igus, a leading provider of motion plastics technology, has unveiled a wide range of innovative products, digital tools, and services aimed at driving engineering forward. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and cost reduction, igus aims to empower engineers and make motion plastics easy to use and enjoyable. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its carbon-neutral initiatives and efforts to minimize plastic waste.
At the forefront of igus’s new offerings is a low-cost robot that can be operated using virtual reality (VR) technology. Visitors to the 2023 Hannover Messe can experience the possibilities of this virtual parallel world at igus’s exhibition stand, where they can control a robot arm in VR while a nearby robot mirrors their exact movements. This integration of VR and reality provides a glimpse into the future possibilities of the “iguverse,” the igus metaverse.
In the iguverse, engineers, material experts, and project planners can collaborate and build 3D models of machines and assemblies on a 1:1 scale. This virtual space eliminates the need for time-consuming meetings and costly travel, resulting in faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective product development. Additionally, the digital twin in the iguverse can be utilized for training purposes, further enhancing its value for engineers.
igus is also introducing digital tools such as the igusGO app, which utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze images of machines and identify potential applications for lubrication-free parts. This cost-effective solution streamlines the process of identifying and ordering spare parts, saving time and resources for engineers.
To promote automation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), igus is expanding its range of low-cost robotics, including the ReBeL KID cobot with optional voice control. Furthermore, the company offers smart plastics—standard parts equipped with sensors and integrated into IoT networks—to enable SMEs to implement Industry 4.0 trends like condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. Additional services such as “superwise” and “kopla” further enhance igus’s commitment to supporting Industry 4.0.
Despite its rapid growth, igus remains dedicated to sustainability. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its factory by the end of 2025 through innovative solutions like using spent coolant water from injection molding machines for heating purposes. This energy-saving system, known as the Machine Heat Recovery System (MHRS), will help drive gas consumption to zero. Moreover, igus continues to improve the environmental balance of plastics and expand its recycling program, with initiatives like the “Chainge” platform that covers the recycling of various technical plastics.
igus’s remarkable growth, with over 188,000 customers and annual sales exceeding €1 billion, is a testament to its commitment to providing reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. With its new digital tools and focus on sustainability, igus is revolutionizing the engineering industry, making motion plastics accessible to engineers of all backgrounds and empowering them to unleash their engineering power with play.
As igus CEO Frank Blase affirms, “Our growth must be linked to the sustainable use of resources. The creativity and energy of my igus colleagues impresses and motivates me. The fact I work with these people makes me humble and excited about what the future holds.”
In conclusion, igus’s introduction of new digital tools, low-cost automation solutions, and sustainable initiatives demonstrates the company’s commitment to driving engineering forward. By combining accessibility, sustainability, and cost reduction, igus empowers engineers to unleash their full potential while minimizing their environmental impact. The future looks promising as igus continues to innovate and expand its offerings, aiming to reach one million active customers by 2030.
