According to estimates, 20 million humanoid robots could be in use in industry by 2030. The demand for this technology is increasing rapidly among European companies in particular, but the first practical applications have yet to be identified in many industries. Previous robots have also been too expensive for SMEs to consider, but more affordable options are surfacing, levelling the playing field for many businesses that would otherwise fall behind in the race to automate.
Germany-headquartered motion plastics specialist,
igus is offering its first humanoid robot, ‘Iggy Rob’, as a low-cost solution that supports industrial production, transportation and service applications for just over £40,000. To ensure customers are confident in their decision to purchase, they also offer a ‘test before invest’ model for potential buyers to trial the robot for their specific use.
The Iggy Rob can be put to use on a range of applications thanks to its two arms and stable, wheel-driven base. Adam Sanjurgo, low-cost automation manager at igus in Northampton, explained: “The world has been built for humans, so the potential for humanoid robots is huge.”
Robotics with a smileIggy Rob is about 1.7m tall and can operate for 8hr on just one battery charge, greeting colleagues with a smile, two ReBeL cobot arms and two bionic hands. Equipped with a LiDAR sensor and 3-D cameras for object detection, it navigates its surroundings easily, using its proprietary igus Robot Control. The robot is approved for fleet management in accordance with VDE 5050 and has CE certification. Supported by an ROS2 interface, Iggy Rob meets the requirements of modern robotics.
The core of Iggy Rob is the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) ReBeL Move. This mobile platform is very stable thanks to a three-point mount and igus has deliberately avoided legs for its humanoid robot, as the infrastructure for AMRs in many factories is already advanced. With a load capacity of 50kg and a payload of 100kg, ReBeLMove creates the conditions for workstation-independent movement.
Iggy Rob could work as a service robot at company receptions, provide transport and delivery tasks in factories, or simply clear cutlery in the canteen. igus itself plans to use Iggy Rob when inserting components into the company’s injection moulding machines. Mr Sanjurgo concluded: “We believe that humanoid robots will be of high interest for industrial purposes.”