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10 Years of Disruption: How OpiFlex Redefined Flexible Robotics in Manufacturing

Introduction

Ten years ago, OpiFlex was honored with the EU Commission’s Big Innovation Award for solving one of the toughest challenges in European manufacturing: achieving true flexibility in robot automation. At that time, we could never have imagined that even automotive OEMs would come to us in search of agility.

Today, we support both small subcontractors producing thousands of parts per day and global industry leaders who need to future-proof their production with flexibility. This blog explores the journey, the technology, and what’s next.

Why Flexibility Matters in Modern Manufacturing

Today’s manufacturers face constantly shifting demands, shorter product life cycles, and increased product variation. In this environment, rigid automation systems fall short.

Whether you’re producing 500 or 4000 unique parts per year in a machine, flexibility is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential to survive. Manufacturers need automation that adapts as fast as the market changes.

What Makes OpiFlex So Unique

From day one, OpiFlex set out to make automation radically more flexible, simple, and scalable. Our solution is built around patented technologies and real-world needs:

  • 33 approved patents across Europe and the U.S.

  • OpiFlex Dynamic Program Generator: anyone add a new product in 1–5 minutes

  • Mobile robot cells with fencless safety, ISO-compliant safety with large robot at high speed 

  • Less than one-week installation including training and acceptance (vs. 4–8 weeks for standard solutions)

  • Globally recognized by the EU and major manufacturing media

This unique combination sets us apart—not as a cobot, but beyond cobots.

Real Results from Real Manufacturers

OpiFlex is helping customers across a wide range of industries, including:

  • Sheet metal fabrication

  • CNC machining

  • Wood processing

  • Food and beverage

  • Mixed palletizing with AI

Our users range from high-mix subcontractors to top-tier automotive brands. One customer recently sent us a photo with the caption:
“Another weekend, another night. Running fully automated thanks to OpiFlex.”

That’s what we strive for—automation that enables continuous, profitable, and headache-free production.

Why We’re Entering the U.S. Market Now

The momentum is building fast. After being featured in The Fabricator, we’ve received a surge of interest from U.S. manufacturers.

From job shops to major OEMs, U.S. manufacturers are facing the same flexibility challenges we’ve solved in Europe—and they’re looking for fast, proven solutions. OpiFlex is ready to deliver.

What’s Next: Pushing the Boundaries Even Further

Even after 10 years of innovation, we’re not standing still. We’re actively developing the next generation of automation:

  • Plug-and-play for even faster deployment

  • AI-based mixed palletizing with dynamic adaptation

  • Simplified user interfaces for greater accessibility

  • New sector applications beyond our current core industries

We continue to push the edge of what’s possible to help our customers adapt faster, operate smarter, and scale effortlessly.

Call to Action

Want to see how OpiFlex can help automate your high-mix production?
Contact us today