25 June 2026 | News
Image Courtesy: Public Domain
UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS), a global leader in applied safety science, announced it has issued its first certification for a remotely operated robot designed for hazardous locations to ExRobotics for its ExR-2.5 inspection robot, helping shift high-risk inspections from people to robots in potentially explosive atmospheres.
UL Solutions’ new certification program for robots used in hazardous locations was developed to address a critical industry need: enabling robotic inspection and maintenance in environments where explosive gases, vapors or dusts may be present, while evaluating that the equipment itself does not become an ignition source. UL 6260, the Outline of Investigation for Remotely-Operated Inspection and Maintenance Equipment for Hazardous (Classified) Locations, provides a framework to evaluate remotely operated robots used for inspection and maintenance in hazardous locations as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC).
“Robots are changing how tasks are performed in hazardous locations by helping move people out of harm’s way,” said Alex Dadakis, executive vice president and president of Testing, Inspection and Certification at UL Solutions. “This first UL 6260 certification helps advance our mission of working for a safer world and supports the adoption of robotics in dangerous environments.”
To achieve certification, UL Solutions evaluated the ExR‑2.5 robot for risks including fire, explosion, electric shock and mechanical hazards. Testing addressed batteries, electrical systems and mechanical components under normal and fault conditions, including in scenarios where explosive atmospheres may be present during routine operations.
“Earning the first UL 6260 certification is an important milestone for our customers and the industry,” said Mark Mildon, CEO of ExRobotics. “It confirms our ExR-2.5 robot meets safety requirements for use in hazardous locations, giving our customers confidence in robotic solutions.”
UL 6260 covers remotely operated inspection and maintenance robots that use a range of motion types and power sources across industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical processing, agricultural, transportation, pharmaceutical, energy and mining. By evaluating that robots can operate safely in potentially explosive atmospheres, the certification supports reduced operational risk, more reliable inspections and continuity of operations.
This milestone reflects UL Solutions’ safety science expertise in hazardous locations and battery technology, helping organizations deploy advanced robotic technologies with confidence.
