The trend is pointing in a clear direction: according to estimates, around 20 million humanoid robots could be in use in industry by 2030. The demand for the technology is also growing rapidly among European companies, but one problem is slowing down development: humanoid robots are currently still very expensive, and in many places worthwhile applications first have to be identified. The Cologne-based motion plastics expert igus now wants to change this: With the Iggy Rob, the company is supplying a low-cost humanoid robot that enables a wide range of applications thanks to its two arms and a stable, wheel-driven base. "The world is made for humans, so the potential for humanoid robots is huge," explains Alexander Mühlens, Head of Low-Cost Automation at igus.

Rock 'n' roll instead of punk: Iggy Rob shows great endurance

Iggy Rob is around 1.70 meters tall and can move around for eight hours on a single battery charge. Equipped with a smile, he greets his colleagues with two ReBeL Cobot arms and two bionic hands. Thanks to the LIDAR sensor and 3D cameras for object detection, the robot can navigate through its environment with ease. For control, igus uses its own igus Robot Control. The robot is approved for fleet management in accordance with VDE 5050 and has CE certification. Supplemented by a ROS2 interface, Iggy Rob meets the requirements of modern robotics.

AMR lays the foundations

Iggy Rob is based on the ReBeL Move autonomous mobile robot (AMR). The mobile platform is very stable thanks to its three-point mounting. For its humanoid robot, igus has deliberately dispensed with legs, as the infrastructure for AMRs is already advanced in many factories. With a load capacity of 50 kilograms and a payload of 100 kilograms, the ReBeL Move meets the requirements for movement outside the workplace. Iggy Rob can work as a service robot at reception, take on transport tasks in the factory or clear cutlery in the canteen; igus itself plans to use Iggy Rob to insert components into the company's injection molding machines. "We assume that humanoid robots will initially be of particular interest for industrial purposes," explains Alexander Mühlens.

Joint further development: "Test before Invest"

igus is counting on its customers for the further development of the Iggy Rob. The manufacturer offers a "Test before Invest" program before the purchase, in which the igus experts evaluate the potential on site and test possible applications on the real robot. If the test is convincing, the Iggy Rob can be purchased at a purchase price of 47,999.00 euros, which is favorable compared to the market. "Previously available humanoid robots sometimes cost two or three times as much," says Mühlens.

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