ANYbotics equips ANYmal robots with automated door access for plant inspections
ANYbotics has partnered with dormakaba and LEGIC Identsystems to give its ANYmal quadruped robots the ability to open and pass through access-controlled doors during facility inspections. The system uses a radar sensor to trigger retrofitted door operators, allowing the robots to navigate locked and unlocked doors without structural changes or manual help. This capability is designed to help processing industries reach critical assets while reducing human exposure to hazardous areas.
The collaboration integrates a radar sensor on the ANYmal with retrofitted dormakaba swing-door operators (ED 100/250). For unlocked doors, the sensor triggers automatic opening. For secured areas, LEGIC's digital credential technology works with dormakaba's access management, letting operators set permissions for entry into specific zones or during defined inspection windows.
ANYbotics, a Zurich-based ETH Zurich spin-off with roughly 200 staff and over $150 million in funding, offers this as a fleet-wide add-on. The system fits existing doors without structural changes and complies with fire-rated specifications. A tele-assist feature lets remote operators handle exceptions, while dormakaba's local teams manage surveying and installation.
This capability could significantly reduce the need for human workers to enter hazardous processing environments, potentially lowering injury risks and operational downtime. Plant operators may gain more comprehensive asset monitoring, but they will also need to carefully manage digital credentials for autonomous machines. The integration of robots into physical security systems could set a precedent for broader automation in industrial settings, affecting workforce roles and safety protocols.