EX ROVR, the autonomous, explosion-proof, plant inspection robot : Technology
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Technology
Advanced vehicle mechanism
- The advanced travel mechanism has been proven through actual field operations on data collection missions at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
- EX ROVR's higher mobility and small footprint allows for travel through narrow paths in multi-floor petrochemical plants.
Battery charging in the field
- High robot availability with 2 hours of operation* with just 2 hours of charging
- Contactless power charging station can be installed in the hazardous location
- Depend on operating load
Explosion-proof multi-gas detector and microphone for mobile use
- Sensors integrated both for mobile and explosion-proof use
- Newly developed communication I/F and power charge station for mobile use
Autonomous travel software
- Originally developed operation algorithm enables 3D-SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) traveling and stairs/obstacles negotiation
- Autonomous routine multi-floor plant inspection according to preset scenarios on robot scheduler system
Robotic Arm with 6 Degrees of Freedom
- Wire-driven robotic arm is light weight and explosion-proof certified
- Integrated visual camera system captures high resolution images of plant gauges for digital data processing
- Optional one degree-of-freedom gripper enables light manipulation
Small, Flame-proof Camera & LED Lighting

Utilizing small, endoscopic camera technology from the industrial / medical fields, an ultra-small and lightweight flame proof camera allows for the visual inspection system to be located on the tip of the explosion-proof manipulator.

Explosion-proof Robotic Hand with 1 DOF Input Articulated Drive Mechanism

An explosion-proof robotic hand (with multiple articulated fingers driven mechanically by a 1 degree-of-freedom wire) can grasp objects with complex shapes

Global Cellular Connectivity Designed for IoT and M2M

Soracom is a global provider of smart IoT connectivity, offering a cloud-native wireless service designed specifically for the needs of connected devices. Global IoT innovators trust Soracom for affordable, reliable connectivity that accelerates time to market and makes it easy to connect to the cloud.

Crawler frame

The crawler frame is created through the precision sand casting of aluminum alloys.Our unique casting technology enables a strong, thin, and weight-saving frame. We also conduct an X-ray CT inspection to enhance the products' reliability and ensure the frame is free of potential casting defects (such as blowholes).


Special Glass for Explosion-proof Robot

Various shapes of tempered glass such as flat, cylindrical, and dome glass are available for explosion-proof standards.

Global LTE/Wi-Fi router and explosion-proof antenna


The LTE router with support for a wide range of operating temperatures and the newly developed explosion-proof antenna with wideband and high-gain technology enables IoT communication in harsh environments for remotely managing the operating status of the robot.

Powerful Crawler

EX ROVR features special crawler belt shapes which are suitable to challenging applications. The track's unique polyurethane compounding paired with molding expertise allows EX ROVR to achieve optimal traction and power transfer even in severe conditions.

Explosion-proof High-capacity Lithium Ion Battery

The battery management system includes powerful features such as power control over the flameproof container wall and interlocked power shutdown in the event of protective gas pressure drop. These advanced features contribute to a significant size reduction of the flameproof battery container.

Downsizing of Explosion-proof Battery and Camera

Utilizing technique and know-how of the explosion-proof apparatus manufacturer, a lightweight flame-proof battery case balances the explosion proof and the mobility of the robot, and a compact flame-proof camera case acquires the visibility of the hand eye camera.


Ultra-compact, Network-based Servo Driver

The ultra-compact servo driver Gold Twitter (manufactured by Elmo) that supports DC power is compatible with a wide range of motors with high controllability and versatility. In combination with the motion controller Platinum Maestro, multiple drivers can be flexibly controlled via CAN Open.

Enclosure-based explosion-proof design
- Sophisticated explosion-proof interlock and pressurized enclosure design enable a light-weight mobile robot.
- Charging station provides protective gas recharges for the robot.
- EX ROVR automatically navigates back to the optimal charging position to ensure proper terminal connection and contact.