FlexiBowl®
Flexible Parts Feeding Systems
for Australian Industry
Vision-guided, robot-agnostic flexible feeding — replacing rigid bowl tooling with software-driven control. Handle any part geometry, material or surface. Change over in minutes. Demonstrated live at our Melbourne facility.
Powered by ARS Automation — Inventors of FlexiBowl®
FlexiBowl® is patented and manufactured by ARS S.r.l., headquartered in Arezzo, Italy. Founded in 1987, ARS began designing automation for the pharmaceutical industry before developing FlexiBowl® in 2013 — the world's first truly flexible vision-guided parts feeder.
Comtec is ARS Automation's authorised distributor for Australia, providing local sales, application engineering, commissioning and ongoing technical support. When you invest in FlexiBowl® through Comtec, you have the full backing of both the manufacturer and an experienced local automation team.
Why Conventional Bowl Feeders Limit High-Mix Production
Australian manufacturers running short batches, multiple SKUs or frequent part changeovers face real costs from traditional vibratory feeding.
Dedicated tooling locks you in
Traditional bowl feeders require custom tracks and tooling for every part number. Each new SKU means a new bowl or expensive retrofit — months of lead time before production starts.
High-mix production kills throughput
Small variations in part geometry cause jams, misfeeds and constant operator intervention. Downtime for clearing and resetting can consume 20–30% of shift time in high-mix environments.
Labour dependency keeps rising
When feeders can't adapt quickly, manual orientation becomes unavoidable. In today's tight Australian labour market, this is expensive and unsustainable for competitive production.
Vibration damages delicate parts
O-rings, silicone seals, electronics and surface-finished metals suffer cosmetic or functional damage in vibratory systems — leading to reject rates and rework costs that quietly erode margins.
No path to automation flexibility
Fixed-tooling feeders tie your automation investment to one part. As product ranges evolve, the feeding system becomes a bottleneck — not an asset you can reuse.
Noise and cleanroom constraints
Vibratory systems are unsuitable for medical, cleanroom and food-adjacent environments where contamination control, quiet operation and wash-down capability are mandatory.
How FlexiBowl® Works
No vibration. No dedicated tooling. A servo-driven disc, an impulse generator and machine vision work together to separate, orient and present any part for robotic pick-up.
Bulk parts loaded into hopper
Parts are loaded into a vibratory or conveyor bulk feeder (1.5–60 litre options). The hopper delivers a controlled, consistent flow onto the FlexiBowl® disc.
Servo disc spreads and separates
The rotating disc uses bidirectional movement with programmable speed and acceleration to distribute parts — separating tangled, clustered or stacked components automatically.
Impulse generator flips and orients
Short, sharp impulses cause parts to briefly leave the surface and land in new orientations. Parameters are stored per part recipe — no mechanical adjustment needed.
Vision system locates every part
FlexiVision (Cognex/Halcon) or any third-party vision captures position and orientation in real time — even with reflective, dark or transparent parts.
Robot picks with full accuracy
Coordinates sent to the robot via Ethernet TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP or digital I/O. The feed sequence itself takes around 0.5 seconds, with dropping, separating and picking running simultaneously. Typical achieved feed rates are 20–50 parts per minute, depending on part geometry and robot cycle time.
FlexiBowl® Models — Select by Part Size
Six models from 200 mm to 1200 mm disc diameter. Click a model to see full specifications, sample photos and the datasheet download.
Sample parts handled on the FB 200:
FlexiBowl® 200
Precision micro-part feeding for the smallest components
| Recommended part size | 1 – 10 mm |
| Max part weight | < 20 g |
| Max surface payload | 1 kg |
| Backlight area | 90 cm² (180 × 90.5 mm) |
| Footprint | 235 × 218 mm |
| Pick height | 172 mm |
| Recommended hopper | 1.5 L vibratory |
| Disc surface options | Round-edged, multiple colours/textures |
| Cleanroom option | Available |
Sample parts handled on the FB 350:
FlexiBowl® 350
Compact flexible feeding for small-to-medium components
| Recommended part size | 1 – 20 mm |
| Max part weight | < 40 g |
| Max surface payload | 3 kg |
| Backlight area | 166 cm² (111 × 230 mm) |
| Footprint | 447 mm |
| Pick height | 270 mm |
| Recommended hopper | 5 L / 10 L vibratory or conveyor |
| Options available | Diverter, FlexiTrack, IP40, Remote Box |
| Cleanroom option | Available |
Sample parts handled on the FB 500:
FlexiBowl® 500
The most versatile model — handles the widest range of mainstream applications
| Recommended part size | 5 – 50 mm |
| Max part weight | < 100 g |
| Max surface payload | 7 kg |
| Backlight area | 513 cm² (334 × 167 mm) |
| Footprint | 629 mm |
| Pick height | 270 mm |
| Recommended hopper | 10 L / 20 L vibratory or conveyor |
| Multiple parts feeding | Up to 6 part types (sectored disc, application dependent) |
| FlexiTrack | Available |
| Quick emptying | Available |
| Cleanroom option | ISO Class 5 available |
Sample parts handled on the FB 650:
FlexiBowl® 650
High-capacity feeding for medium-to-large industrial components
| Recommended part size | 20 – 110 mm |
| Max part weight | < 170 g |
| Max surface payload | 7 kg |
| Backlight area | 922 cm² (404 × 250 mm) |
| Footprint | 788 mm |
| Pick height | 270 mm |
| Recommended hopper | 20 L / 40 L vibratory or conveyor |
| Multiple parts feeding | Up to 6 part types (sectored disc, application dependent) |
| FlexiTrack | Available |
| Quick emptying | Available |
| Cleanroom option | ISO Class 5 available |
Sample parts handled on the FB 800:
FlexiBowl® 800
Maximum standard size — for bulky components and peak throughput
| Recommended part size | 60 – 250 mm |
| Max part weight | < 250 g |
| Max surface payload | 7 kg |
| Backlight area | 1,125 cm² (404 × 325 mm) |
| Footprint | 941 mm |
| Pick height | 270 mm |
| Recommended hopper | 20 L / 40 L vibratory or conveyor |
| Multiple parts feeding | Up to 6 part types (sectored disc, application dependent) |
| FlexiTrack | Available |
| Quick emptying | Available |
| Cleanroom option | ISO Class 5 available |
NEW — largest flexible feeding surface available:
FlexiBowl® 1200
The largest flexible feeder on the market — for oversized components
| Recommended part size | 50 – 300 mm |
| Max part weight | < 300 g |
| Max surface payload | 7 kg |
| Backlight area | 4,120 cm² (917 × 525 mm) |
| Footprint | 1,346 mm |
| Pick height | 270 mm |
| Recommended hopper | 40 L / 60 L conveyor hoppers |
| FlexiTrack | Available |
| Cleanroom option | ISO Class 5 available |
Three Operating Modes
FlexiBowl® offers three distinct feeding modes to match your application's throughput, accuracy and layout requirements.
Standard Mode
The core FlexiBowl® cycle — a circular sequence of feeding, rotation, jogging and pick-up running in parallel. Dropping, separating and picking occur simultaneously. Best for maximum pick accuracy and gentlest part handling. Perfect for complex geometries requiring precise orientation.
FlexiTrack™ (Continuous)
The motor and flip mechanism work continuously. The disc rotates constantly and smoothly while a second camera balances parts dropping. Greater productivity and more stable cycle times in a smaller footprint. Suited to synchronous applications such as rotating tables, and to simpler part geometries.
Multiple Parts Feeding
The disc is divided into independent sectors so up to 6 component types can be fed from one unit, each from its own bulk feeder. Available on the FB 500, 650 and 800. ARS assess these applications case by case — whether genuinely different parts can share a disc depends on the parts, so it is scoped before it is quoted. Used in kitting, assembly and tray-loading cells.
Complete Feeding System Components
FlexiBowl® is supplied as a complete, integrated system. Comtec configures and delivers the full solution.
FlexiBowl® Disc & Drive Unit
The core feeding platform: servo motor, impulse generator, interchangeable disc surface and integrated lighting interface. IP40 standard; cleanroom and wash-down variants available.
FlexiVision™ Vision System
PC-based vision software built on Cognex / Halcon libraries. Camera calibration, template definition, part acquisition and robot pick-and-place sequencing — all in one interface. Compatible with Comtec's Stäubli robots and all major brands. Third-party vision is supported too, including the SensoPart VISOR sensors Comtec supplies.
Bulk Feeders & Hoppers
Vibratory hoppers (1.5–20 litre) and conveyor hoppers (20–60 litre) matched to part type and cycle time. Quick-emptying box available for FB 500/650/800. Front and rear photocell level control.
Available Options & Accessories
FlexiBowl® has a comprehensive range of options to customise the system for your specific part, environment and production requirements.
Backlight
IR, red or white — for high-contrast part silhouette imaging
Toplight
IR, red or white — for surface detail and colour differentiation
Air Blow
Moves the tiniest components away from the disc edge
Standard Diverter
Redirects components from the disc edge back into feed zone
Brush Diverter
Gentle edge redirection for delicate or surface-sensitive parts
Wedge Diverter
Wedge between steel surface and disc for smooth component deviation
Quick Emptying Box
Fast product changeover — no manual scooping needed (FB 500/650/800)
Rotary Disc Options
Multiple colours, textures and adhesion levels for FB 500/650/800
Round-Edged Disc
Various colours, textures and adhesion for FB 200/350/500E
Multiple Parts Feeding
Up to 6 component types on one sectored disc — FB 500/650/800, application dependent
Cleanroom Version
Pre-installed bundle for ISO Class 5 cleanroom (FB 500/650/800)
Calibration Plate
Vision-area-specific calibration for maximum pick accuracy and repeatability
FlexiTrack
Enables continuous circular conveyor tracking for higher throughput
Remote Control Box
Separate electrical cabinet for use in harsh or dirty environments
Custom Grooved Disc
Bespoke disc design for unique part geometries — available on request
IP40 Upgrade Kit
Pre-installed kit increasing protection rating to IP40 for dusty environments
FlexiBowl® Applications Across Australian Industry
From medical device manufacturing in Sydney to automotive supply in Melbourne, FlexiBowl® solves feeding challenges across every sector.
Springs, Clips and Metal Stampings
Tangled, reflective and irregular metal components handled reliably using disc impulse energy — without part-on-part damage or constant jams.
→ Automotive · Fastener · HVAC
O-Rings, Seals and Elastomers
Soft, deformable parts including silicone seals, gaskets and rubber O-rings handled gently on FDA-grade or textured surfaces. No vibration. No sticking.
→ Medical · Hydraulics · Food Processing
Injection Moulded Components
Caps, closures, connectors, housings and technical mouldings fed directly to downstream assembly or inspection. Recipe-based changeover matches the moulding schedule.
→ Packaging · Consumer Goods · Electronics
Medical and Cleanroom Parts
Diagnostic consumables, inhaler components and disposable medical devices. ISO Class 5 cleanroom configuration with antistatic disc surfaces and stainless contact parts.
→ Medical Devices · Pharmaceutical · IVD
Electronics and Precision Parts
Small, delicate components for electronics assembly and PCB pick-and-place. Antistatic disc options prevent ESD damage during handling.
→ Electronics · Sensors · Defence
Packaging and High-Mix Consumer Goods
FMCG packaging elements and consumer product assemblies with frequent SKU rotation — without tooling investment for every product change.
→ FMCG · Cosmetics · Retail
Automotive Components
Bushings, grommets, small stampings, cable clips and sensor housings for Tier 1/2 automotive assembly with tight orientation tolerances.
→ Automotive OEM · Tier 1 & 2 · EV
Food-Grade and AgriFood Parts
Components for food processing equipment where hygiene, washdown capability and stainless surfaces are required by regulation.
→ Food Equipment · AgriFood · Beverage
Machine Tending and Assembly
Feeding raw material to CNC centres, presses, screwdriving stations and inspection cells — anywhere consistent, oriented part supply is the bottleneck.
→ General Manufacturing · CNC · Quality
FlexiBowl® vs. Traditional Feeding Technologies
| Capability | FlexiBowl® | Vibratory Bowl | Step Feeder | Manual Loading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part changeover time | Minutes — software recipe | ✕ Hours – days | ✕ Hours | Instant but ongoing |
| Part-specific tooling | ✓ None required | ✕ Per part | ✕ Per part | ✓ None |
| Handles sticky / tangled parts | ✓ Yes | ✕ Very poor | ✕ Limited | ✓ Yes |
| Gentle on delicate surfaces | ✓ No vibration damage | ✕ Surface wear | Moderate | ✓ Yes |
| Cleanroom compatible | ✓ ISO Class 5 | ✕ No | ✕ Limited | Protocol dependent |
| High-mix, multi-SKU capable | ✓ Recipe change in minutes; up to 6 on one disc* | ✕ 1 part per bowl | ✕ 1 part | ✓ Yes |
| Noise level | ✓ Low | ✕ High | ✕ High | ✓ Low |
| Robot / vision agnostic | ✓ All brands | Limited | Limited | N/A |
| Maintenance requirement | ✓ Very low | ✕ Regular | ✕ Moderate | ✕ High — labour |
| Typical feed rate | 20–50 parts/min | High — but one part only | Moderate | Low |
* Multiple Parts Feeding is available on the FB 500, 650 and 800 and is assessed per application by ARS. The everyday high-mix benefit is the software recipe change, which applies to every model.
Feed rates are ARS’ published typical figures. Real throughput on your line depends on part geometry, how the parts present and robot cycle time — which is exactly what the feasibility test measures.
Works with Every Major Robot Brand
Licence-free plug-ins and open communication protocols mean FlexiBowl® integrates with your existing or planned robot — including Comtec's own Stäubli range.
★ Comtec is the authorised Australian distributor for Stäubli industrial robots. The Stäubli + FlexiBowl® combination is a tested, locally-supported and locally-maintained solution.
Local Sales, Support and Stock Across Australia
Comtec is the authorised Australian distributor for FlexiBowl®. We provide local application engineering, commissioning and ongoing technical support from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
Melbourne, VIC — Demo Facility
Factory 4, 2 Indian Drive, Keysborough VIC 3173. Our primary FlexiBowl® demonstration system. Book a time to bring your parts and see live feeding.
Sydney, NSW
Suite 20, 20–28 Maddox Street, Alexandria NSW 2015. Local sales and application engineering. Warehouse in Braemar NSW 2575.
Brisbane, QLD
Sales and support coverage for manufacturers across South East Queensland.
Adelaide, SA
22 Greenhill Road, Wayville SA 5043. Local sales serving South Australian industrial and defence manufacturing.
Perth, WA
Sales and technical support for WA manufacturers in mining, resources, food processing and general industry.
Test Your Parts at Our Melbourne Demo System
Unsure which FlexiBowl® model suits your parts? Send us samples or visit our Keysborough facility — we'll run your parts and provide a full feasibility report at no cost.
Send a sample batch — post 50–200 representative parts. We'll test and send you a video report with model recommendation.
Get a video report — a written feasibility assessment with recommended model, configuration and estimated cycle time.
Visit Keysborough — schedule a live demonstration at our Melbourne facility. Bring your engineering and procurement team.
Receive a proposal — configured system proposal with pricing, lead time and integration support plan.
Trusted Across Every Australian Manufacturing Sector
Medical Devices
Pharmaceutical
Automotive
Aerospace & Defence
Electronics
Food & Beverage
Cosmetics & FMCG
General Manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Australian manufacturers evaluating FlexiBowl® for the first time.
Ready to See FlexiBowl® Feed Your Parts?
Our Melbourne demonstration facility is available to Australian manufacturers at no cost. Send us sample parts — or visit us in Keysborough and see it live.
Post 50–200 representative parts. We'll test and send a video report.
Bring your team to Keysborough VIC and see FlexiBowl® running live.
Call 1300 768 826 for a rapid application feasibility discussion.
Start Your FlexiBowl® Enquiry
Tell us about your parts, production volumes and changeover requirements. Our FlexiBowl® specialists will respond within one business day.
📞 Phone
🏭 Melbourne — Demo Facility
Factory 4, 2 Indian Drive, Keysborough VIC 3173
🏢 Sydney
Suite 20, 20–28 Maddox Street, Alexandria NSW 2015
🏢 Adelaide
22 Greenhill Road, Wayville SA 5043
Manufactured by our technology partner:
For technical documentation, ARS application notes and global case studies, visit flexibowl.com →
Book a FlexiBowl® Demo or Feasibility Test
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