Zurich-based ANYbotics AG is raising the bar in industrial automation with its autonomous four-legged inspection robot. As it expands globally, it is consistently gearing its efforts to the needs of its key multinational customers and focused industrial sectors. It received the 2025 Export Award from Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) for its successful internationalization strategy.
ANYbotics AG currently employs around 200 people who develop and produce the four-legged inspection robot “ANYmal” for industrial applications. Thanks to artificial intelligence and 360-degree sensor technology, the robust, weatherproof robot navigates completely autonomously and easily handles stairs, confined spaces and splash water on its rounds of industrial facilities. It collects precise data, facilitates greater operational efficiency and increases occupational safety. The robot can detect gas leaks, for instance, and perform tasks where humans would be exposed to materials such as acid or nuclear radiation in hazardous working environments.
Strong roots in Switzerland
Within just a few years, ANYbotics has established itself as one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of industrial automation. The ETH Zurich spin-off is rooted in the Swiss robotics ecosystem and has benefited from Switzerland’s high-quality environment since it was founded in 2016, reaping the rewards of a large talent pool and an attractive industrial cluster, plus stable, pro-innovation conditions for young companies.
Focus on core competencies and core markets
The company maintains a consistent emphasis on industries in the areas of “energy”, “mining, metals and minerals”, “chemicals” and “oil and gas”. Consequently, it has been focused on global markets from the outset, with Switzerland Global Enterprise’s (SGE) worldwide network providing the ideal starting point for market development. “When tapping into new markets, we are guided by our four vertical target markets, along with the presence and needs of our key multinational customers,” explains CCO Enzo Wälchli. To this end, the company has built up a global partner network in just three years. In 2024, it opened a US office in San Francisco to gain access to the largest robot market in the world.
Award presentation at the International Trade Forum
Due to its success in the export field, the company was selected as the winner of the 2025 Export Award by an independent volunteer jury. “ANYbotics AG pursues a consistent growth strategy with clear decision-making criteria,” says jury president Ralph Siegl. “It has the courage to say “no’ once in a while when an opportunity doesn’t suit it. Its international expansion is consistently aligned with its strengths: the jury was very impressed by this clear, straightforward approach.”
The company thus saw off competitors including the cosmetics company Cellcosmet from Châtel-Saint-Denis and the telecommunications company GMS from Baar. The chairwoman of SGE’s Board of Directors Ruth Metzler-Arnold presented the Export Award at this year’s International Trade Forum at the Congress Center Basel on April 30, 2025.
(Press release / SK)
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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