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Free UK service tests robot applications before order is placed

08 December, 2022

The engineering plastics specialist igus is expanding increasingly into low-cost robotics, and has launched a service to test proposed robot applications for UK customers free of charge, before they order any equipment. The Test Before Invest service is based on one that has been running at igus’ headquarters in Germany for several years.

The service is part of igus’ RBTX online marketplace for low-cost robotics which allows users to combine products from 76 different suppliers to create customised robotics applications. Compatibility between the components is guaranteed. The service can supply all of the components via a single order and, if required, assemble them to create the configured application.

Matthew Aldridge, igus UK’s managing director, says that the company has invested in a customer test area at its Northampton headquarters to simulate customer applications and is currently performing ten tests each week. “Customers then receive a video on the handling test with a fixed-price quotation for their required components.”

The UK centre can also “link seamlessly with the RBTX team in Cologne, Germany,” Aldridge adds. “We support interested parties with ideas and all our knowledge, so that everyone can easily find the right robotics solution without being swamped with information overload or prohibitive costs.”

Igus has recently relaunched the RBTX platform with a new design and enhanced functions such as one that filters by application or industry. Instead of needing to search across many different sources, machine-builders and others can find a wide range of low-cost robotics components from many different suppliers, with price and compatibility guarantees.

"We analysed our Web site and gathered feedback from our customers to find out how we could further optimise the online marketplace and user experience,” explains igus UK’s low-cost automation product manager, Adam Sanjurgo. “The user can now find a suitable robotics solution as quickly and easily as possible.

“Engineers currently have 259 different products to choose from – from robots to software, controllers and power electronics to cameras, grippers, sensors and motors,” he adds. The components are combined and tested in advance to ensure that they will work in sub-assemblies. “The plan is to continuously expand our online marketplace with additional partners and products so that users have instant access to an up-to-date and diverse offer in this fast-growing market segment.”

igus’ RBTX service allows users to configure low-cost automation applications online

The service also offers more than 100 ready-made applications. For example, there are adhesive robot applications with prices starting at £6,000.

If users do not know exactly which configuration is right for their application or which components are required, they can ask an expert tool called RBTXpert. The tool is available at every step on the Web site.

Users can also book free live video consultations with automation experts who can advise them on their applications. The experts can test the feasibility of proposed projects in a dedicated 400m2 area.

igus:  Twitter




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