In the ever-evolving world of robotics, a new contender has emerged, leaving even the most seasoned players in awe. Researchers from Switzerland have introduced ANYmal, a four-legged robot capable of executing jaw-dropping parkour movements that could give Boston Dynamics' famous Atlas a run for its money.

A New Challenger Enters the Ring

While Boston Dynamics has long been at the forefront of advanced robotics, with its Spot and Atlas robots garnering global attention, a Swiss startup called ANYbotics has quietly been developing a formidable competitor. Founded in 2016 by doctoral students and researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, ANYbotics has unveiled ANYmal, a robot that can navigate obstacles with astonishing agility.

Parkour Prowess on Display

In a video clip released on March 14, 2024, ANYmal showcased its exceptional parkour skills, effortlessly overcoming a series of daunting obstacles with a level of balance and precision that defies belief. From leaping over gaps to climbing steep inclines, the robot's movements are a testament to the remarkable advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

A Robust Solution for Industrial Inspections

While ANYmal's parkour prowess is undoubtedly captivating, the robot's true purpose lies in its ability to conduct autonomous inspections in complex industrial facilities. According to ANYbotics, ANYmal was designed to be a "reliable, autonomous, and maneuverable inspection solution equipped with ready-to-use, high-quality sensors."

Engineered for Extreme Environments

Unlike its competitors, ANYmal is built to thrive in demanding environments. Its robust construction ensures it is shockproof, waterproof (IP67 rated), and dustproof, making it an ideal choice for inspections in industrial settings. Additionally, the robot is equipped with fully integrated visual and thermal cameras, an ultrasonic microphone, a powerful LED spotlight, and a LIDAR scanner, enabling it to collect data autonomously and safely.

AI-Powered Mobility and Autonomy

At the heart of ANYmal's exceptional mobility lies its AI-based locomotion system, which employs reinforcement learning algorithms to navigate complex multi-floor facilities with ease. This intelligent system not only allows the robot to maneuver through challenging terrain but also enables it to seamlessly integrate with existing operational systems, streamlining inspection processes.

A Turnkey Inspection Suite

ANYbotics has designed ANYmal as a turnkey inspection solution, complete with a standard, pan-tilt payload that creates value from day one. The robot's visual camera boasts a 20x optical zoom for clear long-distance images and 4K video recording, while its thermal camera provides precise temperature readings ranging from -40°C to 550°C without physical interaction.

Furthermore, ANYmal's pan-tilt unit offers a wide range of motion (+/- 90° vertical, +/- 165° horizontal), ensuring efficient and comprehensive inspections. Complementing these features is a powerful spotlight for low-light operations and an ultrasonic microphone capable of recording acoustic measurements in both audible and ultrasonic frequencies (0-384kHz).

Expanding Capabilities through Custom Sensors

To further enhance its versatility, ANYmal can accommodate an additional 10kg payload and integrate with various custom sensors for specialized inspection requirements, such as gas sensing and high-precision 3D scanning.

As the competition in the robotics industry intensifies, ANYmal's impressive capabilities and agility have set a new benchmark. With its robust design, AI-powered autonomy, and comprehensive inspection suite, ANYmal is poised to revolutionize industrial inspections, offering a safe, efficient, and reliable solution for monitoring complex facilities.