ANYbotics launches new Gas Presence Detection feature for ANYmal inspection robot

Switzerland-based ANYbotics, a global developer of AI-driven robotic inspection technology, launched a Gas Presence Detection feature for its ANYmal robot.

The company said the feature will transform how industrial sites identify and manage costly and hazardous gas leaks.

Gas leak detection with autonomous mobile robots

ANYbotics said ANYmal's new feature offers a comprehensive approach to industrial gas leak detection. It integrates advanced, modular gas detectors with a 360° acoustic imaging payload to precisely pinpoint leak sources and simultaneously measure ambient gas concentrations.

The acoustic imaging camera is capable of detecting a wide array of common industrial gas leaks, such as steam, compressed air, vacuum, toxic gases and hydrocarbons. It can also identify partial discharge events and mechanical anomalies. The system then quantifies the rate and cost of a detected loss, and delivers these actionable insights directly into Data Navigator, ANYbotics' inspection asset and data management platform.

"Our new Gas Leak and Presence Detection solution is a game-changer for industrial leak detection and prevention," says Péter Fankhauser, CEO of ANYbotics. "By combining ANYmal's autonomous navigation with modular gas detectors and a 360° acoustic imaging payload, we're providing a powerful, flexible tool that significantly enhances safety and drives substantial cost savings for our customers. Our autonomous mobile robots can now detect the source of leaks, quantify the loss, and alert personnel in real-time. By extending coverage across the entire facility, we’re providing a level of precision and efficiency that reduces operational costs, improves safety and lowers emissions."

Gas leaks are an invisible yet significant problem in industrial environments, especially in petrochemical plants where many gases are fugitive. ANYbotics said a single, undetected gas leak can cost a facility over $57,000 annually, which can quickly add up, beyond the immediate safety risks.

“Gas Leak Detection fits into our data and maintenance strategy and gives us peace of mind so we can focus on value-creating tasks,” said Patrik d’Allens, head of technical services at DSM-Firmenich.

With the new Gas Presence Detection’s modular design, users can independently swap in multiple gas detectors to suit different gases, including oxygen, hydrocarbons, ammonia and many others, then calibrate them on-site. This flexibility allows ANYmal to continuously monitor various gas concentrations around its body during both autonomous and teleoperated missions, enhancing safety in areas where static sensors offer limited coverage. The system also provides customer-configurable thresholds that trigger an alarm upon overexposure.