“Unleash your engineering power with play” – the latest motion
plastics technology, lubrication-free app, low-cost automation online, and
sustainable.

A low-cost robot operated via a
VR headset. Spare parts identified and ordered in seconds using AI on a
smartphone. A mobile app that immediately identifies potential applications for
lubrication-free parts on an excavator. igus launches a selection of digital
tools in 2023, as well as products and services which are easy to use and
reduce cost. The goal: provide easy access to the right motion plastics product
and have fun on the way, while being carbon-neutral and without plastic waste.

The iguverse makes
collaboration easy and fun

In this digital space, engineers,
material experts and project planners meet and build 3D models of new machines,
systems and assemblies on a 1:1 scale. No long boring meetings or expensive
journeys, this also reduces CO2 emissions. The result: products are developed
faster, sustainably, reliably and at a lower cost and problems can be ironed
out at an early stage. The digital twin in iguverse can also be used for
training. “The possibilities of virtual reality for mechanical engineering
design are absolutely fascinating. We want to be part of this technology right
from the start” emphasizes igus CEO Frank Blase. “We want to develop new solutions
that even small companies with limited budgets can easily use”. For example,
igus plans to open up iguverse in the future; companies can then benefit from
this platform, which is fully managed by igus, with no development outlay. Also
new for 2023; a cloud-based app called igusGO. The user takes of photo of a
machine, for example an excavator, and artificial intelligence analyses where
lubrication-free parts from igus could be used cost-effectively.

Voice control, superwise,
“kopla” – new services for industry 4.0

The igus range of low-cost
robotics, intended to promote automation in SMEs, is also growing. A new
smaller cobot – the ReBeL KID – will be available from May 2023 for £3,999 and
has optional voice control. The online marketplace RBTX showcases over 350
automation projects, all of which can be copied for similar applications. In
addition to low cost robotics, igus expands the range of smart plastics. These
are standard parts such as energy chains and plain bearings, which are equipped
with sensors and integrated into IoT networks. This allows SMEs to implement
industry 4.0 trends, such as condition monitoring and preventative maintenance.
The smart plastics can be expanded with a new service called “superwise”; a
digital product which links to igus field service team.

A completely new service is the
igus managed platform “kopla”. This allows companies to create their own online
expert systems and calculation tools. It is aimed specifically at medium sized
companies who operate internationally and would like to explain their products
online. Frank Blase: “Our own experience with the development and use of online
tools, using a cloud based stored modular principle, is now available for
others to use, massively reducing the implementation lead time compared with
conventional software solutions”.

igus continues to expand, on
the way to the millionth customer.

The last few years had many
challenges, but igus continues to grow. Now with over 188,000 customers, igus
has around 5000 employees at 31 locations globally. Annual sales exceeded
£1billion for the first time in 2022. Now the next goal has been set; by 2030
igus is aiming for one million active customers. To get there, igus continues
to invest in the development of motion plastics and fast local logistics. The
aim is to make all moving applications in the world maintenance-free and
long-lasting. Many online tools help engineers to calculate the life of igus
products, giving a reliable and sustainable solution. Matthew Aldridge, MD of
igus UK in Northampton says “No matter if an engineer needs a tiny bearing or
the worlds largest plastic energy chain, the life can be calculated online.
These digital tools make motion plastics easy for everyone to access.”

All this new technology does
not mean the environment is forgotten; igus shares a new solution for re-using
factory energy.

“Unleashing your engineering power with play” is green. The aim is that by the end of 2025 the igus factory will be carbon neutral. One of the latest achievements is a new igus developed system which uses the spent coolant water from injection moulding machines to heat the factory. “With this new heating system we will drive our gas consumption to zero in the future” explains Frank Blase. This is not only good for the environment but also for finances in this time of rising energy costs. This is why igus has decided to make this engineering solution available to other industrial companies under the name MHRS (Machine Heat Recovery System). Frank continues; “we searched for weeks for a solution and could not find one anywhere. So we built our own, we want to share this with others”. Also, igus has been improving the environmental balance of plastics for years, and one key area is recycling. This year, igus has expanded the popular “Chainge” recycling program. The Chainge online platform now covers all technical plastics, from polyamide to PEEK. The igus:bike made from recycled ocean waste (fishing nets) is also scheduled for commercial launch in August; from Ocean Plastics to Motion Plastics. Frank Blase concludes; “Our growth must be linked to the sustainable use of resources. The creativity and energy of my igus colleagues impresses and motivates me. The fact I work with these people makes me humble and excited about what the future holds”.