As an integrator, Commonplace Robotics specializes in intuitive control and software as well as power electronics for robotics, both in the industrial and educational sectors. The two companies have already been working together intensively for six years and have, among other things, jointly developed the Igus Robot Control, which complements Igus' low-cost kinematics made of high-performance plastics.

11 years ago, Dr. Christian Meyer, who had previously worked at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation, founded the company Commonplace Robotics. The name said it all: to make the integration and operation of robots so cheap and simple that they become "commonplace" - in other words, they can be used anywhere. The first products with controls and their own power electronics were robots for didactics. In 2016, Christian Meyer approached Igus because he realized that the robot kinematics from Igus matched his vision of "commonplace": affordable, simple, suitable for industry. In the meantime, the two companies have jointly developed products such as the iRC Igus Robot Control and the ReBeL Cobot as well as an actuator. Thanks to Commonplace Robotics' high level of vertical integration - from firmware and software to control cabinet construction and PCB assembly - new developments can be implemented quickly.

Driving forward low-cost automation

"Many customers are surprised that they can implement simple robot tasks in just 30 minutes without any programming knowledge," says Frank Blase, Managing Director of Igus GmbH. "We are delighted that, following our intensive collaboration over the past six years, we can now take an even more focused approach to low-cost automation." With the acquisition, Commonplace Robotics and Igus are combining their innovative strength. Dr. Christian Meyer, says: "We are looking forward to exciting technological projects with Igus. The RBTX platform for low-cost robotics operated by Igus in particular brings new requirements from customers from all areas of industry into our laboratories every day. Many of these can be implemented quickly, especially as we will be expanding with the investment."

The latest product of the cooperation is the ReBeL Cobot for 4,970 euros including control unit. The actuator, which is also available as a single component, combines Igus' plastics expertise in the gearbox with the power electronics and software from Commonplace Robotics. With six axes, the ReBeL can handle payloads of up to two kilograms with a reach of 664 millimetres - and it weighs just 8.2 kilograms. Inquiries and orders come from traditional areas of application such as quality control and pick and place applications in mechanical engineering on the one hand, and from new areas of application such as restaurant automation and urban farming on the other.

At Motek in Stuttgart (Hall 7, Stand 7320 and 7321) and the SPS trade fair in Nuremberg (Hall 4, Stand 310), interested visitors can get a live impression of the jointly developed innovations.