Flexxbotics and Zaptic Win Hexagon's Third 'Sixth Sense' Cohort of Advanced Manufacturing Startups

Rhea-AI Summary

Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced the winners of its third 'Sixth Sense' cohort, Flexxbotics and Zaptic, who will receive resources for global expansion and be showcased on Hexagon's cloud-based digital reality platform. The program aims to identify emerging innovations and provide a platform for high-growth startups, granting them access to resources and customers typically beyond reach at this stage of their development.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The support of Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division for Flexxbotics and Zaptic as winners of the 'Sixth Sense' cohort represents a strategic move to foster innovation in the manufacturing sector. The focus on robot-driven manufacturing and connected worker platforms is indicative of the industry's shift towards Industry 4.0, which is characterized by automation, data exchange and manufacturing technologies.

For investors and stakeholders, the relevance of this news lies in the potential for these startups to disrupt traditional manufacturing processes and improve productivity. The integration of Flexxbotics and Zaptic into Hexagon's ecosystem could lead to the development of new products and services that enhance operational efficiency. This may result in long-term cost savings and revenue growth for Hexagon, which could positively influence its stock performance. Moreover, the visibility provided by Hexagon's Nexus platform could attract additional clients and partnerships, further expanding the market reach of these startups.

Financial Analyst

Hexagon's decision to back Flexxbotics and Zaptic has significant financial implications. The access to Hexagon's resources for global expansion and potential funding could accelerate the growth trajectory of these startups, potentially leading to increased market share and revenue streams. For Hexagon, investing in these innovative solutions could diversify its portfolio and create new revenue sources, which is a positive signal for investors.

However, it is important to consider the risks associated with startup investments, such as the uncertainty of product adoption and market penetration. Investors should monitor the integration of these technologies into Hexagon's offerings and the market response to gauge the potential impact on Hexagon's financial health.

Manufacturing Technology Expert

The technologies developed by Flexxbotics and Zaptic align with the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry, which increasingly relies on digitization and automation to remain competitive. Flexxbotics' workcell digitization and Zaptic's AI-guided connected worker solution are at the forefront of smart factory trends, offering solutions to the pressing issues of automation and productivity. These technologies could significantly reduce downtime, optimize resource allocation and enhance quality control, which are critical factors in maintaining a competitive edge in the manufacturing sector.

This collaboration with Hexagon could also serve as a benchmark for other companies in the industry, potentially setting new standards for operational excellence and integrated manufacturing systems. The successful implementation and scaling of such technologies could lead to broader industry adoption, reshaping manufacturing practices and increasing the demand for similar digitization solutions.

Robot-driven manufacturing solution and operations platform for connected manufacturing workers gain Hexagon's support to scale and accelerate digitisation of industry

LONDON, Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division announces Flexxbotics and Zaptic winners of its third 'Sixth Sense' cohort. Both were chosen as winners following an intense program for the eight cohort participants that culminated with a pitching competition at the Sixth Sense Summit, at CodeNode in London yesterday. Acerta Analytics was named as the runner-up in Hexagon's third cohort.

A panel of distinguished judges from Hexagon's corporate leadership team awarded Flexxbotics as a winner for its technology that provides workcell digitisation for 'robot-driven manufacturing'. Zaptic joined the Flexxbotics team in the winner's circle for its connected worker platform for manufacturing that digitises operations and accelerates operational excellence.

The cohort winners will be given access to Hexagon's extensive resources for global expansion, including potential funding, worldwide office space, and the company's comprehensive suite of products and services. Additionally, they will be showcased on Hexagon's cloud-based digital reality platform for manufacturing, Nexus, providing them visibility with world-class companies and the opportunity to connect to their systems and data to solve bigger challenges and deliver them more value.

"We are thrilled to announce Flexxbotics and Zaptic as the winners of Hexagon's third Sixth Sense cohort because both address critical automation and productivity challenges while pushing forward the digitisation of the manufacturing industry," said Josh Weiss, president of Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division. "Sixth Sense was conceived to identify emerging innovations and has succeeded in providing a platform for high-growth startups such as Flexxbotics and Zaptic, granting them access to resources and customers that are typically beyond reach at this stage of their development."

"Sixth Sense with Hexagon has been a tremendously valuable experience, and we're thrilled to be selected as the Industrie 4.0 manufacturing robotics software winner of the program," said Tyler Bouchard, Co-founder & CEO at Flexxbotics. "We believe that the fleets of robots in the smart factory will run lights-out production, and that integrated inspection will be the critical 'eyes & ears' of autonomous manufacturing."

"It's an honor to be selected as a winner for Sixth Sense, and we're thankful for the invaluable guidance and support we've received," said Sandy Reid, Co-founder and CCO at Zaptic. "As knowledge and skill gaps continue to widen, manufacturers desperately need a more efficient way to secure and build capability in the workforce. Partnering with Hexagon will allow us to meet this need at scale with Zaptic's AI-guided connected worker solution integrated with Hexagon products and service, delivering guided machine operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance to end users."

Hexagon, the digital reality leader, which plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing of 90% of aircraft, 75% of smartphones, and 95% of all automobiles worldwide, launched Sixth Sense in January 2022 to nurture startups with cutting-edge innovations that address critical manufacturing industry challenges.

US-based Gelsight, was named the winner of Hexagon's second cohort in February of last year for its 3D tactile sensing solution through a digital sense of touch. It announced a global partnership to develop and sell solutions globally with Hexagon earlier this week. Hexagon would also like to congratulate the rest of the third cohort for their impressive pitches and dedication to growth during the program. These innovative startups include Dessia, Launchpad, Rafinex, RV Magnetics, and ToffeeX.

"Sixth Sense is honored to be open to innovators worldwide addressing some of the planet's most significant challenges," said Milan Kocić, Head of Sixth Sense at Hexagon. "Across our three cohorts, we have witnessed how startup innovation empowers manufacturing leaders to confront society's future challenges. We eagerly anticipate welcoming another new cohort with diverse backgrounds and solutions to the latest challenges."

About Sixth Sense

Hexagon technologies are used to manufacture 90% of aircraft, 75% of smartphones, and 95% of every automobile produced worldwide. It has the scale, the network, and the ambition to make a difference. As we enter the era of Industry 4.0, Sixth Sense was launched to discover smart and efficient solutions that will boost performance and benefit people and the planet. By inviting the next generation of innovators to the table, Hexagon aims to share its resources and make connections that accelerate progress – pushing the boundaries of design, manufacturing, and engineering and starting to imagine a better future for the benefit of everyone. To follow Sixth Sense, and learn about the ecosystem and opportunities for participation, visit https://sixthsense.hexagon.com/.

About Hexagon

Hexagon is the global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.

Our technologies are shaping production and people-related ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future. Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division provides solutions that use data from design and engineering, production and metrology to make manufacturing smarter. For more information, visit hexagon.com/mi.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,500 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.4bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB. 

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SOURCE Hexagon

FAQ

What are the names of the winners of Hexagon's third 'Sixth Sense' cohort?

The winners are Flexxbotics and Zaptic.

What will the winners receive as part of the program?

The winners will receive access to Hexagon's extensive resources for global expansion, potential funding, worldwide office space, and the company's comprehensive suite of products and services.

What is the purpose of Hexagon's 'Sixth Sense' program?

The program aims to identify emerging innovations and provide a platform for high-growth startups, granting them access to resources and customers typically beyond reach at this stage of their development.

Who was named as the runner-up in Hexagon's third cohort?

Acerta Analytics was named as the runner-up.

What is the role of Hexagon in the manufacturing industry?

Hexagon plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing of 90% of aircraft, 75% of smartphones, and 95% of all automobiles worldwide.