Explorer vs FlexLink RI20
Side-by-side comparison of Explorer (OC Robotics) and FlexLink RI20 (FlexLink Systems Inc.) — specs, pricing, Robo Index, and verified deployments. Updated daily.
Optimize comparison for buyer
Optimized for Cleaning & Facilities buyers. Priority specs lifted to the top and marked with a target.
Layer 1: Identity & Trust
Manufacturer Country
- ExplorerUnited Kingdom
- FlexLink RI20Sweden
Year First Available
- Explorer2009
- FlexLink RI202020
Verified Deployments
- Explorer0 Deployments
- FlexLink RI200 Deployments
Layer 2: Operational
Availability Status
- ExplorerACTIVE
- FlexLink RI20ACTIVE
Arm Mechanics
Robot Weight
- Explorer18.6 kg
- FlexLink RI203,000 kg
Payload
- Explorer20 kg
- FlexLink RI2015 kg
Reach
- Explorer2,500 mm
- FlexLink RI20—
Max TCP Speed
- Explorer—
- FlexLink RI200.2 m/s
Performance
Duty Cycle
- Explorer—
- FlexLink RI20continuous 24 7
Controller & Programming
Controller Model
- ExplorerControl and simulation unit
- FlexLink RI20—
Teach Pendant Type
- Explorer—
- FlexLink RI20tablet-style
Offline Programming
- Explorer—
- FlexLink RI20FlexLink Design Tool
Digital Twin Support
- Explorer—
- FlexLink RI20No
Connectivity
ROS-Industrial Support
- Explorer—
- FlexLink RI20none
Commercial
Service Network
- Explorer—
- FlexLink RI20global
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Layer 1: Identity & Trust | ||
| Manufacturer Country (values differ) | United Kingdom | Sweden |
| Year First Available (values differ) | 2009 | 2020 |
| Verified Deployments | 0 Deployments | 0 Deployments |
| Layer 2: Operational | ||
| Availability Status | ACTIVE | ACTIVE |
| Layer 3: Category Specific | ||
| Arm Mechanics | ||
| Robot Weight (priority for Cleaning & Facilities buyers) (values differ) | 18.6 kg | 3,000 kg |
| Payload (priority for Cleaning & Facilities buyers) (values differ) | 20 kg | 15 kg |
| Reach (values differ) | 2,500 mm | — |
| Max TCP Speed (values differ) | — | 0.2 m/s |
| Performance | ||
| Duty Cycle (values differ) | — | continuous 24 7 |
| Controller & Programming | ||
| Controller Model (values differ) | Control and simulation unit | — |
| Teach Pendant Type (values differ) | — | tablet-style |
| Offline Programming (values differ) | — | FlexLink Design Tool |
| Digital Twin Support (values differ) | — | No |
| Connectivity | ||
| ROS-Industrial Support (values differ) | — | none |
| Commercial | ||
| Service Network (values differ) | — | global |
Insufficient data for full comparison
The following fields had no data for any of the selected robots: Price, Battery / Shift Runtime, Degrees of Freedom, Repeatability, Path Accuracy, IP Rating (Arm), IP Rating (Wrist), Cycle Time (25/305/25), MTBF, Vibration Damping, Safety Category, Dual Check Safety, Safety I/O Pairs, E-Stop Response, Safe Zone Count, Programming Languages, Communication Protocols, IoT / Cloud Platform, Cybersecurity Certs, Predictive Maintenance, Tool Flange Standard, Tool Changer (ISO), Internal Cable Routing, Pneumatic Lines, Electrical Lines, Price (USD), Warranty, Spare Parts Lead Time, Expected Service Life
ROI Comparison
Same operating assumptions across every robot — the only difference is price. Set your numbers once to see which pays back fastest.
Annual labor displaced (per robot): $50,000
| Metric | Explorer | FlexLink RI20 |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | No price | No price |
| Payback period | — | — |
| Net savings (5 yr) | — | — |
| ROI (5 yr) | — | — |
Explorer, FlexLink RI20 have no listed price, so payback can't be computed. Contact the manufacturer for a quote.
Estimates labor-cost displacement only — not a full total cost of ownership. Actual ROI depends on integration, maintenance, training, downtime, and task fit. Converted currencies are indicative; USD is the price of record.
Trade-offs at a glance
Frequently asked
Who makes Explorer and FlexLink RI20?
Explorer is made by OC Robotics, based in GB. FlexLink RI20 is made by FlexLink Systems Inc., based in SE.
When were Explorer and FlexLink RI20 launched?
Explorer launched in 2009. FlexLink RI20 launched in 2020.
How do Explorer and FlexLink RI20 compare on the Robo Index?
Explorer grades AA on the Robo Index. FlexLink RI20 grades A. The Robo Index is a credibility grade (AAA … C) that blends commercial maturity, verified deployments, company standing, and independent coverage — see methodology for the full breakdown.
Are Explorer and FlexLink RI20 in the same category?
Both robots are classified as Industrial Arm on Robolist. Filters and ranking treat them as direct alternatives.
What is the realistic total cost of ownership for Industrial Arm robots?
Hardware cost is one input. Industrial Arm TCO also includes integration, training, downtime, and end-of-life. Our breakdown: TCO of a 6-Axis Arm Cell: Hardware, EOAT, Integration, Programming.
What should a buyer ask vendors when choosing between Explorer and FlexLink RI20?
Spec sheets only show part of the story. Useful vendor questions cover support, lifecycle, integration cost, and references. We have a buyer-focused checklist: Industrial Arm Vendor Selection: Capability Matrices and Proof Points.
Going deeper — picking the right robot
TCO of a 6-Axis Arm Cell: Hardware, EOAT, Integration, Programming
7 min readIndustrial Arms
Industrial Arm Vendor Selection: Capability Matrices and Proof Points
9 min readIndustrial Arms
Programming Approaches: Teach Pendant, Offline, AI-Assisted — What Each Costs You
8 min readIndustrial Arms
Build vs buy vs lease: which model fits a first deployment
8 min readChoosing Your First Robot
The hidden specs vendors hope you'll miss
10 min readReading the Spec Sheet
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About this comparison
Explorer vs FlexLink RI20 compares two robots in the industrial-arm category. All data is sourced from manufacturer spec sheets, verified deployments, and third-party filings; see our methodology for how the Robo Index is calculated.