The Flex factor behind smarter robotics: Flex and Teradyne Robotics expand collaboration

Flex and Teradyne Robotics are expanding their long-standing collaboration to accelerate the adoption of intelligent automation across global manufacturing operations, while also drawing on the strength of UK robotics expertise.

Under the expanded relationship, Flex will take on a dual role. Alongside manufacturing key robotics components for Teradyne Robotics, the company will also deploy advanced automation technologies across its own global production facilities. The strategy is designed to support faster scaling of intelligent automation systems while validating robotics technologies in demanding, real-world manufacturing environments.

Central to the partnership are Teradyne Robotics’ brands Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). UR, which operates from its UK base in Sheffield, is widely recognised as a major player in collaborative robot (cobot) technology, while MiR specialises in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for industrial settings.

Flex appeal

Flex currently manufactures important components for UR systems while integrating both UR collaborative robots and MiR AMRs into its own operations. By combining production expertise with hands-on deployment experience, the two companies can continuously evaluate automation performance at scale. In turn, this activity will generate operational feedback that supports ongoing optimisation and faster replication of successful workflows across multiple sites and industries.

“For more than 20 years, Flex and Teradyne have collaborated to deliver semiconductor equipment at a global level,” states Dennis Kirkpatrick, President of Lifestyle, Consumer Devices and Core Industrial at Flex. “Expanding our relationship into robotics and intelligent automation builds on a strong foundation, combining Teradyne Robotics’ leading technologies with Flex’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, global footprint and execution expertise.”

The relationship builds on an established tie-up that has already seen Flex support Teradyne through manufacturing services, systems integration and worldwide supply chain execution for semiconductor test platforms. Expanding the partnership into manufacturing automation solutions represents a natural next step as plants increasingly seek greater flexibility, resilience and efficiency from their operations.

“Working closely with Teradyne Robotics as an automation partner allows us to scale intelligent automation while supporting increasingly complex manufacturing environments for customers in electronics, industrial equipment, datacentre infrastructure and other critical sectors,” comments Rodrigo DallOglio, President of Operational Excellence & Transformation at Flex.

AI gets physical

A major focus of the expanded collaboration is the development of next-generation intelligent automation applications that incorporate physical AI technologies. These systems are designed to create more adaptive and flexible production environments capable of responding dynamically to changing operational requirements.

By combining robotics technologies with real-world manufacturing data and deployment expertise, Flex and Teradyne Robotics aim to accelerate the validation and scaling of automation systems that improve consistency, throughput and operational efficiency.

Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of the Teradyne Robotics Group, comments: “Flex’s experience in manufacturing complex products across industries, combined with its global scale and resilient supply chain, makes it an ideal partner for advancing intelligent automation. Together, we’re accelerating the adoption of robotic technologies that improve productivity, flexibility and operational resilience.”

The expanded partnership ultimately positions both companies to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of smart manufacturing and industrial automation.