Mr. Mühlens, Igus launched its own business unit for 'Low Cost Automation' at the beginning of 2019. How has it developed since then?

It all started with our own in-house automation projects. We wanted to automate ourselves because the challenges were always the same: projects take longer than expected and the costs were not transparent in advance. We want to change that with our products. We also use hundreds of our products in our own production, for example for sorting and 'pick & place' applications or quality assurance tasks. The focus here is on affordable robotics, which we make possible through the use of our 'motion plastics'. All moving components of our robots are made of tribologically optimized high-performance plastics. We now offer a full range of multi-axis articulated robots, cobots, gantry robots as well as delta and scara robots - always with the option for our customers to use our software and power electronics or their own.

Which industries do the inquiries mainly come from?

We supply a wide range of industries, so the spectrum is very broad: from robotics for the agricultural sector to harvest weeds or vegetables in the fields of this world, to more classic bonding applications for general mechanical engineering.

Which 'typical' applications are in demand?

Dosing, insertion and 'pick & place' applications are very frequently in demand.

How should I imagine an SME's path to its own or first robot for its own production? What steps have to be taken before the robot is actually introduced?

Normally, there are four steps. The first step is to make contact, for which we offer various options; interested parties can then book an appointment for a free live video consultation. In Germany alone, we currently advise more than 25 customers per week. In the next step, we discuss the planned application together. This is one of the most important steps - especially in view of our aim to make the application as cost-effective as possible. In a 400 m² Customer Testing Area, the feasibility of the application is tested together in a remote appointment by testing the advantages of different robot kinematics and accessories live. It is also possible to submit the part to be moved in advance for a free handling test. In the third step, we select the required components together. Finally, the customer receives a fixed price offer. After the purchase, we also provide support during commissioning.

Where do you get the tools you need to get the robot up and running?

A robot alone does not make an application, which is why we operate http://www.rbtx.com, an online marketplace for low-cost robotics. Additional components from various manufacturers, such as grippers, cameras or safety components, as well as software and services, can be added there - always with the aim of cost transparency and compatibility guarantees. We also offer the 'RBTXpert Service', which guides you through the selection process and provides advice free of charge - a service that is particularly popular with SMEs that have not yet automated themselves.

What are the next steps for the 'Low Cost Automation' division? Do you have any special developments planned for the future?

We are striving to develop even more cost-effective robotic solutions with our motion plastics. Our robots start from as little as 1,000 euros, and complete multi-axis articulated robots with cobot functions including software and control from as little as 4,970 euros.

Igus has recently made a name for itself with the first energy chain made from recycled plastic and the bicycle made partly from recycled plastic. To what extent is recycled plastic an issue for low-cost automation?

We are researching the direct use of recycled materials in various areas of our robotics solutions, for example in cladding or brackets.