I read in the manual that you can command your companion to open locked doors and containers. So I tried it our last night when I was in a dungeon and came across an adept locked door. My companion illia is not carrying any lock picks so this would be a good way of seeing if they do need them to open locks. So I commanded her to open the door and she agreed to do it ran over to the door and then said I can't do that. Next to the door was locked chest with another adept lock. So I asked her to open the chest expecting the same reply. But this time she went over to chest and unlocked it. I'm not sure why one lock could be opened and the other one couldn't when they are both adept locks. But at least it did work to some extent.

were you able to pick the door lock yourself ( was Adept or did it actually need a key?) Slight off topic but still on topic, I hate that none of the companions ive tried know how to mine. Ive given them mining picks and ordered the them to mine but they all say they cant do that and instead stand there watch intently as i then go and the mine the damn ore myself.

I never tried to unlock the door myself but it did say on the screen door locked adept lock. But it will say requires a key if it can't be picked. And it said adept lock on the chest same text as the door but she managed to open that one. I'll probably need to experiment with it more to see how high a lock she can pick but the fact is she did open a locked adept chest with no lock picks on her.

I just remembered it's early and I'm just out of bed. After she couldn't open the door I opened it with a lock pick. sorry for being still half asleep.

mine can also use a bow they don't have, and never run out of arrows they don't have. not tried the lock thing, i always do it myself. this would be good if you did not want to lvl up with your lock picking.