “The inspection challenges facing oil and gas operators are intensifying – skilled labour is harder to find, assets are ageing, and the cost of failure is rising fast. Our sole focus is to build rugged, reliable Ex-certified inspection robots to address these issues.
“This certification marks another industry first for ExRobotics. The ExR-2.5 is the only UL Certified, autonomous inspection robot for hazardous locations in North America. Operators now have a recognised and trusted pathway to deploy autonomous inspections at their facilities.”
