IMDEX 2025 – ST Engineering presents XPYDER, a robot capable to climb ship hulls and metallic structure, aimed at the military and civilian market
At IMDEX 2025 in Singapore, ST Engineering exhibited the XPYDER, an innovative robot designed to meet the complex needs of maritime and industrial operations, particularly in the fields of safety, maintenance and intervention on large-scale metal structures
It can operate wireless up to 100 metres, data link being encrypted according to the AES-256 standard. This highly manoeuvrable magnetic crawler is capable of moving over mega-ferritic structures (mainly steel) at a maximum speed of 15 m/min. It is 560 mm long, 465 mm wide and 295 mm high; its mass is 32 kg, considering the 10 kg payload.
This magnetic crawler is fitted with tracks and is able to “stick” and climb vertically on ferromagnetic metal surfaces, such as ship hulls. Its modular design makes it easy to maintain, adapt and add new modules according to mission requirements. Equipped with edge-detection sensors, it can identify the limits of metal surfaces and alert the operator of any change in material or obstacle, ensuring the robot’s safety while on the move. It features an articulated arm capable of handling and deploying operational equipment, such as titanium grappling hooks for securing devices such as boarding ladders for anti-piracy operations.
It integrates cameras for proximity monitoring and real-time image transmission, providing operators with enhanced situational awareness. It can be remotely controlled, enabling safe operations without direct exposure of human personnel to risk zones.
The XPYDER (or SPYDER in certain contexts) has been designed to make it easier and safer for security forces to board ships in maritime operations. It replaces or complements traditional methods (ropes, grapples, manual ladders) by deploying a boarding ladder using its robotic arm, after attaching a titanium hook to the ship’s hull. It can also be equipped with sensors or tools for specific missions, for example detecting hazardous substances or support tactical operations.
In the shipbuilding domain, thanks to its cameras and its ability to access difficult or dangerous areas, it can be used to inspect ship hulls, search for cracks or structural defects, or monitor complex industrial environments. On large metal structures, such as reservoirs, bridges, port infrastructures, it facilitates access for maintenance, cleaning or repair operations.
The XPYDER is part of ST Engineering’s global strategy to digitalize and automate maritime and industrial operations, drawing on advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and remote fleet management via cloud solutions. It complements a range of robotic solutions for public safety, defence and industrial maintenance.
In a nutshell, ST Engineering‘s XPYDER is a state-of-the-art magnetic crawler robot, designed to climb and operate on large metal structures, mainly in the maritime sector. It stands out for its modularity, equipment deployment capabilities, advanced monitoring functions and contribution to the safety and efficiency of field operations.
Photos by J. Roukoz, @ IMDEX 2025
