igus UK has marked a significant step forward in accessible automation with the launch of its RBTX partnership with
DOBOT Robotics. An igus Open Day brought together engineers, system integrators and manufacturers to demonstrate how flexible robotic systems can be deployed quickly and at low cost, without the complexity often associated with conventional industrial automation. Live demonstrations covered collaborative robotics (cobots), sensing technologies and motion‑control solutions suitable for both established and emerging applications.
A highlight of the launch was the giveaway of a DOBOT Nova 5 cobot, intended to support companies looking to automate more intelligently and creatively. The winner, Bob Hinchcliffe, founder of
3D Food Robotics in Leeds, was announced after the event. His company, which develops robotic and additive manufacturing (AM) solutions for food production, was seen as a natural fit for the aims of the RBTX platform.
Mr Hinchcliffe said: “This will make automation affordable for a lot of smaller food manufacturers that are struggling with higher costs of manufacturing.” He added that the Nova 5 “opens up huge possibilities for us”, noting that his team already has “a really interesting, high-profile project in mind that will revolutionise a certain aspect of food production for a very well-known delicious product”.
3D Food Robotics’ work exemplifies the purpose of the RBTX ecosystem, which is designed to remove barriers to automation by combining compatible hardware, software and robotics partners on a single low‑cost platform. The addition of DOBOT to the network broadens the portfolio available to innovators seeking a straightforward route into automation.
Adam Sanjurgo, automation product manager at igus UK, said: “The success of the launch event shows that automation is no longer confined to traditional factory floors. Seeing the Nova 5 go to a business like 3D Food Robotics highlights how collaborative robotics are reshaping industries in entirely new ways.”
In addition to robotics demonstrations, the igus Open Day gave visitors the chance to explore lesser‑known products within the company’s wider portfolio. Despite being a long‑standing igus customer, Mr Hinchcliffe noted that the event introduced him to new bearing solutions that he has since selected for an upcoming machine design.
As the RBTX platform continues to grow, igus says it remains committed to supporting companies like 3D Food Robotics, helping expand the possibilities of what can be achieved through accessible automation.