Low-Cost-Automation
With the new ReBeL Move, which the Cologne-based motion plastics specialist is presenting at Motek 2024, igus proves that the automation of material-handling processes doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The mobile robot moves autonomously through factory halls, transporting products from one place to another. It can also be combined with the ReBeL Cobot made of high-performance plastic. It only takes users with even the most basic IT skills an hour to commission and is available – including the ReBeL Cobot – for €34,808 (prices may differ in your country).
A hackathon took place at the igus headquarters in Cologne in mid-September. In line with the motto “Artificial intelligence meets robotics”, 17 participants worked in three interdisciplinary teams to develop advanced automation solutions for logistics. The aim of the hackathon was to create an automated method for packing up pizzas using a large language model (LLM for short) based on AI. The event was organised in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS, the University of Bonn, the Lamarr Institute and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML.
Robots have become an integral part of industry and are increasingly finding their way into small and medium-sized companies in the form of cobots, such as the ReBeL. They sort, pick and move with the help of cameras, suction devices and gripper systems. igus has now developed a finger gripper for the ReBeL cobot so that it can also perform humanoid tasks. It is made entirely of lubrication-free plastics, and is therefore very cost-effective and easy to integrate.
It is affordable, compact, lightweight and ready to install with a mouse click: igus has added a minimalist low-cost variant to the portfolio of its iglidur PRT series of slewing ring bearings. The PRT-05-15-PC not only reduces costs, but also protects the environment. The new slewing ring bearing consists of 97% regranulated high-performance plastics.
Accountants, journalists and even computer scientists are all amazed at how rapidly automation is developing, including with artificial intelligence. Industry representatives are, too. They are drawing new ideas for smart factories. Many traditional SMEs, however, are in danger of falling behind. Low Cost Automation can provide immediate assistance and help them avoid missing the boat.
Ideally, a customer can decide on a suitable robot quickly. But how do you create the perfect workplace for the new assistant? The Machine Planner on RBTX.com, the online marketplace for Low Cost Robotics, helps with the design of a complete automation solution, from robotics to frames to conveyor belts to grippers to safety systems. Price and delivery time are calculated in real time.
gus is stepping up the pace of Low Cost Automation and making entry into automation easier and more affordable than ever before. The interaction of inexpensive hardware and digital innovation puts the future of automation within reach. Here is some evidence for this: the ReBeLmini, a cobot for 3,999 euros and the RBTXperience software for easy commercial robot programming. The virtual iguversum offers the perfect playground to get robot applications and programming up and running with ease and then make them a reality.
igus Low Cost Automation reflects the company’s determination to lower the barriers to enter into the age of automation. RBTX.com has been part of this effort since 2019. The robotics marketplace helps interested parties find the right automation solution for their individual application as easily, quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Previously, RBTX was available in eight countries. Now igus is expanding the range and launching the robotics marketplace in ten additional countries – with three more soon to follow.
Low Cost Automation reduces the barriers to getting started with automation and gives special assistance to small and medium-sized companies in increasing their competitiveness. To this end, motion plastics specialist igus has built up a broad network of 55 robotics providers and 40 integrators over the past three years – and new partners are constantly being added.
If you are looking for an individual, cost-effective automation solution, you don’t have to look far thanks to the igus RBTX Online Marketplace. Instead of purchasing components from many different sources, interested parties can find low-cost robotic components from different manufacturers here – all with price and compatibility guarantees. To make selecting suitable individual parts or a finished system even easier, igus is now presenting Robotics Marketplace 2.0 with a new design and new functions.