Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has tested a plant inspection robot that it said offers explosion protection features to limit the danger of the robot igniting an explosion or fire from electric sparks or heat, including in areas with flammable gas.

The test was conducted jointly with JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corp. at its Mizushima Refinery in Japan.

During the test, the EX ROVR moved on its own through several floors of the plant building, including navigating stairs. During the test, it collected data from its various sensors and managed continuous automated operation including charging at a docking station.

The robot was tested at a refinery in Japan. Source: MHIThe robot is still in development, but MHI said the test confirmed that it meets the requirements for basic functionality to conduct routine patrol inspections at JXTG Energy's plant and handle emergency situations.

The EX ROVR has an explosion-proof design that complies with Japan's explosion-proof guidelines, as well as the ATEX and IECEx explosion protection standards adopted in Europe and around the world, allowing it to be used in areas with an explosive gas atmosphere.

MHI said it will conduct further tests in a range of plant environments to improve the check density and enhance safety, with the aim of commercialization.

During testing, the robot was able to navigate stairs. Source: MHIIECEx is an international system for certification of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. The quality assessment provisions are based on standards created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The ATEX Directive, based on IECEx, stipulates the health and safety requirements, and conformity assessment procedures, that must be met in order to bring to the EU market equipment for use in explosive atmospheres and protective systems.