Automation simplified: igus introduces the new ReBeL, a plastic cobot weighing only 10 kilogrammes. The ReBeL, with its low cost, minimal maintenance, and simple operation, makes new inventive concepts in service robots practical for smaller firms and start-ups – from installed use on agricultural drones to mobile support as domestic aid.
Collaborative lightweight robots can help automate tedious operations in healthcare, dispensing equipment, the field, and manufacturing. The new iteration of the ReBeL was developed by igus to allow interactive service robotics concepts to be implemented rapidly and affordably.
A tribo strain wave gear with motor, encoder, force control, and controller is entirely incorporated into the lightweight plastic robot. Human-robot collaboration is possible because to electronic components in completely integrated strain wave gear (HRC). This is due to the encoder technology’s ability to determine and restrict forces and torque using the motor current and angle measurement in conjunction.
Igus uses a double encoder to do this, with measurements taken both in front of and behind the joint. This senses and responds to forces and torque levels.
The ReBeL’s use of plastic results in an exceptionally small, lightweight design. The robot is the lightest cobot on the market, weighing less than ten pounds net. It has a payload of two kilogrammes and a reach of 700 millimetres.
The ReBeL can also be utilised in places where the employment of robotics was previously not profitable due to its low beginning price of under 4,000 euros including the control system. Many new and unique ideas are already becoming a reality, ranging from use in an automated guided vehicle system to use as a bartender.
“Many young companies are currently demonstrating what low-cost automation is capable of,” says Alexander Mühlens, Head of Automation Technology at igus. “As an example, consider ADOTC in the textile business.
An igus articulated-arm robot is used here to automatically feed and remove textile pieces to and from the sewing machine. Because robot energy prices are equivalent over the world, this automated product is worthwhile.”
In addition to the price, igus reduces additional barriers to entry, such as complexity. For example, the new ReBeL, like igus’ existing articulated-arm, delta, and linear robots, can be simply tested and operated. Igus has free control software available for this purpose. The movements of the robot may be rapidly defined and simulated.
Companies will save money on commissioning and become less reliant on integrators as a result of this. Those that require more assistance can use the new RBTXpert service, which assists in the selection of the most cost-effective automation option.
The appropriate automation system can be tested after a free online consultation with the RBTXpert. The RBTXpert can then provide a price quote to the customer based on the results of the tests. This is made feasible via RBTX.com, a low-cost automation marketplace that sells components, hardware, and software from a variety of suppliers.
Various robot kinematics, cameras, graphical user interfaces, grippers, power electronics, motors, sensors, and control systems are among them. Customers can configure individual components for their robot or ready-made robotics solutions and order them directly, following the “Build or Buy” concept.
