Celebrating 50 years in industry, Gerotto looks at how its pioneering robotic innovations have impacted storage terminals
Looking back at 2024, Gerotto has tackled some highly challenging engineering projects. Its tank cleaning systems, integrated into containerised units, have been further refined to ensure an even more efficient workflow. Additionally, the company has developed an ATEX Zone 0-certified system with an external pump certified for Zone 1, an innovative solution that enables sediment removal without the need for a vacuum truck. This approach is particularly interesting because it combines a Zone 0 robot with a pump located in Zone 1, significantly increasing productivity by eliminating vacuum truck emptying downtimes.
StocExpo 2025
‘StocExpo has become a must-attend event for industry professionals,’ says Gerotto CEO Alessandro Gerotto. ‘Thanks to its highly specialised focus, it provides an ideal space to connect with contractors and asset owners from around the world. This not only strengthens existing relationships but
also fosters new synergies and business opportunities.’ For Gerotto, 2025 was all about enhancing the safety of the company’s systems, while staying ahead of evolving sustainability trends.
Gerotto brought exciting innovations to StocExpo’s 20th edition. First, the company is working on obtaining IECEx certification for its containerised solutions, an essential step towards international markets that do not adopt ATEX certification. Gerotto also showcased its new HD cameras, compliant with both ATEX and IECEx regulations, designed to operate in hydrocarbon-rich as well as hydrogen-containing atmospheres. Later in 2025, Gerotto will launch a range of battery-powered robots for debris removal.
Impact On The Sector
Gerotto is a pioneer in robotic technologies for confined space and explosion-risk environments. Its first patents date back to the early 2000s. Over the last two decades of innovation, the company have developed a range of ATEX Zone 0 robots alongside other robotic solutions, including onboard- pump robots, underwater units, dozers, and diggers. Since late 2018, it has also introduced a tank cleaning system that can be deployed in either a single 20-foot ATEX and IECEx-certified container or two 10-foot containers. These innovations, along with advancements from our competitors, have played a crucial role in raising awareness of robotic innovation in the oil and gas industry, leading to significantly higher safety standards.
Evolving With The Industry
Interest in tank cleaning robots has steadily grown over the years. Video inspection robots have been widely used in the industry for many years and are an established market standard, whereas industrial cleaning robots have only recently gained the recognition they deserve. The 2014 ATEX directive marked a major turning point, giving the sector a significant boost.
For Gerotto, compliance with regulations has always been a top priority. ‘That’s why we have certified all our components, and today, beyond ATEX certification, we are in the final stages of obtaining IECEx certification and working on UL compliance,’ says Gerotto. ‘This approach guarantees the highest quality standards for our customers and asset owners, who increasingly demand cutting-edge technology and safety.’
Regulatory evolution has established a common baseline for the industry. ATEX, IECEx, and UL standards have become fundamental references for R&D. While these regulations provide a shared framework, they also leave room for companies to develop unique solutions that meet compliance requirements.
On the other hand, the sector’s energy transition is another crucial factor. That’s why, in 2025, Gerotto developed HD cameras designed to operate in hydrogen environments. ‘This forward-thinking approach allows us to anticipate market needs and stay ahead of industry trends,’ concludes Gerotto.
