Modern industrial robots can be fast, powerful and precise—but also expensive. For small and medium enterprises, it can be very challenging to see how a thirty, forty, or even seventy-five-thousand-dollar robot could be viable and realize ROI within a reasonable timeframe. Before you write off robots altogether—or dump your coffers into a huge investment in equipment from KUKA, ABB or FANUC—check out this product from igus.
Above all, Robolink is designed to be a simpler robot. igus specializes in gears and other motion components, which made it natural for the company to design the motorized joints for this robot. The robot’s arm sections are simple formed sheet steel. This combination of self-contained joints and the basic steel limbs makes the Robolink completely modular: customers can design the dimensions, number of axes and end effector using a web app.
The video above demonstrates the web app. As you specify the size and shape of your robot, the effective payload updates in real time on screen, based on the weight and geometry of your creation, as does the cost of the robot.
Igus uses these bots in its factory automation to assemble its e-chain cable guide products.
While the cost of Robolink depends on the configuration you select, the product is typically far more affordable than comparable equipment from the big robot houses.
Finding a more affordable automation solution could allow your small or medium-sized business to stay competitive when it comes to throughput and labor costs. Furthermore, it may be worth starting out with a low-risk robot product like Robolink, which allows you to “dip a toe” into the world of industrial robotics.
Stay tuned for more on igus technology in our upcoming videos.