Flexxbotics gets support to add robots to production from co-founder of SOLIDWORKS, Onshape

Flexxbotics, which provides process-control software to automate workcells, today announced that Scott Harris, co-founder of SOLIDWORKS and Onshape, has mentored and invested in the company. It said the unspecified “strategic investment marks an exciting development for Flexxbotics, propelling the company towards further innovation and growth in the field of smart factory robotic manufacturing.”

Harris has extensive experience in computer-aided design and manufacturing software. Dassault Systèmes acquired SOLIDWORKS, and PTC acquired Onshape. As co-founder of both, Harris knows about innovation and digital transformation, said the Boston-based startup. 

“His investment and involvement with Flexxbotics underscore the company’s visionary approach to the software solutions that orchestrate robotics and equipment in smart manufacturing,” said the company in a release.

Flexxbotics continues digitizing production

Flexxbotics said its FlexxCORE technology connects and coordinates robots with existing automation equipment, IT systems, and people. It said it offers software-as-a-service (SaaS) and hybrid systems to enable the use of robots in complex production settings.

“Flexxbotics is poised to further solidify its position as an innovator in the manufacturing robotics industry,” the company claimed. “The company’s commitment to seamless, robot-driven manufacturing at scale is set to transform how companies operate in the modern era of Industry 4.0 digitalization.”

Last month, Flexxbotics said that SpiTrex Orthopedics used its systems to allow robots to communicate with FOBA laser-marking machines, cutting changeover times. Last week, the company said FlexxCORE works with FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving products for machine tending and vision-based inspections.

In May 2022, the MassRobotics resident startup raised $2.9 million in Series A funding.

Harris to help accelerate R&D, reach new customers

“Flexxbotics is at the forefront of a transformative movement in manufacturing, where robotics and digitalization play a pivotal role in creating smarter, more efficient production environments,” stated Harris. “Their capability to adapt robot performance on-the-fly in response to feedback is truly unique.”

The company said the investment and mentoring from Harris will help it accelerate its research and development efforts, expand its product offerings, and reach a broader customer base in the rapidly evolving manufacturing automation space.

“We are eager to have Scott Harris on board as an investor and advisor,” said Tyler Bouchard, co-founder and CEO of Flexxbotics. “His deep industry knowledge and successful track record in manufacturing software solutions will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of robotics and manufacturing technology.”