From the Lab to the Rain-Swept Streets: IP Rating Protection for Robot Chassis

Many customers initially focus solely on computing power, algorithms, and appearance when purchasing a robot chassis. It's only when robots cease operation in rainy weather or experience frequent failures in dusty workshops that they realize the critical importance of protection ratings.

As robotics technology deepens its penetration into industrial, agricultural, and medical fields, its operational environments are growing increasingly complex—from dust-filled factory workshops to humid and rainy outdoor settings, and even extreme clean environments with high temperatures and pressures. The IP protection rating of a robot's chassis is the key factor determining its true suitability for outdoor deployment. This article provides practical decision-making guidance for the industry by examining three dimensions: interpretation of IP rating standards, adaptation to application scenarios, and balancing cost-effectiveness.

Comprehensive protection, precisely tailored to application scenarios

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) uses a two-digit code to clearly define a device's protection against solid foreign objects and liquids. For robotic chassis, this rating directly determines their applicable scenarios:

IP20/IP43: Suitable only for temperature-controlled laboratories or exhibition hall demonstrations;

IP54-rated chassis: Suitable for general industrial environments and indoor logistics scenarios, offering effective dust protection (limited ingress) and splash resistance. Ideal for locations with moderate cleanliness requirements but no significant moisture interference, such as e-commerce warehouses and hospital delivery areas.

IP65-rated chassis: Fully dustproof and resistant to low-pressure water jets from any direction. Suitable for environments with dust and occasional washing needs, such as food processing, light manufacturing workshops, and outdoor inspections.

IP67-rated chassis: Building upon IP65 standards, it delivers enhanced waterproofing performance, capable of withstanding brief immersion (30 minutes) in water up to 1 meter deep without damage. Widely used in high-humidity and high-dust environments such as agricultural spraying, sanitation cleaning, and port transportation.

IP68-rated chassis: Offers the highest level of protection, enabling prolonged submersion operations under manufacturer-specified conditions. Engineered for extreme environments such as firefighting and rescue operations, underwater exploration support platforms, and outdoor inspections in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

Protection ratings are no longer optional but integral to product specifications. Recently, several leading logistics and security robotics companies have explicitly set IP54 as the minimum requirement for suppliers, while outdoor projects generally demand IP65 or higher. Particularly in industrial, agricultural, and medical sectors, customers purchase not just robotic chassis but comprehensive unmanned solutions. If the chassis cannot withstand real-world environments, even the most sophisticated algorithms become useless.

Our company has established an environmental reliability laboratory capable of simulating complex conditions such as rain exposure, dust, extreme temperatures, and vibration. We also provide third-party IP certification reports for high-protection models.

High Protection ≠ High Cost, but High Value

Some customers have asked us: Does a higher IP rating mean skyrocketing prices? Our technical team provides a clear answer: Upgrading from IP54 to IP65 does indeed increase costs for seals, industrial motors, waterproof connectors, and other components. However, compared to the losses incurred by project failures, this investment offers exceptional value for money.

As industry standards continue to evolve, IP protection ratings have become core disclosed parameters for robotic products, alongside battery life and load capacity. Regardless of the application domain—industrial, agricultural, or medical—Xspirebot consistently provides comprehensive environmental adaptability test reports for its entire robotic systems.