Mobile robots are increasingly being used in industry. According to the International Federation of Robotics, 200,000 service robots were sold worldwide in 2024, with 51 percent of them used for transport and logistics. In areas where human interaction, handling of variable processes or frequent changes of location are required, humanoid robots are regarded as a promising technology. In practice, however, their implementation is often hindered by high investment costs and integration complexity. In this context, igus has announced that at Hannover Messe it will present new robotics solutions intended to make it easier for companies to enter automation. These include the autonomous mobile robot ReBeL Pallet Mover, an expanded range of humanoids on the RBTX.com platform, and AI-based control systems under development that are intended in the future to enable robot training using gestures and voice commands.
The company indicates that, in conditions of skilled labour shortages, humanoid robots may in the future take over simple and repetitive tasks. Igus supplies lubricants-free plastic components for such applications, from maintenance-free spherical bearings used in fingers, through flexible chainflex cables routed in the torso, to linear actuators used for leg movement. As Alexander Mühlens, head of the Low Cost Automation business unit at igus, explains, the key issue is to simplify the integration of complex automation solutions so that they are also accessible to users without specialist knowledge and without the need for very high expenditure. "However, the key is to make the integration of complex automation solutions possible for users without specialist knowledge or enormous expenditure," he emphasizes. He adds that the company is working on new AI-based control systems that are to be shown, among other places, at Hannover Messe 2026. Their concept is described by the slogan: "Teaching by showing, speaking, everything except programming."
One of last year's milestones in the development of this concept was the launch of the Iggy Rob humanoid. The design is based on the ReBeL Move platform, equipped with two ReBeL Cobot arms and offered at a price of EUR 47,999, which according to the company is significantly lower than for conventional humanoid robots. Igus also announces the presentation of new in-house humanoid robots that will be demonstrated on the online RBTX platform during Hannover Messe.
RBTX is to serve as a service hub for automation
The RBTX platform currently brings together around 260 manufacturers whose robotic components are modular and can be combined with one another. According to igus, with support from the company's experts, hundreds of businesses have implemented automation solutions through the platform, and 95 percent of these projects were completed with a budget below EUR 18,000. By the start of Hannover Messe, the RBTX range is expected to include 95 humanoid robot models from 35 manufacturers. The company's goal is to further expand this ecosystem and turn it into a service hub for complete automation solutions.
In this concept, RBTX is intended not only to act as a one-stop shop for components with guaranteed compatibility, but also to connect users with suitable integration partners. According to the company, this process is to be fast, transparent and manufacturer-independent. "Many companies face the challenge of assessing the quality and investment security of these offers. RBTX is the fastest and easiest route to a ready-to-use solution," says Alexander Mühlens. He also adds: "As the only provider in Europe that consistently focuses on low costs, we make robotics accessible to everyone and support the entire process as a central point of contact, from the initial inquiry, through AI-based matching to certified integrators and implementation with tried-and-tested components, to ongoing support."
ReBeL Pallet Mover is intended to support intralogistics
In 2024, igus presented its first autonomous mobile robot, ReBeL Move, for material transport, followed by the more efficient ReBeL Move Pro version. The company believes that interest in mobile robotics is growing both because of labour shortages and because such systems are becoming more affordable and significantly easier to integrate. The next step is the introduction of ReBeL Pallet Mover, an autonomous forklift intended to support processes where personnel are lacking.
Depending on the application, igus offers forklifts with payload capacities of 300 kg, 1400 kg and 1500 kg, and states that it can adapt the solution to specific user requirements. For the Pallet Mover 300 model, the price is to be EUR 67,340, and the expected return on investment, according to company data, is to occur within 12 to 18 months. Alexander Mühlens sums up the development direction with the words: "Combined with the new AI control systems we are working on, we are making major progress towards our goal of democratizing robotics and making it available to everyone."
Humanoid robots available to everyone: igus offers lubricant-free components such as spherical bearings and cable carriers, as well as complete humanoid robots on the RBTX marketplace.
