The ANYmal robot, developed by ETH Zurich spin-off ANYbotics, has recently validated its IP67 water and dust protection in a real-world incident. Designed for harsh industrial environments, the ANYmal robotic dog proved its resilience when a customer’s facility was hit by a severe flood, leaving the site submerged and the robot buried in mud.
After the water receded, ANYmal was discovered covered in slush, having been submerged for over 24 hours. Despite the extreme conditions, the robot powered back on, with its cooling fan starting, legs moving, and eventually standing up fully functional. ANYbotics highlighted this achievement in a LinkedIn post, emphasizing that the robot had faced its toughest IP67 challenge yet.
The IP67 rating means that ANYmal is impact-resistant, dustproof, and waterproof, making it suitable for all-weather operations. Recently, ETH Zurich’s Robotics Systems Lab also upgraded the ANYmal to climb standard ladders, enhancing its versatility in industrial settings.
ANYmal’s robust capabilities include 360° vision through a Lidar system, six depth cameras, and two optical teleoperation cameras, ensuring accurate navigation. It operates up to 2 km at a speed of 0.75 m/s on a single charge, with a battery life of 90 to 120 minutes. The robot’s adaptability is further enhanced by its integrated Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE connectivity, allowing it to function in a variety of environments.
Powered by two Intel i7 Core processors, ANYmal supports edge computing and comes with a ruggedized tablet for remote control, a docking station, and a transportation box. Its sophisticated software and durable hardware deliver high-performance inspections, complete with thermal cameras, ultrasonic microphones, and a 3790-lumen spotlight for low-light visibility.
ANYbotics believes that advanced robots like ANYmal can revolutionize facility monitoring by automating inspections, improving sensor efficiency, and enhancing worker safety through digitized processes. The ANYmal platform sets a new standard in industrial robotics with its resilience and cutting-edge technology.