Energy chains have long been the standard for energy supply in many industries and markets. In thousands of machines and systems around the world, they ensure that cables and hoses are routed safely. In doing so, they often master very special challenges. For example, e-chains move at high speed, perform the wildest torsional movements or fit into the smallest installation spaces. And it is precisely these applications that the jury of the 7th vector award is looking for.

Applications open at Motek
The application phase has begun at the Motek automation trade fair in Stuttgart. Developers have until February 28, 2020 to apply online and submit texts, photos and videos of their e-chain applications. And the competition is international: "187 teams from over 30 countries took part in the last vector award two years ago," says Michael Blaß, Head of the e-chain systems division at Igus. "We are expecting a large international field of participants again this time."

After the application phase, things get exciting: a jury consisting of experts from trade associations, trade journals, industry and science reviews the submissions. The boldest design with the greatest innovative strength receives the golden vector. The prize is endowed with 5,000 euros and the award ceremony will take place at the Hannover Messe 2020.

Who will be the next winner?
Since the vector was launched in 2008, the event has put the spotlight on exceptional achievements by designers around the world every other year. Winners have included a robot from Spanish mechanical engineering company Loxin that rivets aircraft fuselages (golden vector 2018), a machine from Norwegian designers at Robotic Drilling Systems that moves drilling elements into position on drilling platforms (golden vector 2016) and a transport system from the University of Duisburg-Essen that moves across eight tensioned wire ropes in high racks (golden vector 2014).

As different as the applications are, they have one thing in common: they show the variety of different applications for energy chains and provide inspiration for other designers. This includes the developers at Igus, as Michael Blaß explains: "The vector award makes it impressively clear what is possible with energy chains today - including new and unexpected things. We are therefore excited to see what surprises we will see in the coming year."

Information on the award and conditions of participation can be found at www.vector-award.de. as