Flexiv

Flexiv is a robotics and artificial intelligence firm that develops and manufactures adaptive robots for a broad range of industries. The company was founded in 2016 by a team of researchers from Stanford University's robotics and AI labs, including Shiquan Wang (CEO), Xiyang Yeh (CTO), and Shuyun Chung (Chief Robotics Scientist). The founders' background in Stanford's Biomimetics and Dexterous Manipulation Lab provided a strong foundation for the company's focus on creating robots that can mimic human dexterity through advanced force control and AI. According to Chief Robotics Scientist Shuyun Chung, the company was created because existing force-sensing technology was too unreliable and inaccurate for precise robotic control.

The company's business model revolves around the sale of its robotic hardware, proprietary software platforms, and turnkey automation solutions to business-to-business (B2B) clients. These clients operate in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, 3C electronics, logistics, medical care, and agriculture. Revenue is generated through the sale of the robots themselves, as well as through software licensing and after-sales services. Flexiv has established a global presence with offices in the U.S., China, Singapore, and Taiwan, and is expanding into Europe through partnerships.

Flexiv's primary product line is the Rizon series of adaptive robots, first launched in April 2019. These 7-axis robotic arms are distinguished by their integration of industrial-grade force control, computer vision, and AI technologies. This allows the robots to have a human-like 'sense of touch', enabling them to adapt to changing environments and handle tasks with high positional variance, such as complex assembly, surface polishing, and precision component insertion. The Rizon robots, including models like the Rizon 4, 4s, and 10, feature high-precision force and torque sensing, which provides superior disturbance rejection and enables them to work safely alongside humans. To complement its hardware, Flexiv offers software platforms like Flexiv Elements, a drag-and-drop visual programming interface, and the Robot Development Kit (RDK), which allows developers to create custom applications using C++ and Python.

The company has achieved significant financial and developmental milestones. After a Series A+ round of $22 million in 2019, Flexiv secured over $100 million in a Series B round in late 2020. A subsequent Series B+ round of nearly $100 million in June 2022 elevated the company to unicorn status with a valuation of $1 billion. By mid-2025, total funding reached $222 million following a Series C round. Key investors include Meituan, New Hope Group, YF Capital, Gaorong Capital, and GSR Ventures.

Keywords: adaptive robots, force control robotics, industrial automation, artificial intelligence, computer vision, robotic arm manufacturer, Rizon robot, Stanford spinout, Shiquan Wang, intelligent automation, manufacturing automation, human-robot collaboration, precision assembly, surface treatment robots, robotics software, Flexiv Elements, Robot Development Kit, flexible automation, smart manufacturing, dexterous manipulation