Fast-developing automation systems including artificial intelligence are generating new ideas for smart factories. However, many traditional smaller and medium-sized enterprises are at risk of falling behind. Low-cost automation can help them keep pace with changing technologies and market demands.
According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), more and more robots are carrying out work in factories. In 2022, the global stock reached a new record of 3.5 million robots, worth an estimated €15.7 billion. Yet the world is a long way from rapid growth.
Low-cost automation solutions that are inexpensive and undemanding enable SMEs that may so far have had little contact with these technologies, to participate in the future of AI automation. A growing number of low-cost automation providers have entered the market in recent years, offering robots at a fraction of the price of classic industrial robots. They use web shops to allow solution configuration in ‘a few clicks’ – without expensive integrators. And, using so-called no-code technology, robots can be controlled as easily as a computer game. IFR figures indicate that these factors can easily be adjusted. They show that programming and integrating a robot application currently accounts for up to 70% of the total costs.
A collaborative online marketplace
igus GmbH is one provider of low-cost automation. To enable SMEs to enter the automation age, the Cologne-based plastics company builds robots at competitive prices. The ReBeL, for example, the ‘made in Cologne’ cobot, is made almost entirely of high-performance plastic and suitable for applications such as loading and unloading machines in industry and serving beer in automated services.
To help interested parties find the right automation solution for a given application and budget, igus has created RBTX.com. This is an online marketplace that brings together manufacturers and users of low-cost robotics. At present, over 100 partners offer their products here. Online tools provide for the combination of robots, machine frames, grippers, conveyor belts and other elements, as well as the testing of movement, very simply, with ‘drag and drop’ in a 3D model on the computer.
"Several thousand SMEs from all over the world have already implemented automation solutions on RBTX.com – from an earthworm farm to a baker who packs doughnuts," says Alexander Mühlens, Head of the Low Cost Automation Business Unit at igus. "95% of the more than 400 possible solutions involve an investment of less than €12 000. Since the launch of RBTX, we have seen increasing interest. The platform offers more low-cost solutions than any other we know of. We have now provided consultation on over 2 500 projects and sent several thousand robots to the global market.
“Of course, not every task can be automated with low-cost robotics – especially when very heavy loads need to be moved or extreme precision is required. However, a wide range of work steps can be automated cost-effectively.”
Mühlens says, “The advantage of RBTX is that users can source low-cost robotic components from different manufacturers on a single platform – and always with a price and compatibility guarantee. Providers have the opportunity to open up new market groups and sales channels for their products. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved."
For more information visit: www.igus.co.za
