Expands Thru Investments in Low-Cost Automation
The motion plastics specialist igus is expanding through investments in its low-cost automation and has now acquired the majority shares in Commonplace Robotics based in Bissendorf near Osnabrück. As an integrator, Commonplace Robotics specializes in intuitive control systems and software and power electronics for robotics, both in industry and in education. The two companies have been cooperating intensively for six years. They have, among other things, developed the igus Robot Control, which supplements igus’ low-cost kinematics made from high-performance plastics.
Now under one roof: Low-Cost Automation with intuitive software, such as the igus ReBeL cobot. Left: Dr. Christian Meyer, CEO of Commonplace Robotics; Right: Frank Blase, CEO and entrepreneur igus GmbH (Source: igus GmbH)
Dr. Christian Meyer, who worked at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Engineering and Automation at that time, founded the company Commonplace Robotics 11 years ago. The name says it all. Make the integration and operation of robots so cost-effective and easy that they become “commonplace” – meaning they can be used anywhere. The first products with a control system and proprietary power electronics were robots for teaching.
Dr. Meyer approached igus in 2016 because he found that igus robotic kinematics matched his vision of “commonplace” – cost-effective, simple, and suitable for the industry. Since then, the two companies have jointly developed products such as the iRC igus Robot Control, an actuator, and the ReBeL cobot. New developments can be quickly implemented thanks to the high level of vertical integration of Commonplace Robotics – from firmware and software to switch cabinet construction and circuit board assembly.
Driving Low-Cost Automation forward with increased innovative power
With this acquisition, Commonplace Robotics and igus are combining their innovative strengths.
The latest product of the collaboration is the ReBeL cobot for €4,970, including the control system. The actuator, also available as an individual component, combines igus’ plastic know-how in the gearbox with the power electronics and software from Commonplace Robotics. With six axes, the ReBeL can handle a payload of up to two kilograms with a range of 664 millimeters with a net weight of just 8.2 kilograms.
Requests and orders come from traditional areas of applications such as quality control and pick and place applications in mechanical engineering. However, new areas of applications such as restaurant automation or urban farming are now becoming more frequent.
About igus
igus GmbH develops and produces motion plastics. These lubrication-free, high-performance polymers improve technology and reduce costs wherever things move. In energy supplies, highly flexible cables, plain and linear bearings as well as lead screw technology made of tribo-polymers, igus is the worldwide market leader. The family-run company based in Cologne, Germany, is represented in 35 countries and employs 4,900 people across the globe. In 2021, igus generated a turnover of € 961 million. Research in the industry’s largest test laboratories constantly yields innovations and more security for users. 234,000 articles are available from stock and the service life can be calculated online. In recent years, the company has expanded by creating internal startups, e.g. for ball bearings, robot drives, 3D printing, the RBTX platform for Lean Robotics and intelligent “smart plastics” for Industry 4.0. Among the most important environmental investments are the “chainge” programme – recycling of used e-chains – and the participation in an enterprise that produces oil from plastic waste.
