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Industrial Inspection

7 Best Industrial Inspection Robots in 2025

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Averroes
Sep 05, 2025
7 Best Industrial Inspection Robots in 2025

Industrial inspection robots have moved from niche experiments to essential tools on sites where downtime, safety risks, and inefficiency cost real money. Some climb walls, some crawl through manways, and others walk stairs better than people in steel-toed boots. 

The challenge isn’t knowing if you need one – it’s knowing which one fits your job. 

We’ll break down seven of the best options in 2025 and what each is best suited for.

Our Top 3 Picks

Best for Hazardous Environments

ANYbotics ANYmal X

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Gecko Robotics

Best for Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins

Gecko Robotics

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Waygate Technologies

Best for Confined Space and Vertical Inspections

Waygate Technologies BIKE

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1. ANYbotics ANYmal X

Best Industrial Inspection Robot for Hazardous Environments

If your operations involve explosive or high-risk areas, the ANYmal X is built exactly for that reality. 

This Swiss-engineered, four-legged robot is ATEX/IECEx certified up to Zone 1, meaning it can safely operate where flammable gases and dust are present – places most robots can’t go. 

Companies like Shell, BASF, and Petronas are already deploying it to reduce human exposure and cut inspection downtime.

Features

Rugged build – IP67 rating, operates in harsh weather, dust, and water

Ex-proof design (Zone 1 IIB certified) – safe for hazardous and explosive environments

Quadrupedal mobility – climbs stairs, navigates grating, and moves through tight or slippery spaces

Multi-sensor payload – zoom camera, thermal camera, acoustic mic, LiDAR, and optional gas sensing

Autonomous data collection – integrates with plant systems for continuous monitoring

Pros:

  • Trusted by Global Players: Petronas, BASF, Shell for hazardous site inspections
  • Safety First: Reduces human exposure in dangerous zones
  • Versatile Tools: Visual, thermal, acoustic, gas detection capabilities
  • Reliable Performance: Proven 24/7 reliability with minimal downtime

Cons:

  • Enterprise-Only Solution: Not accessible for small-scale operators
  • Highly Specialized: Mainly oil & gas, chemicals, utilities industries

Score: 4.8/5

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2. Gecko Robotics

Best Industrial Inspection Robot for Data-Driven Predictive Maintenance

Gecko Robotics takes a different approach than most: instead of just sending a robot to “look” at infrastructure, their robots crawl, climb, and scan to build full digital twins of critical assets. 

Combined with Gecko’s Cantilever® AI platform, the system doesn’t just detect issues, but it predicts them, helping teams shift from reactive to proactive maintenance. This makes Gecko especially attractive to industries like defense, power, and heavy manufacturing, where downtime can cost millions.

Features

  • Crawling and climbing robots – gather terabytes of inspection data across tanks, boilers, ships, and more
  • High-fidelity digital twin modeling – full asset mapping for long-term monitoring
  • AI-powered analysis – predictive insights for maintenance and capital planning
  • Cantilever® operating platform – single source of truth for asset health data
  • Cross-industry adaptability – used in power plants, naval vessels, oil & gas, steel, and pulp & paper

Pros:

  • Massive efficiency gains: captures millions of data points per inspection
  • Enables predictive maintenance: and early damage detection
  • Reduces need for dangerous manual inspections: (ropes, scaffolding)
  • Widely validated: trusted by US Navy, Siemens, and major energy firms
  • Extends the usable life of infrastructure: and optimizes CapEx

Cons:

  • Primarily suited for enterprise and government-scale operations: not ideal for smaller businesses
  • Highly specialized: effectiveness depends on integration with Cantilever software

Score: 4.7/5

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3. Taurob Inspector

Best Industrial Inspection Robot for Extreme Conditions

Taurob’s Inspector is built for environments where most robots (and people) simply can’t go. ATEX Zone 1 certified, it’s designed for explosive atmospheres and harsh industrial sites like offshore oil rigs, chemical plants, and mining operations. 

With four hours of runtime, stair-climbing caterpillar tracks, and a versatile long arm, it captures 4K photos, thermal images, audio, and gas readings in places too risky for human inspectors.

Features

  • ATEX Zone 1 certified – intrinsically safe for explosive environments
  • Versatile sensing – 4K cameras, thermal imaging, microphones, multi-gas sensors
  • Caterpillar track mobility – climbs stairs up to 45°, handles sand, gravel, and grated floors
  • Extended runtime – 4 hours of operation, 80% recharge in 45 minutes
  • Data integration – flexible API for digital twin systems and third-party analytics

Pros:

  • Proven Durability: Reliable performance in extreme, hazardous conditions
  • Safety Enhancement: Reduces human exposure to dangerous tasks like gas detection and valve checks
  • Industry Validation: Strong partnerships with major operators (Rockwell Automation, TotalEnergies)
  • Versatile Applications: Wide range of inspection tasks from corrosion detection to pump noise analysis
  • Environmental Resilience: Reliable performance in offshore, chemical, and high-temperature environments

Cons:

  • Limited Market Focus: Primarily targeted at large-scale energy and industrial operators
  • Implementation Challenges: Adoption curve noted in earlier years due to expense and integration requirements

Score: 4.5/5

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4. ExRobotics ExR-2

Best Industrial Inspection Robot for Autonomous Docking and Long-Term Deployment

ExRobotics focuses squarely on one challenge: how to keep robots operating safely and consistently in explosive industrial environments without constant human oversight. 

Their ExR-2 platform is ATEX and IECEx Zone 1 certified, modular, and designed to run missions for six months straight with minimal intervention. 

With autonomous docking, obstacle avoidance, and cloud-based control through their partner Energy Robotics, ExRobotics offers a hands-off, safety-first solution for petrochemical and hydrogen facilities that demand round-the-clock monitoring.

Features

  • ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 certified – safe for explosive industrial gas environments
  • Autonomous docking & induction charging – certified for hazardous areas
  • Mission endurance – 2–6 hours per run, designed for multiple daily missions, six months between interventions
  • Sensor suite – LiDAR, cameras, optional inspection modules
  • Cloud integration – 4G/WiFi connectivity with encrypted VPN for remote control, reporting, and autonomous operations

Pros:

  • Autonomous Deployment: Built for fully autonomous, long-term deployment in hazardous sites
  • Safety Credentials: Strong safety credentials with multiple certifications
  • Modular Design: Flexible modular design with options for advanced sensors and add-ons
  • Cloud Integration: Cloud software integration makes remote control and monitoring seamless
  • Proven Track Record: Proven track record in petrochemical and hydrogen industries

Cons:

  • Niche Industries: Primarily suited for niche industries (oil, gas, hydrogen), less versatile outside those environments
  • Setup Complexity: Higher setup complexity than simpler inspection robots

Score: 4.3/5

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5. SuperDroid Robots

Best Industrial Inspection Robots for Versatility and Customization

Not every inspection job calls for a million-dollar robot. SuperDroid has carved out a niche by offering a wide range of configurable inspection robots, from compact ceiling crawlers to four-wheel-drive rigs with scissor lifts and zoom cameras. 

They’re designed for hard-to-reach areas – under machinery, inside crawlspaces, or along tight industrial corridors – where sending a person isn’t practical or safe. 

With more than 20 years of experience and over 150 robot packages, they’re a solid option for businesses that need flexibility.

Features

  • Range of models – from compact GPK-32 ceiling inspection units to larger 4WD scissor-lift robots
  • Camera systems – HD video, optical zoom, PTZ, and thermal imaging options
  • Modular design – parts, kits, and customization available
  • Durable builds – designed for industrial crawlspaces, utilities, and plant inspections
  • Recording capabilities – capture footage for reporting and later analysis

Pros:

  • Wide Selection: Inspection robots and kits at different price points
  • Reliable Performance: Works in tight, hazardous, or awkward environments
  • Easy to Operate: Strong video and lighting features
  • Customizable: Designs for specialized use cases
  • Quick Shipping: Prebuilt options available

Cons:

  • Manual Control: More manual control compared to higher-end autonomous robots
  • Limited Scale: Best suited for smaller-scale or mid-sized industrial inspections, not full facility digitization

Score: 4.1/5

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6. Waygate Technologies BIKE

Best Industrial Inspection Robot for Confined Spaces and Vertical Surfaces

This compact, magnetic-wheeled crawler weighs under 10 kg, slips through 12-inch manways, and climbs vertical walls or pipes – making it a powerful option for confined spaces and elevated inspections. 

With interchangeable modules like ultrasonic thickness (UT) sensors, HD zoom cameras, and 3D mapping tools, BIKE adapts to a wide range of inspection jobs without requiring heavy modifications.

Features

  • Magnetic wheeled mobility – climbs vertical walls, pipes, and complex surfaces
  • Compact design – lightweight (<10 kg), deployable through 12″ manways
  • Modular attachments – UT thickness gauge, HD zoom camera, borescopes, 3D mapping
  • 3D LOC integration – maps inspection data into digital twins for precise reporting
  • Remote operation – joystick-controlled with data streamed in real time

Pros:

  • Exceptional Mobility: Works in confined or vertical environments
  • Modular Design: Versatile across multiple use cases
  • Reduces Risk: Cuts preparation time and operator risk vs. manual entry
  • Surface Compatible: Works on coated or delicate surfaces without damage
  • Proven Track Record: Strong performance in power plants and oil & gas facilities

Cons:

  • Limited Endurance: Not designed for long missions (shorter runtime vs. heavier robots)
  • Focused Inspection Scope: Primarily visual and UT inspections, less multi-sensor rich than larger platforms

Score: 4.6/5

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7. FANUC CRX-30iA

Best Industrial Inspection Robot for Heavy Lifting and Collaborative Use

FANUC’s CRX-30iA isn’t an inspection robot in the strictest sense – it’s a collaborative robot (cobot) designed for heavy-duty tasks in manufacturing environments. But its versatility earns it a place on this list. 

With a 30 kg payload and a reach of 1,756 mm, it can handle machine tending, palletizing, welding, and even vision inspection tasks when paired with FANUC’s integrated iRVision system. 

Built with FANUC’s trademark reliability and eight years of zero-maintenance operation, it’s a practical choice for manufacturers looking for a high-payload cobot that can double as an inspection tool when configured with the right accessories.

Features

  • 30 kg payload capacity – highest in the CRX cobot series
  • 1,756 mm reach – suitable for large-scale material handling and machine loading
  • Vision integration – iRVision system for defect detection and inspection tasks
  • Manual guided teaching – easy drag-and-drop programming on a touchscreen pendant
  • Zero-maintenance design – eight years without scheduled servicing

Pros:

  • Strong Payload & Reach: Excellent payload and reach capabilities for a collaborative robot
  • Easy Programming: Simple to program and integrate with third-party accessories
  • Built-in Force Sensing: Integrated force sensing for safe human-robot collaboration
  • Versatile Applications: Flexible for palletizing, welding, vision inspection, and machine tending
  • Global Support: Backed by FANUC’s extensive global support network

Cons:

  • Not Purpose-Built for Inspection: Inspection capability depends on add-on accessories
  • Environment Limitations: Less suited to hazardous or explosive environments compared to specialized robots

Score: 4.0/5

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Comparison: Best Industrial Inspection Robots

Capability ANYbotics ANYmal X Gecko Robotics Waygate BIKE Taurob Inspector ExRobotics ExR-2 SuperDroid Robots FANUC CRX-30iA
ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 certified ✔️ ❌ ❌ ✔️ ✔️ ❌ ❌
Confined space entry ❌ ⚠️ ✔️ ⚠️ ❌ ⚠️ ❌
Vertical wall or pipe climbing ❌ ⚠️ ✔️ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Stair climbing / multi-floor mobility ✔️ ⚠️ ❌ ✔️ ❌ ⚠️ ❌
All-weather ruggedization (IP or equivalent) ✔️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ✔️ ✔️ ⚠️ ❌
Autonomous navigation / route missions ✔️ ✔️ ❌ ✔️ ✔️ ❌ ❌
Autonomous docking / charging ✔️ ❌ ❌ ✔️ ✔️ ❌ ❌
Multi-sensor payload ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ⚠️ ⚠️
Integrated gas detection ✔️ ❌ ❌ ✔️ ⚠️ ❌ ❌
UT/NDT options ⚠️ ✔️ ✔️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ✔️
Digital twin / AI analytics platform ⚠️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ❌ ✔️
Enterprise validation / global support ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ⚠️ ✔️
Suitable for SME budgets ❌ ❌ ⚠️ ❌ ❌ ✔️ ⚠️

How To Choose?

Here are the criteria that matter most, why they’re critical, and how the seven robots we reviewed stack up:

1. Payload Capacity and Versatility

Robots need to carry the sensors or tools required for your inspections without slowing down or losing accuracy. This determines whether the robot can support advanced imaging, gas detection, or UT probes.

  • Best performers: FANUC CRX-30iA leads here with a 30 kg payload, ideal for vision systems and heavy-duty accessories. Taurob Inspector and ANYmal X also carry robust sensor suites without sacrificing mobility.
  • Less strong: Waygate BIKE and SuperDroid models are compact and versatile, but payload capacity is limited – great for cameras and UT gauges, not heavy add-ons.

2. Mobility and Terrain Adaptability

Inspections often mean rough terrain, confined spaces, or vertical climbs. A robot’s ability to reach critical points safely can be the difference between success and a wasted investment.

  • Best performers: ANYmal X (legged mobility for stairs and uneven ground) and Taurob Inspector (caterpillar tracks for 45° stairs, offshore rigs) excel. Waygate BIKE dominates confined and vertical spaces with its magnetic wheels.
  • Less strong: FANUC CRX-30iA is fixed-base, so terrain isn’t its domain. ExRobotics and Gecko perform well on flat industrial sites but aren’t built for vertical mobility.

3. Sensor Technology and Data Collection

High-quality data underpins predictive maintenance and early defect detection. The right sensors ensure inspections go beyond visuals to include thermal, acoustic, and gas analysis.

  • Best performers: Gecko Robotics sets the bar with terabytes of data feeding its Cantilever® AI platform. Taurob Inspector and ANYmal X both integrate multi-sensor payloads, including gas detection.
  • Less strong: SuperDroid offers solid video and thermal options but lacks advanced analytics. FANUC’s inspection ability relies on optional vision add-ons, not native sensors.

4. Integration with Existing Systems

Robots should connect seamlessly with digital twins, plant monitoring tools, or cloud systems for efficient workflows. Without integration, data can become siloed and underutilized.

  • Best performers: Gecko (Cantilever platform) and ExRobotics (Energy Robotics cloud) provide mature integration ecosystems. Taurob and Waygate BIKE offer APIs for digital twin connection.
  • Less strong: SuperDroid robots are more standalone, and FANUC’s integration depends heavily on third-party software.

Safety Features and Certifications

Hazardous environments demand certified robots with fail-safes to protect people and assets. ATEX or IECEx certification is often a must.

  • Best performers: ANYmal X, Taurob Inspector, and ExRobotics are ATEX/IECEx certified for Zone 1 explosive areas.
  • Less strong: Waygate BIKE, Gecko, and FANUC aren’t designed for explosive zones, limiting them to safer industrial environments.

Cost and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective. Factor in maintenance, downtime savings, and vendor support to see the real ROI.

  • Best performers: SuperDroid shines for smaller budgets with off-the-shelf models and kits. Gecko and FANUC justify higher costs with efficiency gains and global support.
  • Less strong: ANYmal, Taurob, and ExRobotics require enterprise-level budgets – worth it in hazardous environments, but not accessible for SMEs.

In Short:

  • Go with Gecko or ExRobotics if predictive analytics and integration matter most.
  • Choose ANYmal or Taurob for hazardous, hard-to-reach sites.
  • Pick Waygate BIKE for confined or vertical inspections.
  • Select SuperDroid if you want flexibility on a tighter budget.
  • Opt for FANUC if you need a heavy-lifting cobot that can double as an inspection tool.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What industries benefit most from industrial inspection robots?

While oil & gas and power plants are early adopters, inspection robots are also being deployed in pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, mining, and transportation. Any industry with safety risks, complex assets, or costly downtime can benefit.

How long does it take to deploy an inspection robot?

Deployment time varies. Compact robots like Waygate BIKE or SuperDroid units can be operational within days, while enterprise systems like Gecko or ExRobotics often require weeks for integration, training, and route mapping.

Can inspection robots fully replace human inspectors?

Not entirely. Robots excel at repetitive, hazardous, or data-heavy tasks, but humans are still needed for oversight, nuanced analysis, and final decision-making. The best systems combine automated data collection with expert review.

Do inspection robots work offline in areas with poor connectivity?

Yes, most leading models can run offline missions and store data locally, then sync once back online. Systems like ANYmal X and ExR-2 are designed to handle remote or low-connectivity environments effectively.

Conclusion

Choosing between the best industrial inspection robots in 2025 comes down to matching the machine to the job. 

ANYbotics and Taurob stand out in hazardous or explosive environments, while Gecko leads on predictive maintenance and digital twins. Waygate’s BIKE is unmatched in confined or vertical spaces, and ExRobotics delivers long-term autonomy with certified docking. 

For flexibility on a budget, SuperDroid offers customizable kits, while FANUC’s CRX-30iA brings collaborative power to heavy lifting and vision tasks.

If you’re looking to achieve 99% accuracy in inspections, reduce manual rework, and integrate seamlessly with whichever inspection robot fits your needs, book a free demo today and see how our platform makes it possible.

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