The motion plastics specialist igus has unveiled its first humanoid robot, Iggy Rob, designed to support industrial production, service environments, and transport tasks. The robot, offered at a market-disruptive price of approximately $54,500, presents a cost-effective entry point into humanoid robotics for companies seeking automation solutions.
The introduction of Iggy Rob arrives amid forecasts estimating that up to 20 million humanoid robots could be deployed in industrial applications by 2030. While traditional humanoid systems remain prohibitively expensive for many businesses, igus aims to lower the barrier to adoption with an affordable, versatile robot powered by its own motion plastic components.
“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.”
The introduction of Iggy Rob marks the culmination of years of innovation at igus in the field of Low-Cost Automation. Building on extensive experience with its own motion plastics components, igus has progressively advanced toward the realization of a humanoid robot. Key developments include the launch of the igus ReBeL cobot in 2022, a low-cost robotic arm, the igus ReBeL Hand, a low-cost humanoid hand in 2023, and the igus ReBeL Move, an autonomous mobile platform, a low-cost AMR in 2024. 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.
Standing approximately 1.70 meters (67 inches) tall, Iggy Rob can operate autonomously for up to eight hours on a single charge. It is equipped with two ReBeL Cobot arms, bionic hands, a LiDAR sensor, and 3D cameras for advanced object detection and navigation. These features enable smooth mobility and interaction in dynamic environments.
The robot is powered by igus Robot Control software (iRC), is CE-certified, and is approved for fleet management under VDE 5050 standards. Integration with the ROS2 interface ensures compatibility with modern robotics infrastructures.
Rather than using legs, Iggy Rob is built upon the proven ReBeL Move autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platform. This base features a robust three-point bearing and supports a load capacity of 50 kilograms (110 pounds) with a payload of 100 kilograms (220 pounds). This design choice aligns with the existing infrastructure of many factories and enhances stability and functionality.
igus 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 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.
