A mobile surgical microscope from Prechtl Tech Solutions for structurally weak countries has won the manus plastic bearing competition 2025. A jury of experts recognised the engineers who used lubrication-free polymer bearings and were thus able to increase the reliability of the microscope. Other winners of the competition include a bicycle trailer for parcel delivery, an AI hoe for agriculture and an agrivoltaics system with irrigation and cultivation system. They have all created ecological, economic and social benefits by switching to lubrication-free plain bearings made from high-performance plastics.
With 277 motion plastics innovations in 2025, igus is presenting a record number of new lubrication-free plastic products in line with the motto “GO ZERO Lubrication”: from PTFE-free materials and a complete energy chain series made of recycled materials to a new type of dry cleanroom certificate and a humanoid robot. This is the result of continuous investment in research and development to offer customers state-of-the-art solutions. Despite the challenging geopolitical and economic situation in 2024, the motion plastics specialist was able to increase the number of active customers by 5% and maintain its billion-euro turnover. With sales of €1.105 billion, the company recorded a comparatively moderate decline in turnover of 2.5%.
Whether moving to specified spots with a sensor, adjusting a headrest to the desired height or getting a screen into an ergonomic position until it clicks: igus has launched the new linear guide with PTFE-free drylin WWP locking carriages for simple positioning tasks, e.g. in the interior. The solution is intuitive, compact, durable and, thanks to the material combination of lubrication-free high-performance plastics and aluminium, particularly light, hygienic and low-maintenance.
The French company SCALLOG has developed an autonomous robot called “Boby” that can transport shelves weighing up to 600kg in logistics warehouses. To maximise the robot’s range and minimise maintenance, the engineers rely on lubrication-free iglidur plain bearings from plastics specialist igus, which are wear-resistant and significantly lighter than comparable metal solutions.
The French company SCALLOG has developed an autonomous robot called “Boby” that can transport shelves weighing up to 600kg in logistics warehouses. To maximise the robot’s range and minimise maintenance, the engineers rely on lubrication-free iglidur plain bearings from plastics specialist igus, which are wear-resistant and significantly lighter than comparable metal solutions.