{"id":43368,"date":"2026-09-21T12:06:06","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T17:06:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flex.com\/?post_type=resource&#038;p=43368"},"modified":"2026-09-21T12:06:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T17:06:08","slug":"matching-robot-form-factors-to-manufacturing-outcomes","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/resources\/matching-robot-form-factors-to-manufacturing-outcomes","title":{"rendered":"Abstimmung von Roboterformfaktoren auf Fertigungsergebnisse"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"overscroll-top\" style=\"background-color: #eaeef4;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"resource-header block\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\t<a title=\"Homepage\" href=\"\/\">Flex<\/a>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M365.3 256l-22.6 22.6-192 192L128 493.3 82.7 448l22.6-22.6L274.7 256 105.4 86.6 82.7 64 128 18.7l22.6 22.6 192 192L365.3 256z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t<a title=\"Resources\" href=\"\/resources\">Resources<\/a>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M365.3 256l-22.6 22.6-192 192L128 493.3 82.7 448l22.6-22.6L274.7 256 105.4 86.6 82.7 64 128 18.7l22.6 22.6 192 192L365.3 256z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t<a title=\"Matching robot form factors to manufacturing outcomes\">Matching robot form factors to manufacturing outcomes<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<h1>Matching robot form factors to manufacturing outcomes<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"separator\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"date detail\">\n\t\t\t\tPosted on<br>\n\t\t\t\tSeptember 21, 2026\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"categories\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"categories-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"cat-tag\">Blog<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"cat-tag\" data-cat-level=\"3\" data-destination=\"\/industries\/industrial?subcategories=robotics#resources\" href=\"\/industries\/industrial?subcategories=robotics#resources\">Robotics<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"sidebar block normal-sidebar\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How robotics OEMs can help customers make smarter automation and technology decisions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tour any advanced manufacturing facility and you\u2019re likely to find robots performing a wide variety of tasks. Mature form factors such as robotic arms, wheeled robots, and drones are well-established across industries and produced by the million every year. Humanoid robots are starting to make inroads as they gain dexterity, stability, and battery life. As the range of available technologies expands, more companies are exploring which types create the greatest operational value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As robotics original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) evaluate new markets and applications, their customers are asking increasingly strategic questions centered on applicability, safety, longevity, and fiscal considerations. Which tasks are the best candidates for automation? How will a robot affect upstream and downstream operations? Will it integrate with existing equipment and software? Can the technology scale as production grows? At what point will I have to upgrade or repair it, and what will that entail?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As both a user and <a href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/industries\/industrial#robotics\">manufacturer of industrial robotics platforms<\/a>, we know that the value of any robotics solution depends not only on its technical capabilities and total cost of ownership, but on how effectively it fits within the broader manufacturing operation. Flex deploys more than 5,000 robots in its production and warehouse facilities globally, automating processes that speed time to market for customers across an array of industries, including robotics. We are continually evaluating automation opportunities against the tools and technologies that can help our customers achieve their goals, from improved quality and employee safety to higher throughput and regional replication of production lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"sidebar normal-column\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a title=\"Regulatory resilience is the next supply chain imperative\" class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/resources\/regulatory-resilience-is-the-next-supply-chain-imperative\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"shipping containers\" src=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Dennis-K-Blog_Regulatory-resilience-is-the-next-supply-chain-imperative_No-text-2-540x304.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBlog\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"Regulatory resilience is the next supply chain imperative\" class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/resources\/regulatory-resilience-is-the-next-supply-chain-imperative\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\tRegulatory resilience is the next supply chain imperative\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a title=\"Building autonomous mobile robots with safety in mind\" class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/resources\/building-autonomous-mobile-robots-with-safety-in-mind\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"industrial robot on a supply room floor\" src=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/building-autonomous-mobile-robots-with-safety-in-mind-0-540x304.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBlog\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"Building autonomous mobile robots with safety in mind\" class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/resources\/building-autonomous-mobile-robots-with-safety-in-mind\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\tBuilding autonomous mobile robots with safety in mind\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"id-6ab1b8dda8fe1\" class=\"box block full-width dark-content de \" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: none;\">\n\t<style>\n\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda8fe1 > .container > .content {\n\t\t\tbackground-color: transparent;\n\t\t\tposition: relative;\n\t\t\tpadding-top: 48px;\n\t\t\tpadding-right: 0px;\n\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 96px;\n\t\t\tpadding-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-right: 0px;\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 1272px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda8fe1.box.block.full-width > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 960px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda8fe1 > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-top: 24px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0px;\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-bottom: 48px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helping customers automate the right way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Determining which form factor is fit for purpose requires an up-periscope view of \u201cpurpose.\u201d While a customer\u2019s quest for automation often begins with a specific task or pain point \u2014 safety concern, labor shortage, repetitive motion, quality issue, etc. \u2014 focusing too narrowly on a discrete portion of the manufacturing process invites unintended consequences. For instance, a robotic arm able to weld panels at lightning speed is of little use if the steps that come before and after can\u2019t keep up. An end-to-end assessment ensures that automating a bottleneck does not create new problems upstream or downstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For robotics OEMs, understanding where their technology adds the most value within the production process is essential. Customers are looking beyond individual robots to solutions that improve throughput, flexibility, quality, resilience, and the safety of their work environments across the entire operation. Helping them identify the right applications leads to better automation outcomes and positions the OEM as a strategic partner rather than an equipment supplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We see this in our own work with customers that consult us on <a href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/category\/solutions-and-services\/design-for-excellence\" data-type=\"category\" data-id=\"48\">designing, manufacturing, and scaling complex products<\/a>. One of the biggest lessons we\u2019ve learned as a manufacturer deploying robotics solutions in Flex facilities is that leading with technology (the robotics platform) rather than business or operational outcomes rarely produces the best results. That\u2019s why we start with the end in mind when making recommendations for automation. Whether customers are bringing new products to market or updating an existing portfolio, taking a bird\u2019s eye view of the entire production process is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wheels, arms, or propellers: What\u2019s the right choice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s assume that a full production line assessment has been done and there is an excellent opportunity to automate part of the manufacturing process. The next question is: \u201cHow, and with what?\u201d Each type of robot solves a different problem. Mobility, dexterity, reach, payload, precision, speed, and environmental constraints all influence which technology is right for the task.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"id_6ab1b8dd9549e\" class=\"media block\">\n\t<div class=\"container media-right content-top\">\n\t\t<div class=\"media\" style=\"left: 0px; min-width: 564px; max-width: 564px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Manufacturing facility with multiple robot form factors: robotic arm and AMR\" src=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Robotics-blog-1-form-types.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content\" style=\"margin-right: 36px; margin-left: 0px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many facilities, the most effective solution combines multiple types of robots rather than relying on a single platform. Understanding the strengths and applicability of each form factor enables robotics OEMs to advise customers on best-fit technologies, illuminate further candidates for automation, and provide insight on workflows and interdependencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the essence of a system-level approach that puts outcomes first, and it is also the biggest opportunity for robotics companies to make a lasting positive impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<script>\n\t(function () {\n\t\tlet hasRun_id_6ab1b8dd9549e = false;\n\t\tfunction updateVideoDisplay_id_6ab1b8dd9549e() {\n\t\t\tconst youtubeVideoId = \"\";\n\t\t\tconst bynderID = \"\";\n\t\t\tconst mediaType = \"image\";\n\t\t\tconst mediaVideoElement = document.getElementById('media-video-id_6ab1b8dd9549e');\n\t\t\tconst bodyClass = document.body?.className || '';\n\t\t\tlet currentLanguage = 'en';\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tif (bodyClass.includes('translatepress-')) {\n\t\t\t\tconst match = bodyClass.match(\/translatepress-([a-z]{2})(?:_[A-Z]{2})?\/i);\n\t\t\t\tif (match) currentLanguage = match[1].toLowerCase();\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tconst isChineseLang = currentLanguage === 'zh';\n\t\t\tconsole.log('isChineseLang:', isChineseLang);\n\t\t\tconsole.log('Language detected:', currentLanguage);\n\t\t\tconst isValidYouTube = youtubeVideoId && \/^[A-Za-z0-9_-]{11}$\/.test(youtubeVideoId);\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tif (!mediaVideoElement || mediaType !== \"video\") return;\n\t\t\tmediaVideoElement.innerHTML = ''; 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We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing it with you soon.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t`;\n\t\t\t\tmediaVideoElement.appendChild(errorDiv);\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t\n\t\tfunction runVideoInjection() {\n\t\t\tif (hasRun_id_6ab1b8dd9549e) return;\n\t\t\thasRun_id_6ab1b8dd9549e = true;\n\t\t\tupdateVideoDisplay_id_6ab1b8dd9549e();\n\t\t}\n\t\t\n\t\t\/\/ Always run on front-end\n\t\tif (document.readyState === 'loading') {\n\t\t\tdocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', runVideoInjection);\n\t\t} else {\n\t\t\trunVideoInjection();\n\t\t}\n\t\t\n\t\t\/\/ Also run in editor if available\n\t\tif (typeof wp !== 'undefined' && wp.domReady) {\n\t\t\twp.domReady(runVideoInjection);\n\t\t}\n\t})();\n\t<\/script>\n\t\n\t<script>\n\t\tdocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\/\/ Get the block element by ID\n\t\t\tvar blockElement = document.getElementById(\"id_6ab1b8dd9549e\");\n\t\t\tif (!blockElement) return;\n\t\n\t\t\t\/\/ Reveal the block\n\t\t\t(function ($) {\n\t\t\t\tScrollReveal().reveal(blockElement.querySelector(\".container .media\"), {origin: \"bottom\", distance: \"20px\", opacity: 1, duration: 1000});\n\t\t\t\tScrollReveal().reveal(blockElement.querySelector(\".container .content\"), {origin: \"bottom\", distance: \"20px\", opacity: 1, duration: 1000});\n\t\t\t}(jQuery));\n\t\t});\n\t<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-weight:600\">Here is a quick overview of common form factors:<\/h3>\n\n\n<div id=\"id-6ab1b8dd9fa1d\" class=\"box block content-width dark-content de \" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: none;\">\n\t<style>\n\t\t#id-6ab1b8dd9fa1d > .container > .content {\n\t\t\tbackground-color: #eaeef4ff;\n\t\t\tposition: relative;\n\t\t\tpadding-top: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-right: 36px;\n\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-left: 36px;\n\t\t\tmargin-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-right: 0px;\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 1272px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dd9fa1d.box.block.full-width > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 960px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dd9fa1d > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-top: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 18px;\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-bottom: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 18px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-dark-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-675c15ff7d178de241b154b900317be2\">Wheeled robots enable material flow across the production system<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The movement of materials is one of the largest sources of non-value-added time in manufacturing. As production becomes more automated, ensuring that the right parts arrive at the right workstation at the right time is critical. Wheeled robots, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), turn independent operations into a coordinated production flow. Common applications include cross-facility logistics, warehouse-to-production integration, and the movement of tools, fixtures, and finished goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"spacer block\" style=\"height: 24px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"id-6ab1b8dda16f2\" class=\"box block content-width dark-content de \" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: none;\">\n\t<style>\n\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda16f2 > .container > .content {\n\t\t\tbackground-color: #eaeef4ff;\n\t\t\tposition: relative;\n\t\t\tpadding-top: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-right: 36px;\n\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-left: 36px;\n\t\t\tmargin-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-right: 0px;\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 1272px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda16f2.box.block.full-width > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 960px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda16f2 > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-top: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 18px;\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-bottom: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 18px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-dark-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-675a69b1afa3d3636d7081c7b70eacdc\">Humanoids and quadrupeds bring mobility to human-designed environments<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designed to navigate environments built for people, they can traverse stairs, uneven terrain, narrow passageways, and other spaces where wheeled mobile platforms have limitations. Emerging applications include industrial inspection, facility maintenance, equipment monitoring, material handling, and manufacturing operations where modifying existing facilities would be impractical or prohibitively expensive. Flex is exploring humanoid use cases in our own factories in anticipation of initial deployment in select facilities as the technology warrants.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"spacer block\" style=\"height: 24px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"id-6ab1b8dda22ef\" class=\"box block content-width dark-content de \" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: none;\">\n\t<style>\n\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda22ef > .container > .content {\n\t\t\tbackground-color: #eaeef4ff;\n\t\t\tposition: relative;\n\t\t\tpadding-top: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-right: 36px;\n\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-left: 36px;\n\t\t\tmargin-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-right: 0px;\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 1272px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda22ef.box.block.full-width > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 960px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda22ef > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-top: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 18px;\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-bottom: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 18px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-dark-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-198402859374d7176eb8013f4dc3f636\">Robotic arms bring precision and repeatability to value-added production<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many manufacturing operations require controlled product manipulation. Once materials arrive at a workstation, wheeled robots typically hand off to robotic arms. They are the primary platform for executing repeatable production tasks within a defined envelope, making precision and uptime essential to product quality and throughput. Typical use cases include assembly, welding and fastening, machine tending, dispensing, packaging, quality inspection, and functional testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"spacer block\" style=\"height: 24px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"id-6ab1b8dda2fed\" class=\"box block content-width dark-content de \" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: none;\">\n\t<style>\n\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda2fed > .container > .content {\n\t\t\tbackground-color: #eaeef4ff;\n\t\t\tposition: relative;\n\t\t\tpadding-top: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-right: 36px;\n\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-left: 36px;\n\t\t\tmargin-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-right: 0px;\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 1272px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda2fed.box.block.full-width > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 960px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda2fed > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-top: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 18px;\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-bottom: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 18px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-dark-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f8e96189fd6978c2f8722f0fc6e277aa\">Drones extend automation beyond the production line<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every manufacturing activity happens on the factory floor. Facilities, distribution yards, construction sites, and industrial assets require regular inspection, monitoring, and data collection. Unconstrained by floor space, drones allow manufacturers to automate these activities while improving speed, consistency, and worker safety in expansive, tight, rugged, and high-risk environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"spacer block\" style=\"height: 24px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"id-6ab1b8dda3a2c\" class=\"box block content-width dark-content de \" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: none;\">\n\t<style>\n\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda3a2c > .container > .content {\n\t\t\tbackground-color: #eaeef4ff;\n\t\t\tposition: relative;\n\t\t\tpadding-top: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-right: 36px;\n\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-left: 36px;\n\t\t\tmargin-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-right: 0px;\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 1272px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda3a2c.box.block.full-width > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 960px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda3a2c > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-top: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 18px;\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-bottom: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 18px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-dark-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-abf97ac8bb01348f8f0a71c035d86c2a\">Cobots enable safe collaboration between people and robots<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collaborative robots (cobots) are not a distinct form factor, but rather robots designed to work alongside human operators. They can take the form of robotic arms, mobile robots, or other platforms equipped with sensing and safety technologies that allow them to operate in shared workspaces. Cobots are well-suited to applications where human judgement, dexterity, or adaptability complement robotic precision and repeatability. They are particularly valuable when manufacturers need to increase productivity without fully automating a process or redesigning an entire production line.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"spacer block\" style=\"height: 24px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"id-6ab1b8dda4481\" class=\"box block content-width dark-content de \" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: none;\">\n\t<style>\n\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda4481 > .container > .content {\n\t\t\tbackground-color: #eaeef4ff;\n\t\t\tposition: relative;\n\t\t\tpadding-top: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-right: 36px;\n\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 24px;\n\t\t\tpadding-left: 36px;\n\t\t\tmargin-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-right: 0px;\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 1272px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda4481.box.block.full-width > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 960px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda4481 > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-top: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 18px;\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-bottom: 12px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 18px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-dark-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1ca2ed90b68c5d6d505a2bd1dd6c0806\">Hybrid robot systems combine complementary capabilities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pairing different robot form factors can help manufacturers solve more complex operational challenges and automate workflows rather than individual tasks. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/downloads\/driving-innovation-efficiency-and-quality-through-advanced-manufacturing-solutions\">Flex uses AMRs<\/a> to deliver supplies to manufacturing lines, move components between production steps, and transport finished products to shipping areas. Pairing that mobility with manipulation can extend automation further, with AMRs equipped with robotic arms able to transport, pick, and place materials at multiple workstations. Other hybrid systems can combine wheeled robots with drones for infrastructure inspection or mobile charging. By connecting multiple steps in a workflow, these systems can reduce handoffs and idle time while improving operational flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Implications for robotics OEMs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Helping customers identify the right automation strategy has implications that extend beyond the sale. The environments in which robots operate and the production systems with which they integrate influence how they should be engineered, manufactured, and <a href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/solutions-and-services\/value-added-fulfillment-logistics\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"18624\">supported throughout the lifecycle<\/a>. As customers seek greater flexibility, robotics companies have to balance precision with modularity, interoperability, simplified deployment, intuitive interfaces, and manufacturability at volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturing customers also expect robotics platforms to connect seamlessly with production scheduling software, warehouse management systems, machine controls, fleet management applications, and enterprise applications. They expect robots to be easy to deploy, update, service, and scale across multiple facilities. Meeting those expectations influences everything from mechanical architecture and electronics integration to battery performance, cybersecurity, calibration, and production test strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For robotics OEMs, understanding how their technology fits within a customer\u2019s manufacturing process informs how their own products should be designed, manufactured, and industrialized. The closer those perspectives align, the better positioned OEMs are to deliver robots that perform safely and reliably in the field and can be produced efficiently at scale. As part of our <a href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/solutions-and-services\/design-engineering\/design-for-automation\">design for automation practice (DfA)<\/a>, we use an array of digital simulation tools to help customers improve product quality, build closer to end markets, and scale as demand increases. Such tools can help robotics OEMs optimize their or their customers\u2019 product designs and manufacturing lines for automation, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The sweet spot for robotics OEMs is where purpose meets practicality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recommending the right robot requires understanding how the technology fits within the larger manufacturing process, how it interacts with upstream and downstream operations, and how it contributes to broader business objectives such as throughput, quality, flexibility, and resilience. That perspective enables more informed conversations with customers, helps identify new opportunities for automation, and influences how robots should be produced and supported. By helping customers match the right technologies to the right manufacturing outcomes, robotics OEMs can build stronger partnerships, deliver greater operational value, and create products designed for both deployment and production at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A manufacturing partner at the forefront of applied automation and robotics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flex doesn\u2019t just manufacture robots \u2014 we rely on them every day across our own production lines and warehouses worldwide. Working alongside thousands of robotics systems has given us firsthand insight into where different form factors create the greatest operational value and what it takes to deploy them successfully at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Combined with more than 55 years of advanced manufacturing experience, that perspective helps us support robotics OEMs throughout the product lifecycle, from design optimization and industrialization to <a href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/company\/global-locations\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"127\">regional manufacturing<\/a>, testing, and lifecycle services. Whether you are bringing a new robotic platform to market or scaling an established one, Flex can help you build products that suit your customers\u2019 automation needs and design them for reliable deployment and efficient production.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"spacer block\" style=\"height: 36px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"id-6ab1b8dda88f2\" class=\"box block content-width light-content de \" style=\"background-color: transparent; background-image: none;\">\n\t<style>\n\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda88f2 > .container > .content {\n\t\t\tbackground-color: #005486ff;\n\t\t\tposition: relative;\n\t\t\tpadding-top: 48px;\n\t\t\tpadding-right: 60px;\n\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 48px;\n\t\t\tpadding-left: 60px;\n\t\t\tmargin-left: 0px;\n\t\t\tmargin-right: 0px;\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 1272px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda88f2.box.block.full-width > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t\tmargin: 0 !important;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t\t@media (max-width: 960px) {\n\t\t\t#id-6ab1b8dda88f2 > .container > .content {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-top: 24px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-right: 30px;\n\t\t\t\t\/\/padding-bottom: 24px;\n\t\t\t\tpadding-left: 30px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design and manufacture robots at scale with Flex.<\/h3>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_d7e83039010870f8ee5badf4c7b2c413\" class=\"button block\">\n\t<div class=\"container left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a title=\"Contact us\" href=\"https:\/\/flex.com\/industries\/industrial\/contact-us\" target=\"\"\n\t\t   class=\"btn-link\">\n\t\t\tContact us\t\t\t<div class=\"long-arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 19.9 9.9\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"15.5,0 14.5,0.9 17.4,4.3 0,4.3 0,5.7 17.4,5.7 14.5,9 15.5,9.9 19.9,5 \"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"line\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<script>\n\t\twindow.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {\n\t\t\t(function ($) {\n\t\t\t\t\/\/ Get the block ID\n\t\t\t\tvar id = \"#block_d7e83039010870f8ee5badf4c7b2c413\";\n\t\t\t\t\/\/ Reveal the block\n\t\t\t\tScrollReveal().reveal(id + \" .btn-link\", {origin: \"bottom\", distance: \"20px\", duration: 1000});\n\t\t\t}(jQuery));\n\t\t});\n\t<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the strengths and applicability of each robot form factor enables OEMs to advise customers on best-fit technologies.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":43413,"template":"","categories":[74],"tags":[],"content-type":[13],"class_list":["post-43368","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-robotics","content-type-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource\/43368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resource"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource\/43368\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43432,"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource\/43368\/revisions\/43432"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43368"},{"taxonomy":"content-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flex.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-type?post=43368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}