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July 2026-MicroWatt is launching the ExR-2.5 – the first UL Certified inspection robot for potentially explosive hazardous industrial locations in North America.
As Exrobotics’ exclusive North American distributor, assembler and service provider, MicroWatt is leading the introduction of certified robotic inspection technology designed to help customers reduce risk in hazardous locations.
The ExR-2.5 is the only inspection robot designed for potentially explosive industrial environments certified under the new UL6260 framework. The ExR-2.5 is Class I, Division 2, Groups C and D, T4 certified.
As ExRobotics brings its proven, field-tested robots to market, and UL Solutions establishes the certification framework, MicroWatt provides the local expertise, deployment support, and field-ready service needed to help customers adopt certified solutions that meet local safety and compliance requirements.
Oil and gas operators are under pressure from ageing infrastructure, workforce shortages, and the high cost of unplanned downtime. Certified robotic inspection offers a practical way to protect people, assets, and operations by removing workers from hazardous environments. Through its partnership with ExRobotics and collaboration with UL Solutions, MicroWatt is helping industrial customers deploy this new class of certified robotic technology.
“Since MicroWatt was founded in 1984, safety has been at the heart of everything we do,” said Shawn Coffey, CEO of MicroWatt Controls Ltd. “As industrial facilities look to improve safety while maintaining operational efficiency, robotics is becoming an essential part of the solution. Bringing ExRobotics’ UL Certified inspection robot to North America is a natural extension of that mission. Combined with our local engineering expertise, deployment support and industry experience, we’re helping customers reduce the need for personnel to carry out repetitive inspection rounds in hazardous locations.”
MicroWatt provides local assembly, commissioning, operator training, servicing and technical support, ensuring customers can deploy and maintain certified robotic inspection systems throughout their operational life.
Built specifically for hazardous locations with potentially explosive atmospheres, the ExR‑2.5 frees operators from repetitive rounds, allowing operators to focus on high-value analysis and decision‑making. The platform is trusted by major operators worldwide, including Shell, BP and Repsol and has completed thousands of successful robotic inspection missions across upstream and downstream operations, LNG and chemical facilities.
The ExR‑2.5 is equipped with a multi-sensor payload that helps detect issues earlier and collects consistent, actionable data across every mission. From emissions monitoring and gas leak detection to visual and thermal anomalies, the platform builds a comprehensive picture of facility health. LiDAR-based navigation and autonomous data collection ensure every inspection is repeatable, reliable, and ready to support operational decisions.
The new UL 6260 framework establishes the first dedicated certification pathway for robotic inspection technology in environments where explosive gases, vapours, or dust may be present, ensuring the robot itself does not become an ignition source.
UL Solutions evaluated the ExR‑2.5 for risks including fire, explosion, electrical shock, and mechanical hazards, with testing focused on battery systems, electrical controls, and mechanical components under both normal and fault conditions in potentially explosive atmospheres.
By choosing the UL 6260‑certified ExR‑2.5, operators can invest in a platform built to the industry’s highest recognized safety standard for hazardous-area robotics. When combined with MicroWatt’s local deployment and support capabilities, customers can adopt autonomous inspections with confidence while building long-term operational resilience.
About Microwatt Controls
Microwatt Controls helps industrial customers in North America access certified robotic technology with the local support, deployment expertise, and customer focus needed to reduce risk and accelerate adoption. With a strong foundation in North America and a specific focus on the oil and gas and petrochemical industries, Microwatt supports the rollout of advanced solutions for hazardous environments — from fire and gas detection to autonomous inspection — helping operators move from certification to real‑world use with confidence.
About ExRobotics
ExRobotics is the world leader in Ex-certified autonomous inspection robots for hazardous industrial environments. Headquartered in Delft, the Netherlands, the company designs and manufactures rugged, reliable ATEX and IECEx Zone 1-certified robots that help customers improve safety, reduce emissions, increase operational uptime and enhance profitability. ExRobotics operates a certified ISO/IEC 80079-34 production system and delivers robots worldwide.
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