German Plastic Manufacturer Unveils Humanoid Robot for Industrial Use

A German company based in Cologne, Igus, has introduced its latest innovation: a humanoid robot named Iggy Rob, designed specifically for applications in industrial environments and service sectors. With a price tag of EUR47,999, the robot is aimed at businesses looking to automate their production, service, or logistics operations.

Iggy Rob stands approximately 1.7 meters tall and features two ReBeL collaborative robot (Cobot) arms, along with two bionic hands that mimic the structure of human hands, albeit with only four fingers. Notably, Iggy Rob is categorized as a semi-humanoid robot, as it lacks legs and instead utilizes a mobile base adapted from Igus's autonomous mobile robot, the ReBeL Move. This design choice effectively reduces costs compared to fully-legged humanoid robots, making it suitable for operations primarily on flat surfaces. While the robot is not capable of climbing stairs, it can navigate elevators to reach different levels within buildings, which is feasible given the typically flat layouts of most industrial halls.

The robot's head features a display that can portray a face, allowing it to interact with human employees. This functionality positions Iggy Rob not only as a tool for production and logistics but also as a potential service robot for reception areas. However, Igus has not disclosed specifics regarding the autonomous capabilities powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that the robot possesses.

According to Igus, Iggy Rob can operate for approximately eight hours continuously before requiring a recharge at its docking station. The robot is capable of handling payloads of up to 100 kilograms, making it versatile for various tasks.

Igus plans to further develop Iggy Rob in collaboration with its clients, tailoring the robot's features to meet specific needs. To facilitate this, the company offers a 'Test before Invest' program, allowing potential buyers to explore the robot's capabilities alongside robotics experts from Igus before making a purchase decision. The company specifically intends to utilize Iggy Rob for inserting components into plastic injection molding machines.