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Security

Expliner

Built by HiBot · Japan

Updated Jul 2026·methodology
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The Expliner is a Security robot developed by HiBot (Japan), launched 2010, listed at $3,298 USD (unverified).

RoboScore

63.2/ 100

Strong evidence

No confirmed deployment on record — this score reflects the rest of the record, not verified adoption.

6 of 9 signals present

Recomputed nightly from public data. Missing data is skipped, never zero-filled — and rankings are never for sale.

Weighted factors

average of the 6 scored · blanks don't count

Commercial maturity20%100/100
Deployment footprint18%unknown
Proven track record12%70/100
Spec completeness12%99/100
Company financial health12%83/100
Company maturity8%100/100
Manufacturer portfolio6%26/100
Media mentions (trailing 12 months)6%unknown
Independent recognition4%unknown

Not in the Security standing. The standings cover robots first sold from 2020 onward, and this one launched in 2010. Its Robo Score above is unaffected — the score is the evidence, the standing is only who it is listed against.

See the Security standing

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Overview

Expliner is a robot for inspection of high-voltage power lines up to 500 kilovolts. It features special wheels to roll along power lines and a robotic arm that acts as a counterweight for balance. The robot can inspect live wires without requiring power lines to be turned off, using arrays of CCD cameras with mirrors, HD camera, infrared camera, and various sensors to acquire 360° images and detect defects in cables.

At a glance

  • Built for inspection
  • Used across industrial
  • Programmed through embedded system
  • Certified to certified for up to 500kV live lines[1][7]

Buyer decision signals

Viability

$32.0M raisedest. 2004

Most Recent Funding Deal

Price

$3,298

purchase

Unverified — no source on record

Availability

discontinued3-week lead time

Certifications & autonomy

certified for up to 500kV live lines[1][7]

Specifications

Category: Security
Payload
80 kg
Speed
0.47 m/s
Weight
4.5 kg
Battery
6 h
Autonomy
semi-autonomous
Launch year
2010
Price
$3,298 USD

Unverified — no source on record

Status
active
VerifiedSelf-reportedEstimated

Company profile

Funding raised
$32.0M
Founded
2004

Detailed specifications

What it is built for6
Industries
energy
Applications
visual inspection
Sub Category
inspection robot
Procedure Types
high-voltage transmission line inspection
Industries Served
utilities
Primary Applications
inspection
Movement & precision3
Dof
12
Max Speed M S
0.467
Repeatability Mm
0.1
Controls & integration5
Sensor Suite
Arrays of CCD cameras with mirrors, HD camera, infrared camera, proximity sensors, gyro and accelerometer, lasers, four sets of laser sensors
Onboard Compute
10 SH-2 32-bit RISC microcontrollers, one ARM M4 board, and a 8-channel video acquisition board with solid-state drive
Controller Model
HiBot SH2Tiny,10 SH-2 32-bit RISC microcontrollers,ARM M4 board
Compatible Vision
CCD cameras with mirrors,HD camera,infrared camera
Software Platform
Embedded system
Safety & certification1
Safety Certification
certified for up to 500kV live lines[1][7]
Buying & support5
Price Tier
<10K
Pricing Model
purchase
Lead Time Weeks
3
Availability Status
discontinued
Countries Available
JP

Where to buy

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Company milestones

  • Dec 2025FundingMost Recent Funding Deal
  • 2004MilestoneCompany Founded
  • LaunchSnake Robot Technology Development
  • MilestoneHiBot official Expliner product video published
  • MilestoneExpliner described as a high-voltage power-line inspection robot

More by HiBot

Frequently asked questions

Who makes the Expliner?
The Expliner is developed by HiBot, based in Japan.
What type of robot is the Expliner?
The Expliner is a Security robot made by HiBot.
How much does the Expliner cost?
The Expliner is listed at $3,298 USD in the Robolist catalogue, but this figure is unverified and not confirmed by HiBot — contact them for a quote.
When was the Expliner launched?
The Expliner was launched in 2010.

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