Low-Cost-Automation
Simple, cost-effective automation solutions can be found both in an increasing number of Small and Medium Enterprises and among large industrial players. Every two years, igus presents the ROIBOT Award for the most creative applications. This year, the inventors of a labelling robot, the developers of a fully automatic container system for growing vegetables and herbs, and the designers of a wallpapering device received the coveted prize.
Robots have long been indispensable in the industry. However, small and medium-sized companies in particular are often faced with the question: how can a task be automated cost-effectively with little effort? Since 2019, the RBTX marketplace powered by igus, which brings together robotics providers and users, has been offering simple and inexpensive solutions. RBTX is now also cooperating with Universal Robots, one of the world market leaders for industrial and collaborative lightweight robots.
The motion plastics specialist igus is expanding through investments in its in Low Cost Automation and has now acquired the majority shares in Commonplace Robotics based in Bissendorf near Osnabrück. As an integrator, Commonplace Robotics specialises in intuitive control systems and software, as well as power electronics for robotics, both in industry and in education. The two companies have been cooperating intensively for six years and have, among other things, developed the igus Robot Control , which supplements igus’ low cost kinematics made from high-performance plastics.
Man, machine – or both? Humanoid robots are no longer science fiction, they are reality. igus has been researching humanoid robotics for some time and is now presenting a prototype of the motion plastics bot at the Hannover Messe: a humanoid robot that combines the advantages of high-performance plastics and Low Cost Automation.
With the help of the game engine Unity, motion plastics specialist igus has given its online configurator for low-cost linear robots a facelift, making its operation even more efficient. Now, users can configure an individual linear robot ready for connection faster and easier – in just five minutes and with instant price information. With the help of the online tools, any automation solution can be programmed and tested directly in the selected working area and also load CAD data and a suitable drawing. Even small and medium-sized companies can immerse themselves without a barrier in the world of automation – without the know-how of specialists and CAD software.
Effective immediately, igus offers the ReBeL service robot – also as a smart version. At €4,970 and only around 8 kilogrammes, the plug-and-play variant is one of the lightest cobots on the market. Digital services such as the RBTXpert and new online offerings enable customers to create complete automation solutions in just a few days that don’t break the bank.
The company igus is expanding its broad Low Cost Automation range with a new drylin XXL room linear robot. The linear robot has an action radius of 2,000 x 2,000 x 1,500 millimetres and is particularly suitable for palletising applications of up to 10 kilograms. The robot is available from 7,000 euros, including the control system, and is easy to set up and programme yourself using the do-it-yourself principle – without the help of a system integrator.
Articulated arm robots can travel over six metres, quadrupling their working space: the 7th axis offered by igus for this job is now compatible with all lightweight articulated arm robots worldwide thanks to a simple Plug & Play kit. So far, models from Universal Robots, Epson and the robolink series from igus have benefited from this increased mobility. Now Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan, Yuanda Robotics and many other lightweight robotics suppliers are joining the list.
Automation made very easy: with the new ReBeL, igus now presents a plastic cobot that weighs only ten kilograms. Together with low costs, low maintenance and simple operation, the ReBeL makes new innovative ideas in service robotics feasible for smaller companies and start-ups – from installed use on agricultural drones up to mobile support as household help.
Unique store concepts, concrete stairs with futuristic designs or modern facades: Aectual, a Dutch company, implements special architecture projects with its XXL 3D printer. For reliable “lights out” robot operation, the design engineers decided to use highly flexible chainflex cables in a triflex R energy chain with a pneumatic retraction system. In the seventh axis, an E4/light energy supply system supplies the robot with energy and data.