FLX Solutions develops advanced robotic systems that enhance mission readiness and safety by minimizing maintenance disruptions across defense operations — with expanding applications in industrial, transit, and construction sectors.

The FLX BOT is a compact, snake-like collaborative robot (cobot) that transforms inspection and maintenance for defense and industrial environments. Just 1″ in diameter, it navigates confined or hazardous spaces on ships, bases, and aircraft. Operated by a single technician via handheld control or extension pole, it reduces labor and improves safety. Its modular design includes interchangeable links with advanced cameras and sensors for autonomous obstacle avoidance. Plug-and-play end effectors — such as 4K, 360°, and 3D cameras, NDT sensors, thermal imaging, grippers, leak detectors, and sprayers — enable rapid adaptation for diverse tasks.

The FLX BOT minimizes the need for dangerous teardown or scaffolding and enables quick, accurate inspections. Designed for grab-and-go deployment, it reduces downtime and supports preventative maintenance. Its patented design offers greater articulation, lighter weight, and a smaller footprint than competing robots — at a fraction of the cost. Field-ready and validated, FLX BOT has completed and launched pilots with the U.S. Navy (corrosion assessment, 3D tank mapping), U.S. Air Force (aircraft wing fuel tank inspections), and a major DOD Prime.

Focus Area: Enhanced Inspection

Erik Hummel
erik@flxsolutions.com
267-733-3981

Problem Statement:

Maintenance and DoD technicians face major challenges inspecting and sustaining critical equipment on aircraft, ships, and remote bases. Many areas are confined, hidden, or too dangerous to access safely. Tight turnaround times and unsafe conditions increase risk. Current methods rely on costly teardowns and hazardous scaffolding. There is a need for high-resolution inspection tools that access hard-to-reach spaces efficiently.

Technology Solution Statement:

The FLX BOT is a handheld, snake-like robot that navigates confined spaces in aircraft, ships, and bases with minimal training. Its slim, modular design uses interchangeable links with cameras and sensors for autonomous movement. Swappable end effectors—360°, 3D, thermal cameras, NDT tools, grippers, and more—enable diverse maintenance tasks. Lighter, smaller, and more flexible than robots costing 10x more, it fits in a briefcase. Programs are underway across defense, transit, and industry.

Benefits Statement: 

FLX BOT improves inspection quality while reducing maintenance damage, injuries, and costs. Navy pilots showed 90% savings in time and expense for hard-to-reach areas. It decreases downtime through efficient preventative maintenance and faster recovery. Elevates spaces can be inspected from the ground, and the robot collects sensor data for predictive maintenance and documentation—even at the front lines.