With a view to help programme robots with ease, igus, a global leading manufacturer of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings, has now developed control software for its low-cost automation solutions.

igus robot control is available online free of charge and offers the user an easy introduction to automation. Different robot kinematics can be programmed and controlled. A digital twin simulates the movements. In this way, the user can programme a suitable solution before purchase. The robot hardware, for example, a linear robot with a switch cabinet, is offered by igus from as little as 5,000 euros. 

Picking up goods from a box, helping to take samples and dispensing cans from a machine - all done by robots! Whether articulated arm robots, delta robots or linear robots: igus has all three kinematics as low-cost automation solutions in its portfolio. To enable users to try out in advance which robot is best suited for their application, igus now offers igus robot control, a software for the simulation and programming of all igus robots.

Alexander Mühlens, Head-Automation Technology, igus GmbH said, "As a mechanical engineering company, we are very familiar with the different kinematics, so the next logical step for us was to develop a correspondingly simple and intuitive robot control system."

“The special feature is that the software is available online free of charge and is license-free. There is a digital twin in the software for all igus robots, which can be simulated and taught like the real robot. The robot control system is also used later to programme the robot intuitively. Every programming can be applied to the real robot afterward. The complete hardware package, for example, a drylin linear robot with an integrated control system in the switch cabinet, is available from 5,000 euros,” informed Mühlens. 

With igus robot control, the user can freely move all axes of the digital twin via a 3D interface. By means of a teach-in function, the robot can be programmed very easily, even without a robot connection. To do this, the user must manually move the robot to the desired position and define how it is to be moved. The process is repeated until the desired motion profile is created. Matching end effectors, such as grippers, are easy to add and the tool centre point adjusts automatically. virtual boxes can also be installed, for example, to prevent the robot from colliding with a machine.