In a move promising more flexibility and faster deployments, Flexxbotics has forged compatibility between its robotic automation technology and FOBA laser marking and engraving equipment. This integration enables closed-loop feedback between robots and FOBA systems for autonomous process control.

Announced earlier this week, Flexxbotics said its patent-pending FlexxCORE software now allows robots to securely connect with and direct various FOBA laser markers. This includes communication with FOBA's integrated camera setup for automatic vision-based part inspections pre- and post-marking.

"Combining FOBA with Flexxbotics delivers substantial benefits for manufacturers in highly regulated industries like medical and aerospace," said Flexxbotics CEO Tyler Bouchard. "It also boosts throughput for operations requiring rapid, precision processing such as semiconductor fabrication."

Headquartered in Germany, FOBA provides CO2, fiber, green, UV and ultrashort pulse laser marking systems catering to diverse applications. The new integration allows Flexxbotics-controlled robots to initiate FOBA's three-stage laser marking process and leverage features like Intelligent Mark Positioning and Point & Shoot for accuracy.

"Enabling robot-managed production with our FOBA equipment via Flexxbotics increases ROI tremendously by optimizing cycle times and removing obstacles to round-the-clock operation," said FOBA Americas Sales Manager Jeffrey A. Kniptash.

As a key player focused on scaling robot-driven manufacturing, Flexxbotics said its universal automation platform acts as a digital thread connecting all facets of an automated factory. The company’s hybrid software architecture gives manufacturers production continuity whether online or offline.

Beyond FOBA gear, Flexxbotics enables coordinated robot control of equipment from Makino, HURCO, and Nakamura-Tome. The company says its FlexxCORE software allows bidirectional data flows to load programs, relay commands, monitor statuses, and more. By serving as an intermediary, it gives robots greater command over other manufacturing machinery.

With the FOBA integration demonstrating its equipment-agnostic approach, Flexxbotics reaffirmed plans to showcase its automation technologies at ATX West 2023 later this quarter. The company aims to prove the flexibility and scalability of its robot orchestration capabilities for smart factories.

For manufacturers seeking increased efficiency via tighter coordination between marking systems and robotic automation, this new Flexxbotics/FOBA partnership presents tremendous potential.