FLEXOO and SmartFactory-KL extend partnership to advance Physical AI
2026-08-05
From sensing to intelligent physical systems
FLEXOO and SmartFactory-KL have extended their collaboration to further explore how physical interaction data can contribute to the next generation of intelligent industrial systems.
The partnership brings together SmartFactory-KL's expertise in industrial automation and production environments with FLEXOO's capabilities in flexible sensing and physical data generation.
Together, both organizations are investigating how physical data can help future AI-enabled manufacturing systems better understand and interact with the real world.
First results from the collaboration FLEXOO with SmartFactory-KL
The first phase of the collaboration focused on evaluating how FLEXOO's tactile sensing technology can be integrated into SmartFactory-KL's model factory environment and whether the resulting data can support future Physical AI applications.
As part of this work, FLEXOO sensors were integrated into the SmartFactory-KL infrastructure and connected via OPC UA. Sensor-equipped robotic grippers were then used to capture physical interaction data during handling processes.
To evaluate the practical value of this data, controlled error scenarios were introduced and the resulting sensor signals were analyzed using an initial machine learning proof of concept.
The results confirmed that FLEXOO's sensing technology can be successfully integrated into industrial automation environments and can support the detection of anomalies during robotic handling processes. The activities further indicated that the captured interaction data helps identify and differentiate the underlying causes of handling anomalies.
First results demonstrate the potential of tactile data
A key milestone of the collaboration was the joint presentation of three sensorized robotic grippers at Hannover Messe 2026.
The demonstrators showcased how tactile sensing can provide valuable information directly at the point of interaction and support the detection of process anomalies during robotic manipulation tasks.
First results have been highly encouraging and further underline the potential of physical interaction data as a foundation for future Physical AI applications.
Building the foundation for Physical AI
As AI increasingly moves into industrial environments, access to high-quality physical data becomes an important enabler for future intelligent systems.
Many critical processes are influenced by forces, pressure, contact dynamics, and material behavior - information that is often difficult to capture with conventional approaches alone.
By combining industrial validation with advanced sensing technologies, FLEXOO and SmartFactory-KL are working to make these previously inaccessible data spaces available for future Physical AI systems.
Continuing the collaboration
The extension of the partnership reflects a shared interest in advancing the role of physical data within intelligent industrial systems.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with SmartFactory-KL and exploring together how tactile sensing, physical data, and AI can contribute to the next generation of industrial innovation.
FLEXOO and SmartFactory-KL showcased sensorized robotic grippers at Hannover Messe 2026, demonstrating the potential of tactile data for future Physical AI applications.