More mobile robots are finding their way into industry. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), a total of 200,000 service robots were sold worldwide in 2024; 51% were robots for transport and logistics. Wherever human interaction, variable processes or frequent changes of location are required, humanoid robots are seen as a promising technology. In real life, however, their use often fails due to high investment costs and complex integration. At the Hannover Messe Preview, Igus will be providing initial insights into new low-cost robotics solutions that should make it much easier for companies to get started — from the AMR ReBeL Pallet Mover and 95 new humanoids on RBTX.com to artificial intelligence (AI) control systems that will allow robots to be intuitively trained in the future using gesture and voice commands.
In view of the shortage of skilled labor, humanoid robots will be able to take on simple, monotonous tasks in the future and offer a clear advantage: they can be used anywhere and provide flexible assistance where support is needed. With its motion plastics, Igus offers lubrication-free components that make sure that humanoid robot systems run reliably: from maintenance-free spherical bearings in the fingers to highly flexible chainflex cables in the torso to linear actuators for moving the legs. "However, it is crucial that the integration of complex automation solutions becomes possible for users without expert knowledge or vast expenses," explained Alexander Mühlens, head of the Low Cost Automation Business Unit at Igus. "We are therefore currently working on new AI-based control systems, among other things, which we will be presenting at Hannover Messe 2026." The motto is: "Teaching by showing, speaking, everything but programming". A milestone last year was the launch of the first own humanoid "Iggy Rob," which is based on the ReBeL Move, has two ReBeL Cobot arms and is available for €47,999, which is significantly lower than that of classic humanoids. New, proprietary humanoid robots will be ready for demonstration on the RBTX online platform at the Hannover Messe.
Source: Igus
RBTX as a service hub: The fastest and easiest way to solve automation tasks
Around 260 manufacturers are now represented on the platform, whose robotic components are modular, so that they can be combined with each other. Supported by Igus experts, hundreds of companies have since realized automation solutions there — 95% of them for under €18,000. By the time Hannover Messe starts, the online platform RBTX is expected to offer the largest range of humanoid robotics — with 95 robot models from 35 manufacturers. The aim of Igus is to further expand the RBTX ecosystem and develop it into a service hub for complete automation solutions. In the future, RBTX will not only bundle components with a compatibility guarantee as a one-stop shop but also connect users with suitable integration partners — quickly, transparently and independently of the manufacturer. "Many companies are faced with the challenge of weighing up the quality and investment security of these offers. RBTX is the quickest and easiest way to a ready-to-use solution," emphasised Mühlens. "As the only provider in Europe with a consistent low-cost focus, we make robotics accessible to everyone and support the entire process as a central point of contact: from the initial enquiry to AI-based matching with certified integrators and implementation with tried-and-tested components to ongoing support."
Autonomous forklift makes logistics efficient
In 2024, Igus presented the first autonomous, mobile robot ReBeL Move for material handling, followed by the even more powerful version ReBeL Move Pro. The demand for mobile robotics solutions is not only increasing due to the acute shortage of skilled labor, but also because such systems are becoming more affordable and much easier to integrate. That's why Igus now also offers the ReBeL Pallet Mover, an autonomous forklift that lends a hand where there is a lack of personnel. Depending on the application, Igus offers the forklift for different payloads: 300 kg, 1,400 kg and 1,500 kg. The company also customizes the autonomous helper to meet specific requirements. At a price of €67,340 for the Pallet Mover 300, the return on investment is achieved after just 12 to 18 months. "In combination with the new AI control systems we are working on, we are making great strides towards our goal of democratizing robotics and making it available to everyone."
