Case Study: FLX Solutions, Inc achieves rapid, low-cost development of flexible, safety-focused robots with SolidWorks

SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur FLX Solutions Brings Flexible, Smart Robots to Market

FLX Solutions, Inc developed a low-cost, 3D-printable, one-inch-diameter snake-like inspection robot to help electricians access hard-to-reach spaces without shutting down live equipment — a critical need in high-availability markets like telecom where downtime is extremely costly and arc-flash risks are deadly. FLX Solutions designed the system while addressing the challenge of making robotics affordable, and used SolidWorks tools (including the SOLIDWORKS Entrepreneur Program and SOLIDWORKS Simulation) to support development from university research to startup.

Using SolidWorks, FLX Solutions modeled and virtually assembled every part, ran simulations to test designs and iterate quickly, and demonstrated prototypes to investors and partners — work that helped them gain acceptance into a telecom startup accelerator and prepare a Beta prototype for field testing in February 2020 with early units targeted for sale by the end of 2020. SolidWorks’ software enabled faster, less expensive design and testing cycles, reducing development time and cost and moving FLX Solutions closer to delivering affordable robotic tools that improve worker safety and reduce downtime.

FLX Solutions, Inc

Matt Bilsky

Founder and President