A closed door can interrupt a robotic inspection round, even when the machine can navigate the factory. Three companies address this obstacle by connecting robotics with existing building access systems.

A pilot announced in September

On 17 September 2026, dormakaba announced a pilot with ANYbotics and LEGIC. ANYbotics detailed the project on 24 September. The trial takes place at GE Vernova’s Whitegate power station in Ireland, in an operating industrial environment.

An authorised robot, like an employee

ANYmal uses a digital identity to request access. The building system checks permissions before opening the equipped door. The robot then verifies that the passage is available. It does not bypass a lock: the building determines authorisation.

Autonomy also depends on infrastructure

ANYbotics reports that two doors were automated at the site. The pilot therefore combines a mobile machine, door equipment and access management. It does not establish that a robot can open any door in an unadapted building.

Continuity and responsibility

Our analysis: covering several rooms without intervention could improve inspection rounds. But permissions, closures and failure situations must remain under the operator’s control. Integration involves building managers as well as robotics specialists.

Conclusion: the building becomes a partner

The pilot suggests a practical path: adapt circulation with existing infrastructure. ANYbotics says passage through doors without access control is available, while the access-controlled configuration is offered on request following validation at Whitegate. Full rollout is planned for 2027; these announcements do not establish widespread adoption.