Iggy Rob is a humanoid robot intended to cost less than $54,000 U.S. Source: igus
As market analysts predict that up to 20 million humanoid robots could be deployed in industrial settings by 2030, igus GmbH last week unveiled its first humanoid, Iggy Rob. The motion plastics specialist said it designed the robot to support industrial production, service environments, and transport tasks.
“Because our environment is built by and for humans, the potential for humanoid robots is immense,” stated Jan Hennecke, business unit manager for LCA/RBTX at igus. “Iggy Rob offers a practical, affordable way for companies to begin integrating robotics into their operations.”
While most humanoid systems remain prohibitively expensive for many businesses, igus said it wants to lower the barrier to adoption with an affordable, versatile robot powered by its own motion-plastic components. The Cologne, Germany-based company plans to offer Iggy Rob for €47,999 (about $54,500) for a cost-effective entry point for companies exploring humanoid robotics.
igus builds on experience with affordable automation
The introduction of Iggy Rob marks the culmination of years of innovation in the field of low-cost automation, according to igus. The company said it built on its extensive experience with motion plastics components to realize the humanoid robot.
Key developments include:
- 2022: The launch of the igus ReBeL low-cost collaborative robot arm
- 2023: The igus ReBeL Hand, a low-cost humanoid hand, which won a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award
- 2024: The igus ReBeL Move, an affordable autonomous mobile robot (AMR)
“Each of these milestones has contributed to demonstrating what can be achieved in the humanoid robotics space through the use of igus technology, culminating in the creation of an affordable, fully integrated humanoid system,” said igus. It showed its axis community and exhibited at the Robotics Summit & Expo last week.
Advanced features enable versatile use
Standing about 1.7 m (67 in.) tall, Iggy Rob can operate autonomously for up to eight hours on a single charge. It includes two ReBeL Cobot arms, bionic hands, a lidar sensor, and 3D cameras for advanced object detection and navigation.
igus said these features enable smooth mobility and interaction in dynamic environments. Iggy Rob uses igus Robot Control software (iRC), is CE-certified, and is approved for fleet management under VDA 5050 standards.
Integration with the ROS 2 interface ensures compatibility with modern robotics infrastructures, said the company, whose U.S. headquarters are in Rumford, R.I.
igus has designed its Iggy Rob humanoid for smooth movement. Source: igus
Iggy Rob uses AMR base for industrial efficiency
Rather than using legs, Iggy Rob is built upon the proven ReBeL Move AMR platform. This base features a robust three-point bearing and supports a load capacity of 50 kg (110 lb.) with a payload of 100 kg (220 lb.).
igus said this design choice aligns with the existing infrastructure of many factories and enhances stability and functionality. The company added that it has identified various potential use cases, including service tasks at reception desks, transport roles within facilities, and canteen operations such as clearing cutlery.
Internally, igus intends to deploy Iggy Rob for component placement in injection-molding machines.
igus offers collaborative development, testing initiative
igus offers a “test before you invest” program to accelerate adoption and ensure suitability for diverse environments. This initiative allows companies to trial Iggy Rob on-site with support from igus experts who assess feasibility and performance in real-world applications.
Should the trial prove successful, the robot can be purchased at a price significantly lower than comparable humanoid robots, which often cost two to three times more.