igus acquires majority stake in Commonplace Robotics

The motion plastics specialist igus is expanding through investments in its Low-Cost Automation and has now acquired the majority shares in Commonplace Robotics based in Bissendorf near Osnabrück. As an integrator, Commonplace Robotics specializes in intuitive control systems and software and power electronics for robotics, both in industry and in education. The two companies have been cooperating intensively for six years. They have, among other things, developed the igus Robot Control, which supplements igus' low-cost kinematics made from high-performance plastics.

Dr. Christian Meyer, who worked at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Engineering and Automation at that time, founded the company Commonplace Robotics 11 years ago. The name says it all. Make the integration and operation of robots so cost-effective and easy that they become "commonplace" – meaning they can be used anywhere. The first products with a control system and proprietary power electronics were robots for teaching.

Meyer approached igus in 2016 because he found that igus robotic kinematics matched his vision of "commonplace" – cost-effective, simple, and suitable for the industry. Since then, the two companies have jointly developed products such as the iRC igus Robot Control, an actuator, and the ReBeL cobot. New developments can be quickly implemented thanks to the high level of vertical integration of Commonplace Robotics – from firmware and software to switch cabinet construction and circuit board assembly.

With this acquisition, Commonplace Robotics and igus are combining their innovative strengths.

"We are looking forward to exciting technological projects with igus. The RBTX platform for low-cost robotics, operated by igus, brings new requirements from customers from all areas of the industry to our laboratories every day," Meyer states. "Much of this can be implemented quickly, especially as we expand with this investment."

The latest product of the collaboration is the ReBeL cobot for €4,970, including the control system. The actuator, also available as an individual component, combines igus' plastic know-how in the gearbox with the power electronics and software from Commonplace Robotics. With six axes, the ReBeL can handle a payload of up to 2kg with a range of 664mm with a net weight of 8.2kg.