What is the Mico Flexiv?
The Flexiv MICO is a modular dual-arm robotic platform designed for flexible industrial and research tasks. Developed by Flexiv (Shanghai, China), it combines two 7-DOF force-controlled arms on a compact torso-like chassis, integrating proprioceptive sensors and interchangeable end-effectors. The platform can be mounted on a mobile base (Flexiv Enlight) or fixed workstations. Though listed on some sites as a humanoid, it lacks legs or a bipedal design—instead it provides human-scale dual-arm dexterity for assembly, kitting, and laboratory applications. Announced at ICRA 2026, MICO leverages Flexiv's Rizon arm technology to deliver whole-body compliance and high-precision force sensing in a collaborative workspace.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 150 cm |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | 14 |
| Battery life | Not specified (platform configurable) |
| Max speed | 3 km/h (0.83 m/s) |
| Payload | Not specified |
| Price (new) | Undisclosed (contact manufacturer) |
| Price (used range) | N/A (pre-commercial) |
Price & Value
New MSRP: Undisclosed
Used range: N/A
MICO’s pricing has not been formally released; interested parties must contact Flexiv directly. As a modular, software-rich dual-arm platform, it likely sits above Flexiv’s single-arm Rizon cobots (priced around $30,000–$50,000 per arm), but the added complexity of dual-arm coordination and sensor suite could push the price into the $80,000–$120,000 range when commercially available. Used units do not exist yet because the robot is pre-commercial. Buyers should also budget for integration costs, specialized end-effectors, and mobile base options, which can add 20–40% to the base price. Until official pricing is disclosed, total cost of ownership remains speculative.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - Industrial research labs evaluating dual-arm manipulation with advanced force control - Manufacturers developing flexible assembly lines requiring human-scale dual-arm dexterity - University labs exploring high-DOF manipulation, especially where modular end-effector swapping is beneficial
Not for: - SMEs seeking immediate, low-cost automation (expected premium pricing and pre-commercial status) - Applications requiring certified payload and safety ratings (not yet finalized)
Alternatives & Comparison
The dual-arm collaborative robot market is small but growing, with several established platforms that potential MICO buyers might also consider.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABB YuMi | ~$55,000 (est.) | yes | Dual 7-axis arms, 0.5 kg payload, highly repeatable, fully certified |
| Kawasaki duAro | ~$45,000 (est.) | yes | SCARA-style dual-arm, 2 kg payload per arm, fast pick-and-place |
| Flexiv Rizon (single-arm) | ~$40,000 (est.) | yes | Single-arm version with same force control technology, 10 kg payload |
Verdict: If you require a proven, safety-certified dual-arm cobot for delicate assembly right now, ABB YuMi is the low-risk choice. For heavier payloads and research-grade force sensitivity, MICO promises a more versatile dual-arm solution, but its pre-commercial status means longer lead times and minimal third-party support. Research teams comfortable with early hardware will benefit most from MICO’s expandability and control software.
Use Cases & Capabilities
Flexible Assembly
MICO’s dual 7-DOF arms and force-controlled joints make it suitable for small-to-medium part assembly tasks such as electronics mounting, connector insertion, and delicate component handling. The modular end-effectors can switch between grippers, vacuum cups, or custom tools, allowing one station to handle multiple product variants. Integrated force sensors enable adaptive insertion even with low tolerances, reducing the need for expensive fixturing. However, the lack of published payload limits its use in heavy part assembly.
Laboratory Research & Development
Research groups will value MICO’s high DOF, whole-body compliance, and open software development kit (RDK) for prototyping advanced manipulation algorithms, machine learning for dual-arm coordination, and human-robot collaboration. The platform’s ability to be fixed or mounted on a mobile base makes it flexible for benchtop or mobile manipulation studies. While battery specs are not official, the Enlight base can provide untethered operation for limited durations, suitable for academic experiments. Its pre-commercial status may require close collaboration with Flexiv for early access.
Logistics Kitting and Packaging
Kitting operations—picking, sorting, and packing small items into kits—benefit from MICO’s dual-arm coordination and sensor feedback to grasp varied shapes safely. The platform’s IP54 rating allows deployment in moderately dusty or humid environments like light manufacturing floors. Integration with ethernet-based communication and EtherCAT makes it compatible with existing conveyor and vision systems. Nonetheless, the lack of certified payload data means depalletizing of heavier items cannot be assumed.
History & Background
Flexiv was founded in 2016 in Shanghai, China, as a developer of general-purpose robots with proprietary torque-control technology. The company gained recognition with its Rizon series of force-controlled robotic arms, which launched around 2020 and are now used in adhesion, polishing, and assembly applications globally. In May 2026, Flexiv announced MICO on LinkedIn, describing it as a modular dual-arm platform built on the Flexiv Enlight mobile base, and provided a live demonstration at ICRA 2026 in June. The system integrates two 7-DOF arms (totaling 14 DOF) with interchangeable end-effectors and a suite of sensors for whole-body compliance. As of mid-2026, MICO remains in development with no public release date or pricing. Its debut extends Flexiv’s vision from single-arm cobots to human-scale, dual-arm collaborative workstations.
Buying Used — What to Check
Verify payload rating Payload and force limits are not yet published; ask the manufacturer for official specs before relying on the platform for a specific task.
Confirm end-effector compatibility Ensure that required grippers or tools are available and that the mounting interface matches applications, as the system is modular.
Request battery configuration details Battery runtime depends on the chosen mobile base; confirm operational endurance matches your untethered task requirements.