A workplace inclusion project by the Diakonische Stiftung Wittekindshof in Bad Oeynhausen has earned the ROIBOT Award from motion plastics specialist igus. The foundation developed a fully functional, accessible robotic workstation for just €4,970, enabling Daniel Hillebrand, who lives with severe physical limitations due to tetraspasticity, to work independently. The project stood out in igus’ global competition, which honors smart, budget-friendly automation initiatives that use components from the RBTX low-cost robotics platform.
Daniel, who uses a wheelchair, operates the robotic arm with a joystick controlled by his chin. For hours each day, he sorts plastic parts without external help. “This level of independence is a game-changer for him,” said Torsten Jeschke, technician and mentor at the Wittekindshofer workshops. Traditional robotic systems would have exceeded budget and complexity requirements. Instead, the team opted for the ReBeL robot arm, made of high-performance plastic, offering a user-friendly and economical alternative. Alexander Mühlens, Head of Low Cost Automation at igus, praised the foundation’s creativity, noting, “With minimal resources, they’ve made a huge difference in someone’s life. That’s what the ROIBOT Award is about.”
Second prize went to Paperfoam of the Netherlands, which integrated a camera with the ReBeL robot for quality inspection of its eco-friendly packaging—reducing physical strain on workers and improving accuracy. Third place was awarded to France’s CNRS, which used igus’ lubrication-free linear axes to calibrate astrophysics equipment with high precision and low maintenance needs.
A special education award was given to the Politecnico University of Milan, where researchers developed a mobile robotic system for automated fruit harvesting—making the process faster and less labor-intensive. Each of these projects demonstrates that practical automation can be achieved even with modest budgets, delivering strong returns and tangible human benefits. igus, a signatory of Germany’s Good Work Charter, continues to support socially responsible robotics through initiatives like ROIBOT.
igus GmbH specializes in the development and production of motion plastics—lubrication-free, high-performance polymers that enhance technology and reduce costs in any application involving movement. As the global leader in energy supply systems, highly flexible cables, plain and linear bearings, and lead screw technology made from tribo-polymers, igus provides innovative solutions across various industries. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, this family-owned company operates in 31 countries and employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide. In 2023, igus achieved a turnover of €1.136 billion.
The company’s commitment to innovation is fueled by research conducted in its industry-leading test laboratories, resulting in increased reliability and new solutions for users. With 243,000 parts available from stock and the ability to predict service life online, igus continues to push the boundaries of technology. Recent expansions include internal start-ups in ball bearings, robot gearboxes, 3D printing, the RBTX platform for low-cost robotics, and smart plastics for Industry 4.0. Additionally, igus has made significant environmental investments, such as the “chainge” platform for recycling technical plastics and partial ownership in a company producing oil from plastic waste.
