Reference resource

This page covers the essential concepts and links to more specialised resources. Capabilities, constraints and rules must always be checked against the relevant site and use case.

Short answer: there is no universal winner

ANYmal is the closest to a ready-to-deploy industrial inspection solution. It combines the robot, a standard inspection payload, automatic docking and a data platform. Its Zurich headquarters and documented Swiss deployments are relevant advantages for Swiss operators.

Spot offers the most extensively documented integration ecosystem. Its SDK, APIs, Autowalk, GraphNav, Orbit, Dock and partner payloads make it a flexible base for custom applications. Buyers still need to select and integrate the sensing package required by their mission. For verification, see Boston Dynamics · Spot Dock.

The X30 combines IP67 protection, strong mobility, a longer stated runtime and an automatic charging solution. It deserves consideration for wet, dusty or multi-level environments. Public information is less detailed about its exact payload options, security software and Swiss support.

The B2 leads on several payload, speed and runtime figures published by its manufacturer. It is best suited to a buyer with in-house robotics expertise or a capable integrator. Unitree explicitly notes that functions vary by configuration and that some require human operation or secondary development.

None of the four is a complete autonomous security officer. A platform designed specifically around security patrols, such as Ascento Guard, may be a better benchmark for a security-led project.

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For a deeper analysis, read Unitree B2. Stated performance, payload and limitations.

X30, B2, ANYmal and Spot compared

The values below were published by the manufacturers and reviewed on 9 August 2026. Runtime figures come from different test conditions. Payload, cold, slopes, measurement stops and communications can materially reduce useful patrol time.

X30 and X30 Pro should not be mixed. The table uses public X30 data. Unitree states that several capabilities depend on configuration. A signed technical offer and a site test remain necessary.

Manufacturer data and operational interpretation reviewed on 9 August 2026
CriterionDEEP Robotics X30Unitree B2ANYmalBoston Dynamics Spot
Official positioningIndustrial platform for inspection, investigation and rescueIndustrial platform for inspection, energy, rescue and developmentIntegrated industrial inspection suiteGeneral mobile platform with a payload ecosystem
Weight with battery56 kg for X30Approximately 60 kgNot stated on the general public page reviewed33.8 kg
PayloadConfirm for the exact configurationOver 40 kg while walking, at least 120 kg while standing10 kg additional payload beyond the standard inspection package14 kg
Stated runtime2.5 to 4 h and at least 10 kmOver 5 h and 20 km unloaded, over 4 h and 15 km with 20 kg90 min and up to 2 km per charge90 min on average
Stated speedAt least 4 m/sOver 6 m/s in a special configuration0.75 m/s normal walking speed1.6 m/s
Ingress protectionIP67IP67IP67IP54
TerrainOpen stairs, 45° stairs and obstacles20 to 25 cm continuous stairs, up to 40 cm obstacles and steep slopes claimedWet and uneven ground, open stairs and multi-level facilitiesUp to 30° slope and 30 cm step
Inspection packageIntegrated perception, mission payload to specify3D LiDAR and cameras depending on configuration20× zoom, thermal, acoustic, spotlight, LiDAR and pan-tilt as standardThermal, acoustic, LiDAR and other payloads available separately
Autonomous chargingSolution announced and swappable batteryOptional depending on configurationAutomatic Dock and multi-Dock missionsSpot Dock available
SoftwareAutonomous navigation claimed, less public integration detailFunctions vary and often require developmentData Navigator, missions, inspections and reportsAutowalk, GraphNav, Orbit, SDK and documented APIs
Security-readyNo, security integration requiredNo, platform development requiredNo, primarily an inspection suiteNo, configurable platform
Swiss supportConfirm contractuallyConfirm contractuallyZurich headquarters and official supportConfirm Swiss contractual coverage

Platform, sensor configuration and operational solution

The robotic platform provides locomotion, power, localisation and interfaces. It does not automatically know how to qualify an intrusion, manage an alarm or send the right information to the right operator.

A sensor configuration adds thermal imaging, optical zoom, acoustic sensing, gas detection or LiDAR. Every instrument has its own range, accuracy, calibration and environmental constraints.

An operational solution also requires missions, docking, dashboards, alert rules, permissions, cybersecurity, human procedures and support. This final layer creates the actual service. The four products do not begin at the same level of integration.

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Security patrol: none is ready out of the box

All four robots can travel along a route, observe an area and transmit data. This alone does not create a security service.

A security patrol must receive an alarm, reach the correct location, provide usable video, distinguish a technical anomaly from a person and involve an operator. It should also connect with fixed cameras, access control and response procedures.

DEEP Robotics lists security among the X30 use cases, but its public product material does not describe a complete alarm-management workflow. Spot can carry cameras, communication payloads and third-party software. Its ecosystem makes security integration possible, but the solution still needs to be designed. For verification, see DEEP Robotics X30 · official product page.

ANYmal includes highly relevant sensors, but its standard workflow focuses on equipment inspection and condition monitoring rather than guarding. The B2 is a powerful platform whose functions depend on configuration.

A trained person must validate events and decide how to respond. The robot supports detection and remote verification. It does not replace human accountability.

For a deeper analysis, read Boston Dynamics Spot. Ecosystem, Dock, sensors and use cases.

Industrial inspection: ANYmal for integration, Spot for flexibility

ANYmal includes a 20× optical zoom camera, thermal camera, ultrasonic microphone, spotlight and LiDAR in its standard inspection package. Data Navigator centralises results. ANYbotics also documents a Vigier Ciment deployment in Switzerland with more than 33,000 inspections across 450 points in 16 months. For verification, see ANYbotics ANYmal · official product page and ANYbotics · Vigier Ciment case study.

This makes ANYmal the most directly inspection-focused option. Its value comes from the connection between mission execution, measurement, history and maintenance reporting.

Spot provides more design freedom. A site can assemble thermal, acoustic, LiDAR or visual payloads and develop custom actions with the SDK. This suits industrial groups with automation teams and integrators building specialised applications.

The X30 is credible when physical access is the primary challenge. The B2 is interesting when several instruments or long distances matter. Raw specifications do not prove measurement quality or repeatable autonomous missions.

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For a deeper analysis, read ANYmal. A Swiss industrial-inspection suite.

Terrain, weather and route repeatability

X30, B2 and ANYmal are rated IP67. Spot is rated IP54. This distinction matters in rain, dust, splashing water and frequent cleaning.

The robot rating does not cover the whole system. Payloads, connectors, docking equipment and network hardware must tolerate the same conditions. Condensation, ice, corrosion and grip should be tested separately.

X30 and ANYmal explicitly address open industrial stairs. Unitree publishes significant stair and slope capabilities. Spot lists a maximum 300 mm step. None of these values replaces testing on the actual route.

Maximum speed is rarely decisive for inspection. Stability at the measurement point, localisation accuracy and route repeatability matter more.

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Integration, software and real autonomy

Boston Dynamics provides extensive technical documentation. GraphNav supports mapping and autonomous traversal. Autowalk records and replays missions. The SDK and hardware interfaces support additional sensors and actions. For verification, see Boston Dynamics Spot · official product page and Boston Dynamics · autonomy and Autowalk.

ANYbotics follows a more vertical model. ANYmal, its sensors, Dock and Data Navigator form a coherent workflow. This can reduce integration effort, although it offers less design freedom than a fully custom platform.

DEEP Robotics and Unitree provide hardware interfaces and development options. Buyers should request documentation for the exact delivered configuration, software versions, data export, offline operation and SDK access. For verification, see DEEP Robotics X30 · launch and autonomous charging.

B2 has the longest manufacturer-stated runtime. X30 follows, while ANYmal and Spot state roughly 90 minutes. Useful daily coverage also depends on docking, mission length and manual interventions.

Credible autonomy is measured through mission completion, manual recoveries, unplanned stops, sensor availability and data quality over several weeks. Autonomous navigation is not autonomous security decision-making.

For a deeper analysis, read DEEP Robotics X30. Detailed platform and integration assessment.

Availability and support in Switzerland

ANYbotics is headquartered in Zurich and publishes an official customer-support service. This is a tangible advantage for demonstrations, onboarding and maintenance.

Boston Dynamics provides documentation, training, support resources and services. The contracting entity, local partner, parts lead times and Swiss service level still need confirmation. For verification, see Boston Dynamics Spot · specifications.

Public DEEP Robotics and Unitree pages do not establish a specific Swiss support level. Buyers should clarify repairs, spare parts, return procedures, remote assistance, updates, cybersecurity and supported software lifetime before purchase. For verification, see Unitree B2 · official product page.

No price or Swiss delivery commitment should be published without a recent written quotation.

Our recommendation and pilot metrics

For an integrated inspection programme with a Swiss manufacturer, ANYmal should be the first benchmark. For a flexible and well-documented platform intended for a custom integration, Spot is likely the most natural choice.

For harsh environments and a structured evaluation of a Chinese industrial alternative, the X30 deserves a pilot. For high payload, long stated runtime and a project supported by an experienced development team, the B2 may be relevant.

For a security-led mission, compare these quadrupeds with a purpose-built patrol robot. The right answer may also be a wheeled robot, additional fixed cameras or a combination of technologies.

Ten measurements for a credible pilot

A pilot should produce operational evidence, not only a successful demonstration.

  • Mission completion without assistance.
  • Manual recovery rate and causes.
  • Runtime with the real payload.
  • Measurement accuracy and repeatability.
  • Performance on stairs, grating, puddles and temporary obstacles.
  • Connectivity and behaviour during network loss.
  • Successful return-to-dock rate.
  • Time from anomaly to human decision.
  • Parts and support availability.
  • Total solution cost rather than robot cost alone.
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Frequently asked questions

Which is the best robot: X30, B2, ANYmal or Spot?

There is no universal winner. ANYmal is the most integrated for inspection, Spot the most flexible, X30 is attractive for harsh environments and B2 leads on stated payload and runtime.

Which robot is the most autonomous?

ANYmal and Spot clearly document repeatable missions and automatic docking. X30 announces an automatic charging solution and B2 offers optional autonomous charging. Real autonomy must be measured through mission completion without intervention.

Can these robots secure a site?

They can perform patrols and support remote verification. None provides a complete alarm, supervision and response solution in its base configuration.

Can they operate in the rain?

X30, B2 and ANYmal are rated IP67. Spot is rated IP54. Payloads, Dock, connectors and accessories require separate verification.

Which has the best stated runtime?

Unitree states more than five hours unloaded and more than four hours with a 20 kg payload. These figures are not directly comparable with real duty cycles and should be tested in the selected configuration.

Are they available in Switzerland?

ANYbotics is headquartered in Zurich. Availability, local partners and support terms for Spot, X30 and B2 should be confirmed in writing.