Flex is working with robotics and AI to help customers accelerate data center deployment. | Credit: Flex
With a vision to standardize automation on a global scale, Flex and Teradyne Robotics have expanded their long-term partnership to accelerate the deployment of physical AI and intelligent robotics across the manufacturing sector. The collaboration establishes a dual-track strategy where Flex serves as both the manufacturer of Teradyne’s core robotics components and a primary testing ground.
Flex plans to deploy collaborative robots and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from Teradyne units Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robot (MiR), respectively, across its own production facilities worldwide to drive operational efficiency.
The expansion signals a strategic pivot from traditional hardware support to the front lines of physical AI, where the boundary between robot manufacturer and end user is increasingly blurred. By integrating Teradyne Robotics‘ cobots and AMRs into its own facilities while also building the components that power them, Flex is attempting to solve the “scale problem” that has long hindered the widespread adoption of intelligent automation.
For the broader industrial sector, the partnership serves as a test case for whether the synergy between advanced manufacturing and AI-driven robotics can finally bridge the gap between experimental automation and global operational consistency.
Flex work with Teradyne includes electronics
Flex already makes key components for UR while deploying its force- and power-limited robot arms and MiR’s AMRs in its production environments. The companies said they will solve power, heat, and scale challenges through cutting-edge power and cooling technology, as well as scalable IT infrastructure.
The partners asserted that the expanded real-world deployment will provide continuous operational feedback, validate robotics technologies at scale, and enable faster replication of successful automation workflows.
“For more than 20 years, Flex and Teradyne have partnered to deliver semiconductor equipment at a global scale,” said Dennis Kirkpatrick, president of lifestyle, consumer devices, and core industrial at Flex. “Expanding our relationship into robotics and intelligent automation builds on a strong foundation, combining Teradyne Robotics’ industry-leading technologies with Flex’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, global footprint, and execution expertise.”
Flex supports North Reading, Mass.-based Teradyne with advanced manufacturing, systems integration, and global supply chain execution for semiconductor test platforms used across electronics and semiconductor production environments. The partners said the extension into automation reflects a natural evolution, sharing expertise to address rising complexity, scale requirements, and the need for greater flexibility across modern factories.
“Working closely with Teradyne Robotics as an automation partner allows us to scale intelligent automation while supporting increasingly complex manufacturing environments for customers in electronics, industrial equipment, data center infrastructure, and other critical sectors,” said Rodrigo DallOglio, president of operational excellence and transformation at Flex.
Partners work to advance physical AI in global manufacturing
Teradyne Robotics and Flex said they will deliver physical AI technologies designed to enable more adaptive, flexible systems within increasingly complex production environments.
Flex is a global manufacturing and supply chain titan that serves as the “quiet giant” behind much of the world’s AI infrastructure, providing end-to-end lifecycle services from design to aftermarket. With a footprint of more than 100 facilities across 30 countries, the company claimed that it manage 80% of the critical power and compute requirements for global data centers, supported by a network of 140,000 employees and 16,000 suppliers.
“Flex’s experience in manufacturing complex products across industries, combined with its global scale and resilient supply chain, makes it an ideal partner for advancing intelligent automation,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of the Teradyne Robotics Group. “Together, we’re accelerating the adoption of robotics technologies that improve productivity, flexibility, and operational resilience across manufacturing environments worldwide.”
Teradyne was recently in the news, as it seeks to limit competitors from infringing on its patents.
