Robotics in warehouse & logistics increasingly affordable

The Low Cost Automation approach for warehouse & logistics

In warehouse and logistics environments, employees travel many miles every day. From picking orders and replenishing stock to transporting goods internally, these are repetitive and time-consuming tasks that are essential but add little direct value. Robotization has been the answer for some time, only the cost price often remains a stumbling block. With its Low Cost Automation approach, igus wants to demonstrate that automation is also feasible without large investments.

igus, a specialist in motion plastics, develops components and systems based on self-lubricating plastics. The product range goes from cable tracks and plain bearings to linear guides and robotics. Based on this expertise, the company has been building an accessible automation offering for several years under the name ‘Low Cost Automation.

Autonomous transport as a practical solution

The fact is: not every logistics process requires expensive, complex robots. Many applications - such as internal transport or simple handling - can be perfectly handled by lighter and affordable solutions. By focusing on this niche, igus makes robotization accessible to a broader group of companies, including SMEs and logistics players with more limited budgets.

Within the igus range, then, the mobile robots ReBeLMove and ReBeLMove Pro stand out. These autonomous systems are designed to make internal transport in warehouses and distribution centers more efficient. They take over tasks such as moving goods between storage areas, picking stations or shipping departments. According to product manager Joren Kestens, the greatest added value lies in absorbing lost time: “Employees no longer have to travel for internal transport tasks and can focus on activities with more added value.”

ReBeLMove Pro can carry loads of up to 200 kilograms and pull up to 900 kilograms, for example, via linked transport carts. Thus, the system addresses a large part of daily logistics flows without aiming for extreme capacities. This deliberate choice helps keep the cost price under control.

Fast integration, low barrier

In addition to affordability, ease of use also plays an important role. The systems are designed with a plug-and-play approach, making them relatively quick to deploy. Thanks to built-in sensors, the robots navigate the warehouse autonomously, while operation is done through a user-friendly interface.

This makes the technology accessible to companies without extensive IT or robotics expertise. Especially in sectors where operational continuity is crucial, easy implementation is an important asset.

Affordable custom modular robotization

An additional advantage is the modularity of the solutions. For example, ReBeLMove Pro can be expanded with a cobot arm, which also supports pick-and-place applications. In addition, companies easily customize the system with specific transport solutions, such as carts or carriers that match their processes.

That flexibility makes a step-by-step rollout of automation feasible. Companies start on a small scale, gain experience and then expand in a targeted manner. This not only lowers the investment threshold, but also limits operational risks.

According to igus, there is a strong focus on cost efficiency. Marketing manager Tim Küsters emphasizes that their solutions are on average up to 40% more economical than comparable systems on the market. This should ensure a relatively quick return on investment. Robotics is thus evolving from a large capital investment to a feasible optimization step.