Boston, MA – November 20, 2023 – Flexxbotics, delivering workcell digitalization for robot-driven manufacturing, today announced robot machine tending connectivity compatible with the full line of Hardinge’s automation equipment. With Flexxbotics manufacturers that have precision CNC operations using robotics with Hardinge machinery achieve greater throughput, higher yields and increased profit per part.

Flexxbotics’ unique FlexxCORE technology enables robots to securely connect and communicate with Hardinge equipment in the smart factory to provide more powerful, flexible and open robot connectivity than previously available.

Robot compatibility is enabled by Flexxbotics for all different Hardinge machine types including turning, milling and multifunctional machinery from Hardinge, Bridgeport and Weisser, along with the full line of grinding equipment from Hardinge brands including Hauser, Jones & Shipman, Kellenberger, Tschudin, Usach and Voumard, as well as, WPT’s laser welding and OTW / Ohio Tool Works vertical & horizontal honing. Flexxbotics compatibility includes both the Hardinge Fanuc and Mitsubishi controllers with connectivity for both current and older models. 

“When robots are unable to communicate with the CNC machines they are tending the efficiency gains are minimal and quality issues occur,” said Tyler Modelski, Co-founder & CTO of Flexxbotics. “We understand the complexities of robot-machine communication and control which is why we built such robust capabilities in Flexxbotics to give the robots the ability to optimize each machine’s operation.”

In addition to compatibility with Hardinge’s Fanuc FOCAS2/FOCAS and Mitsubishi MELSEC controllers Flexxbotics is compatible with a wide range of open standard protocols including OPC/UA, MTConnect, Modbus-TCP, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet along with Profibus/Profinet and other proprietary controllers and interfacing protocols.

Flexxbotics workcell digitalization is the backbone of the Smart Factory, delivering robot-driven manufacturing at scale with autonomous process control for advanced machining operations. Flexxbotics’ SaaS/hybrid architecture also runs both online and offline so production continues with or without internet access, and Flexxbotics works with existing business systems such as CAD/CAM, SCADA/HMI, IIoT, MES, ERP, PLM and others for complete synchronization.

A full set of bidirectional communication, transform and routing capabilities are available in Flexxbotics for the robots and Hardinge machinery that are connected including loading PLC programs, sending instructions, updating parameters and status awareness depending on the equipment’s capabilities so the robots drive the machines in the smart factory.

“Flexxbotics enables the robots to do more than simply monitor CNC machines, the robots communicate and instruct the machines for coordinated and optimized operation,” said Tyler Bouchard, Co-founder & CEO of Flexxbotics. “We believe robots must be not just intelligent, but empowered to deliver on the promise of robot-driven manufacturing.”

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Boston, MA – November 14, 2023 – Flexxbotics, delivering workcell digitalization for robot-driven manufacturing, today announced robot machine tending connectivity compatible with the full range of Haas Automation machine tools including vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes, and rotary tables, as well as, five-axis and specialty machines. With Flexxbotics, next generation machining environments running robotics with Haas Automation equipment achieve greater throughput, higher yields and increased profit per part.

Flexxbotics’ patent-pending FlexxCORE technology enables robots to securely connect and communicate with Haas Automation equipment in the smart factory to provide more powerful, flexible and open connectivity than previously possible. Flexxbotics compatibility includes the Haas Next Generation Control, as well as, Haas Serial and I/O for interfacing to both current and older models.

“We understand that the robots need to work with the CNC machines that manufacturers already have in place, not just the new, latest & greatest equipment they want to buy in the future,” said Tyler Modelski, Co-founder & CTO of Flexxbotics. “That’s why Flexxbotics includes older connection methods and protocols, as well as, today’s most modern approaches.”

In addition to compatibility with the Haas Next Generation Control, Haas Serial and Haas I/O, Flexxbotics is compatible with a wide range of open standard protocols including OPC/UA, MTConnect, Modbus-TCP, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet along with proprietary protocols such as FOCAS2/FOCAS, MELSEC, Profibus/Profinet and many more. 

Flexxbotics workcell digitalization is the backbone of the Smart Factory, delivering robot-driven manufacturing at scale with autonomous process control for advanced machining operations. Flexxbotics’ SaaS/hybrid architecture also runs both online and offline so production continues with or without internet access, and Flexxbotics works with existing business systems as well such as CAD/CAM, SCADA/HMI, IIoT, MES, ERP, PLM and others for complete syncronization.

A full set of bidirectional communication, transform and routing capabilities are available in Flexxbotics for the robots and Haas machine tools that are connected including loading PLC programs, sending instructions, updating parameters and status awareness depending on the equipment’s capabilities so the robots control and command the smart factory equipment.

“With Flexxbotics robots go beyond simply talking to the machinery, the robots control and command the machines for maximum efficiency and production optimization,” said Tyler Bouchard, Co-founder & CEO of Flexxbotics. “We see a future where robotics play the central role in Industry 4.0 with the advent of robot-driven manufacturing.”

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Boston, MA – November 7, 2023 – Flexxbotics, delivering workcell digitalization for robot-driven manufacturing, today announced the next generation of the revolutionary FlexxCORE™. The patent-pending FlexxCORE technology enables robots to securely connect and communicate with all types of automation equipment in the smart factory to provide more powerful, flexible and open connectivity than previously possible. With Flexxbotics’ FlexxCORE the robots go far beyond simply communicating with the machinery, the robots control and command the machines.

Flexxbotics workcell digitalization is the backbone of the Smart Factory, delivering robot-driven manufacturing at scale with autonomous process control for advanced machining operations. As the critical enabling software infrastructure for robot+machine connectivity in the Flexxbotics solution, this innovative, new FlexxCORE version delivers compatibility with over 1000 different models of CNC machines, other factory machinery and inspection equipment options, and enables 22x faster connector creation than conventional automation integration methods.

To date many robotic digitalization initiatives breakdown in the manufacturing workcell. These failures happen because the robots used in machine tending are seldomly connected directly to factory equipment due to protocol incompatibilities and interface complexity resulting in limited efficiency gains, unexpected quality issues, and unplanned downtime.

“We believe that moving forward the robots must not only communicate with all the existing machinery in the smart factory, the robots will be the conductors of autonomous process control by orchestrating production and inspection in the workcell,” explains Tyler Modelski, Co-founder & CTO of Flexxbotics. “What we’re doing with our FlexxCORE technology is enabling global companies to embrace robot-driven manufacturing at unprecedented scale.”

What is FlexxCORE?

FlexxCORE is the unique software infrastructure for machine connectivity at the center of the Flexxbotics solution for robot-driven manufacturing. FlexxCORE is a low-code environment for composing and running connectors that includes a highly secure, high-performance framework for data pipelines with protocols, class structures, method sets and data models for communication and interoperability between robots and all different types of factory assets. 

FlexxCORE’s Key Features

Complete Protocol Compatibility – FlexxCORE is compatible with a wide range of protocols including open standards like OPC/UA, MTConnect, Modbus-TCP, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet and others, as well as, proprietary protocols such as FOCAS2/FOCAS, MELSEC, Profibus/Profinet, OSP300/OSP200, Haas NextGen and many more.

Full Command & Control – FlexxCORE handles a full set of bidirectional communication, transform and routing capabilities for the robots and machines connected including loading PLC programs, sending instructions, updating parameters and status awareness so the robots control and command the smart factory equipment.

Open Hybrid Architecture – FlexxCORE’s SaaS/hybrid architecture runs both online and offline so that production continues regardless of internet access, and Flexxbotics works with existing systems in the smart factory such as CAD/CAM, MES, SCADA/HMI, IIoT, ERP, PLM, custom systems and others for unmatched extensibility.

FlexxCORE empowers the robots to draw from DNC interfaces and directly manipulate G-code at the machine level to make closed-loop programmatic adjustments to PLC programs in real-time. For example, FlexxCORE can read, write and update macro variables, parameters, and offsets – such as tool / fixture / work offsets – based on inspection results to adjust for tool wear and other factors so part production remains consistent to specification and tolerance for highly precise quality.

The introduction of Flexxbotics’ next generation of FlexxCORE technology provides numerous operational and business benefits, including: 

Operational Benefits 

• Coordinated Operations – Direct synchronization between robot and machine operations
• Closed-Loop Quality – In-line quality control and adjustments based on inspection results
• Faster Set-Up – Reduced workcell set-up time and greater flexibility for part machining
• Quicker Change-Over – More efficient transitioning between different parts and jobs
• Reduced Downtime – Minimized downtime leading to higher overall productivity

Business Benefits

• Higher Yields – Improved quality and consistency
• Lower Processing Cost – Reduced operating costs
• Optimized Cycle Time – Greater throughput for faster production
• More Capacity – Increased manufacturing capacity with the same resources
• Increased Profit per Part – Improved profitability through enhanced efficiency

“We view the advancement of robotics in the smart factory as game-changing,” said Tyler Bouchard, Co-founder & CEO of Flexxbotics. “Robots are shifting the use of digital technology in the factory from primarily planning and monitoring to true intelligent autonomy.”

With the new FlexxCORE at the center of the Flexxbotics solution for robot-driven manufacturing, companies can achieve robotic machine tending results quickly at scale or one workcell at a time avoiding the disruption of rip & replace initiatives and risks of all-at-once automation projects.

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Boston, MA – September 25, 2023 – Flexxbotics, delivering workcell digitalization for robot-driven manufacturing, today announced that it has been chosen by Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division to join the elite Sixth Sense program.

Selected from hundreds of applicants across 27 countries, Flexxbotics workcell digitalization is the backbone of the Smart Factory delivering autonomous process control for next generation machining environments utilizing robotics. The SaaS/hybrid solutions are specifically designed to enable robot-driven manufacturing at scale. Flexxbotics breakthrough innovation, the unique FlexxCORE™ technology, seamlessly connects and coordinates robots with existing automation equipment, IT systems and people.

Hexagon, the industrial software leader that plays a pivotal role in manufacturing 90% of aircraft, 75% of smartphones, and 95% of all automobiles worldwide, launched Sixth Sense in January 2022. The initiative is designed to nurture high-growth companies within the manufacturing industry by supporting them with Hexagon’s extensive resources. 

As part of the Sixth Sense program, Flexxbotics will collaborate with Hexagon to create a joint offering that combines Flexxbotics software for robot-driven manufacturing and autonomous process control together with Hexagon’s in-line inspection equipment. 

“For this third cohort, we’ve been on the hunt for new innovations that enable manufacturing leaders to lead the net-zero transition – especially with sustainable product design – and we’re thrilled with the caliber of the companies we’ve found to participate,” said Josh Weiss, President of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division.

“Each of these companies has demonstrated their capacity to address pressing manufacturing challenges with creativity and determination,” noted Milan Kocić, Head of Sixth Sense. “Much like our previous cohorts have addressed critical industry challenges, we believe these innovators will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for the manufacturing industry.”

“We’re excited to join the Sixth Sense initiative and strengthen our partnership with Hexagon,” said Tyler Bouchard, Co-founder & CEO of Flexxbotics. “We believe that the fleets of robots in the Smart Factory must communicate and work interactively with the inspection equipment providing the insights for closed-loop, runtime updates to the CNC machinery.”

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About Sixth Sense

Hexagon technologies are used to manufacture 90% of aircraft, 75% of smartphones, and 95% of every automobile produced worldwide. It has the scale, the network, and the ambition to make a difference. As we enter the era of Industry 4.0, Sixth Sense was launched to discover smart and efficient solutions that will boost performance and benefit people and the planet. By inviting the next generation of innovators to the table, Hexagon aims to share its resources and make connections that accelerate progress – pushing the boundaries of design, manufacturing, and engineering and starting to imagine a better future for the benefit of everyone. To follow Sixth Sense, and learn about the ecosystem and opportunities for participation, visit https://sixthsense.hexagon.com/.

About Hexagon

Hexagon is the global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.

Our technologies are shaping production and people related ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future. Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides solutions that use data from design and engineering, production and metrology to make manufacturing smarter. For more information, visit hexagon.com/mi.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.2bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.

BOSTON – May 12, 2022 – Flexxbotics, a pioneer in manufacturing workcell management solutions, announced today that it has completed its $2.9 million Series A funding round. The company will use the capital to accelerate the global commercialization of its cloud-based manufacturing management software platform. This platform seamlessly connects enterprise business systems with the manufacturing floor, creating a path for manufacturers to drive the digital transformation to enable Industry 4.0. The system provides a no-code tool kit that enables discrete manufacturers to have a tighter grip on process control, capture relevant operations data, and automate workcell setup.

Flexxbotics was founded in 2018 by Tyler Bouchard, CEO and Tyler Modelski, CTO (both pictured above). Flexxbotics, a Northeastern IDEA spin-out, launched its first set of robotic productivity tools in 2020 and today these are used in almost one hundred companies world-wide. Flexxbotics advisors include John Joseph, CEO and Co-Founder of Datanomix and Scott Harris, Co-Founder of SolidWorks and OnShape.

According to Tyler Bouchard, “Flexxbotics is focused on the mission of helping discrete manufacturing companies complete the digital transformation. These companies have struggled with the challenge of connecting ERP, MES, and other modern business systems with the legacy production equipment on the shop floor. Our vision is to change that by providing a turnkey tool kit to seamlessly connect robots, CNC machines, PLCs, and other manufacturing with each other through a shop floor communications mesh.”

The Series A financing round was led by eCoast Angels, one of the most experienced and active angel groups in New England. The group focuses on early-stage companies developing advanced technology solutions. According to Peter Schroer, a member of eCoast Angels, “Flexxbotics was appealing to us as investors because they are taking a novel approach to connect information from business systems directly with the devices/machines in shop floor workcells. This has long been a critical gap for manufacturing companies and we expect rapid adoption of their product in the coming months as the company rolls out its new technology.”

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