Low cost automation
Three questions for... Stefan Niermann
Raw robots and low-cost automation. Igus has been active in linear and drive technology for over 20 years. The specialist for motion plastics also offers cost-effective automation solutions and a suitable open platform that brings users and suppliers together.
Igus has been developing automation solutions for a long time, and now you have founded your own Low Cost Automation division at the beginning of the year. What is behind this?
There is a high demand for low-cost automation among small and medium-sized companies. We see this ourselves in our own company. Here, we are increasingly automating simple work steps - such as monotonous assembly or sorting tasks - with a manageable investment that ideally pays for itself in less than six months. This requires cost-effective kinematics and robot solutions. We have been gathering experience in our linear and drive technology division for over 20 years and have been developing low-cost automation solutions such as gantries and, since last year, delta robots. At the same time, there was an internal start-up called robolink, which was launched in 2009 and primarily deals with robotic joint kits and articulated arm robots. We have now merged these two business areas in order to be able to present the complete portfolio of low-cost automation solutions to customers at a glance under the name "Low Cost Automation".
What robot solutions are now available from Igus?
We basically distinguish between three types of our robot solutions. Incidentally, all of them are completely maintenance-free thanks to the use of plastics, which make lubrication superfluous. Cartesian robots are the most modular systems. They can be line, surface or spatial gantries that cover a very large working area - up to 1,500 millimetres. Delta robots, which we supply in two sizes, either assembled or as a kit in a box from 3,500 euros, are ideal when speed is of the essence. Our Delta robots can carry out up to 60 picks per minute. If you are looking for the most flexible of all robot solutions, take the robolink DC articulated arm robot or the new robolink DP, where P stands for Plastics, which has significantly improved precision and rigidity compared to the robolink DC thanks to new joint technology. We are currently realizing up to five degrees of freedom here and are working on the 6 DOF. The robolink DCi version also includes a control concept from our partner Commonplace Robotics which - thanks to a controller integrated into the base - makes operating the robot very intuitive for everyone. An ideal entry-level solution for school and simulation tasks.
The online platform RBTX.com was presented at the Hannover Messe. What is it all about?
RBTX.com is an open platform that simply brings users and suppliers of low-cost robotic components together. "Open" because every manufacturer and supplier of robotic components can make their products available to a wider audience here. This gives customers the opportunity to find the right automation solution quickly. We offer additional help in the selection process with various user stories. These provide the user with a suggestion for a possible "raw robot" - the basic mechanical structure. They are also shown a selection of compatible components - such as grippers and cameras - which they can be sure are suitable for connection to the robot and have already been used in comparable applications. Together with our partners, we do the work to ensure compatibility. Of course, the customer can also order individual components online. Our aim is to offer a solution that fits the user's budget and requirements. So far, seven partners are on board at RBTX.com and the feedback at the Hannover Messe was also very positive.









