UL Solutions Issues Its First Certification for a Remotely Operated Robot Designed for Hazardous Locations

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 24, 2026--

UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS), a global leader in applied safety science, today 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.

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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.

Learn more about UL 6260 certification for hazardous location inspection and maintenance robots and drones.

About UL Solutions

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, advisory offerings and software solutions that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

Source Code: ULS-IR

UL Solutions 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.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Residents along the Budhi Gandaki River in north central Nepal evacuated on Sunday as flash flooding destroyed homes and other structures in the area.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority evacuated villagers and warned others to move to safer areas while remaining on alert until late Sunday.

The agency said at least five people are reported missing so far. The flash flood also damaged or destroyed four bridges, swept away about three dozen houses and damaged the construction site of a hydropower plant.

Several power and communication towers were also damaged along the riverside.

Nepal's army said in a statement that it was continuing to rescue stranded people using helicopters and ground troops. They had rescued 49 people by Sunday afternoon.

The agency said the flash flood was caused by a landslide that initially blocked the river near the village of Chumchure. The dam formed by the landslide breached, triggering the flood.

The Budhi Gandaki River merges into the Trishuli River and is a key waterway near the capital Kathmandu.

Videos on social media show houses and sheds being swept away by the swollen river flowing between tall mountains. It was not immediately clear how many of the small villages in the mountainous area were impacted. Social media posts indicate the government warning prompted an evacuation in Arughat, a riverside town on the highway connecting Kathmandu to other parts of the country.

Nepal is still recovering from a devastating flood in August along the mountainous Nepal-China border that left more than 1,400 people dead and thousands more missing.

The office of Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Monday announced an end to search and rescue operations for additional victims. Authorities will instead concentrate on recovery, including restoration of roads and bridges cut off by floods, particularly in remote areas where damaged infrastructure has made aid deliveries difficult.

The government estimates the rebuilding effort will cost $4.77 billion. Nearly 33,000 people have been affected and about 7,500 homes were damaged or destroyed.

In this photo provided by the Nepal Army, residents affected by the flooding in Budhi Gandaki river in north central Nepal, are evacuated by a helicopter, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (Nepal Army via AP)

In this photo provided by the Nepal Army, residents affected by the flooding in Budhi Gandaki river in north central Nepal, are evacuated by a helicopter Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (Nepal Army via AP)

In this photo provided by the Nepal Army, Budhi Gandaki river in north central Nepal is seen in spate, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (Nepal Army via AP)