June 25, 2026
Key Points
- UL 6260 certification enables the use of inspection robots and drones in hazardous locations, setting a new benchmark for robotic safety in environments with explosive gases, vapors or dusts.
- UL Solutions issued its first UL 6260 certification to ExRobotics for the ExR-2.5 robot, validating performance against fire, explosion, electric shock and mechanical safety risks.
- UL 6260 supports robotics adoption across various industries, such as oil and gas, mining and agriculture, helping reduce worker risk while improving inspection and maintenance reliability.
One of the tremendous benefits of robots is that they can do tasks that could be dangerous for people to perform. A great example is a new inspection robot that has achieved a first-of-its-kind certification from applied safety science company UL Solutions.
The company announced the achievement on June 24. Below is an explanation of what it means for the industry.
What did UL Solutions announce?
UL Solutions issued its first certification under its new UL 6260 program to ExRobotics for its ExR-2.5 inspection robot. This marks a milestone in evaluating robotics designed for hazardous locations, such as environments where explosive gases, vapors or dusts may be present.
What is UL 6260?
UL 6260 is an Outline of Investigation developed by UL Solutions for remotely operated inspection and maintenance robots and drones used in hazardous locations, as defined by the National Electrical Code.
It provides a structured framework to assess whether robotic systems can operate safely without becoming an ignition source.
Why was this certification program developed?
The program addresses a growing industry need to safely deploy robotics in environments where human inspections can be dangerous. This program helps companies adopt robotic technologies while managing a variety of risks.
What makes hazardous locations challenging for robotics?
Hazardous locations may contain flammable gases, vapors or combustible dust. Equipment used in these environments must be carefully designed and tested to ensure it does not ignite the surrounding atmosphere under normal or fault conditions.
What was evaluated for the ExR-2.5 robot?
UL Solutions evaluated the ExR-2.5 robot for:
- Fire and explosion risks
- Electric shock hazards
- Mechanical safety
The testing included batteries, electrical systems and mechanical components under both normal and fault conditions, including scenarios with potentially explosive atmospheres.
Why is this certification program important?
The certification provides confidence that robots and drones can be used safely in hazardous environments.
It supports reduced risk to personnel, more reliable inspection and maintenance, and continued operations in high-risk settings.
Which industries can benefit from UL 6260 certification?
UL 6260 applies across a wide range of sectors, including the following:
- Oil and gas
- Petrochemical processing
- Energy
- Mining
- Agricultural operations
- Transportation
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
In fact, any industry operating in hazardous locations can benefit from certified robotic solutions.
What types of robotics are covered under UL 6260?
The certification covers remotely operated robots and drones used for inspection and maintenance, including systems with different motion types and power sources.
What does this milestone mean for UL Solutions?
This certification reinforces UL Solutions’ expertise in safety science, particularly in hazardous locations and battery technologies. It also reflects the organization’s role in supporting the safe adoption of emerging technologies.
What does this mean for robotics adoption?
The availability of a recognized certification framework can accelerate the adoption of robotics in hazardous environments by providing clear safety benchmarks and increasing trust among operators, regulators and customers.
Where can I learn more?
For more details on this announcement, read the press release.
Additional information about UL Solutions’ certification services for robots and drones used in hazardous locations is available on the UL 6260 service page at UL.com.