Testing the latest automation solutions in the comfort of your own company: igus offers this opportunity with its own low-cost automation roadshow, which tours throughout Europe. In addition to the XL truck, there is now also a compact version: the experts travel to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an orange and purple van.
In the luggage is the ReBeL Cobot as well as a delta and a gantry robot including end effectors such as grippers, but also cameras for component detection. As many as 200 companies with around 2,000 visitors were able to programme and test their own low-cost automation solutions directly on site. The focus here is on affordable applications under 12,000 euros.
The experts from igus and RBTX are now touring Europe with the new and compact low-cost automation van to convince companies of all sizes of the benefits of cost-effective automation. In times of a shortage of skilled labour, high energy costs and disrupted supply chains the price and feasibility of automation solutions play an important role - both for SMEs and large companies.
„However, smaller companies in particular are usually reluctant to get started due to high investment costs and a lack of expertise.“
lexander Mühlens, Business Unit Manager Low-Cost Automation at igus
Plug-and-play-capable low-cost robots are reshuffling the cards. To further lower the barriers to entry, igus is launching a new roadshow with a van. True to the motto ‚Test before invest‘ companies can test cost-effective robots extensively in advance - and conveniently at their own location. „Whether the XL version with our truck or the compact van: The free roadshow is completely customised to the size and needs of the company“, emphasises Mühlens. Similar roadshow concepts are already being implemented worldwide. „We demonstrate new and proven products live and our automation experts are available for 1:1 consultation.“
Test complete solutions directly on site
„The special thing: We're not just bringing robots with us, but also various end effectors such as grippers or a camera - in other words, complete solutions,“ explains Mühlens. This means that companies can not only scrutinise the robots on site, but also programme and test them themselves. This enables the igus Robot Control software, which is so easy to operate thanks to its digital twin like a computer game. Companies can see for themselves at the Roadshow for example from ReBeL. The Cobot „made in Cologne“ is manufactured almost entirely using the plastic injection moulding process. The igus expertise is above all in the moving components such as the plastic shaft gearbox.
The fully equipped plug-and-play version of the ReBeL costs 4,970 euros, a fraction of the price of conventional industrial robots. It supports industrial companies with, for example Positioning tasks such as the application of adhesives on components or caterers serving beer. Also on board the van is a smear-free room gantry, which supports quality control with a mobile camera in production facilities, as well as a delta robot that performs pick-and-place tasks with an object recognition sensor.
If companies are convinced of the benefits of low-cost robotics, they can also upgrade their customised application at any time. RBTX.com together. The online marketplace, which igus launched in 2019 for one-stop shopping, now brings together over 100 suppliers of affordable automation components. Not only robots are available here, but also suitable vision systems, grippers, motors, sensors and controllers. Turnkey complete solutions can be put together very easily with just a few clicks - starting at just 2,000 euros. Those interested in automation can also be inspired by over 500 immediately adaptable projects from practice, almost 90 per cent of which require an investment of less than 12,000 euros. In most cases, the return on investment is achieved after just 3 to 12 months.
Source: igus
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