Iggy Rob platform ensures affordable and CE-compliant use of humanoid robots in industry and service

Humanoid robots are currently all the rage. They run marathons and dance the moonwalk to Michael Jackson. In practical industrial applications, however, their use fails mainly due to their costs. This is precisely where igus comes into play with its cost-effective humanoid Iggy Rob robots. Having already introduced the Iggy Rob Industrial for production environments in 2025, the company is now expanding the platform with a new variant: the Iggy Rob Home starting at €55,000. With the new model, igus is transferring the existing platform concept to the service and household sector for the first time. Development and production are carried out entirely in Germany – from mechanics to electronics to software.

AMR instead of legs: the Iggy Rob Industrial and the Iggy Rob Home are based on the same technical platform. Instead of two legs, the two humanoids use an autonomous mobile robot base (AMR), the ReBeLMove Pro, which has a load capacity of up to 250kg. This is due to practical considerations. Mobile vehicles have proven themselves in industry and buildings, can be integrated safely and are comparatively easy to incorporate into existing environments in a CE-compliant way. For many real applications, a running system with legs is currently neither necessary nor economically viable. “Our world is built by people for people. It is therefore logical that automation technology will eventually take on human-like forms”, says Alexander Mühlens, Vice President and Head of the Low Cost Automation Business Unit at igus. “At the same time, we are convinced that humanoid systems will only develop further in practical use. That’s why we rely on an open, robust platform that users can customise to their requirements.” Depending on the configuration, the robots are between 1.30 and 1.70 metres high, have 16 DOF for natural movements, achieve up to eight hours of autonomous running time and navigate with the help of LIDAR and 3D camera systems. By default, both variants have two igus ReBeL robot arms with a load capacity of 2.5kg each. Alternatively, cobots from other manufacturers or humanoid hands can also be integrated. Iggy Rob is designed as an open platform. It is controlled via ROS 2; end effectors and sensors can be customised or extended. The systems are CE-certified and prepared for fleet operation in accordance with VDE 5050.

Iggy Rob Home: new focus on service, education and interaction

The Iggy Rob Industrial was presented back in spring 2025. It is designed for use in production and logistics environments, where it performs typical tasks such as transporting goods, machine loading or simple assembly work. With the Iggy Rob Home, igus is now extending this technology to applications outside of traditional industrial environments for the first time. These include reception and information areas, education and research, catering and a wide range of service activities in buildings. However, it is also suitable for industrial pick & place tasks, in-house material transport or transport at changing stations. In addition, it serves as an ideal platform for AI training, data acquisition as well as educational and research purposes at universities and institutes.

The hardware of the Iggy Rob Home is based on the same industrial platform as the industrial model, but has been specifically enhanced with functions that are more focussed on interaction and service. Examples are quieter motion profiles, a display for showing simple facial expressions and preconfigured service functions. An integrated linear axis also increases the arms’ working range. Furthermore, a back basket with a load capacity of up to 50kg is available for transporting objects. An incorporated 3D camera ensures reliable object recognition as well as precise gripping and navigation tracking. Thanks to wireless charging, the robot can be operated without interruption and seamlessly integrated into modern robotics environments via the ROS 2 interface. For maximum flexibility at the tool centre point, the Iggy Rob Home can be equipped with different end effectors, including suction pads, two- or three-finger grippers and a bionic hand with incorporated gripper recognition.

Mobility meets intelligence

Thanks to an intuitive programming interface, the Iggy Rob Home can be used and operated quickly even without in-depth robotics knowledge. The strong system architecture ensures reliable operation. The Iggy Rob Home combines mobility with intelligent automation and opens up new possibilities for humanoid robotics in everyday life. Thanks to the Dynamic Mission Data Interface software add-on, missions can be started via the network and data exchanged bidirectionally in real time. This allows for dynamic interaction with external AI systems within a mission. Mechanics, electronics and software are developed entirely by igus in Cologne and Commonplace Robotics by igus in Osnabrück, so that customised adaptations and further developments can be coordinated effortlessly. The Iggy Rob Home is available starting at €55,000.

Test before purchase

The igus principle of “test before you invest” applies to both Iggy Rob variants. Users can test the systems in their own environment and evaluate the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness together with igus. This allows for realistic assessment of potential and limits at an early stage. In addition, igus operates the RBTX marketplace, where humanoid robot systems from various manufacturers are listed. At Hannover Messe 2026, the range included around 100 models from 35 suppliers. In addition to hardware, igus also offers consulting, integration and various use and financing models.