Posted to News on 6th Mar 2025, 14:00
AI helps more companies access robotics
igus has improved its RBTX.co.uk platform with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot. This interactive consultant is designed to help companies with limited experience and technical knowledge of robotics to quickly and safely assemble low-cost automation solutions that will boost their competitiveness.
(See igus at Machine Building North, 10 April 2025, on stand 54)
Many companies know that automation offers enormous potential to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world of work. But many don't know how to implement them. RBTX.co.uk, a low-cost automation platform, has the answer. There are over 500 robot solutions on the online marketplace, 95% of which cost less than 12,000. Even companies with no prior knowledge of robotics can put together cost-effective, Low-Cost Automation solutions (LCA) using the plug-and-program principle.
"With RBTX, we want to remove the barriers that prevent companies entering automation," says Adam Sanjurgo, Low-Cost Automation Product Manager at igus in Northampton. "It is crucial to guarantee the compatibility of all components on the platform, making incorrect purchases almost impossible. The introduction of our new AI consultant is another step in the right direction, helping users to simplify their search for components from an ever-expanding range."
The new AI chatbot on RBTX.co.uk supports users in finding suitable LCA components through written interaction. Artificial intelligence draws on the data of hundreds of projects that have successfully automated with the help of RBTX by igus.
Here's an example: A small engineering company with labour shortages wants to automate the loading of its CNC machine with blanks. The technical manager uses the new AI chatbot and asks: "Which robot is suitable for loading my CNC machine?" Within a few seconds, AI provides the answer: "The robolink robotic arm from igus would be a suitable solution here. The arm moves over five axes, has a reach of 790mm, a speed of seven picks per minute and can perceive the position of the components with the help of a 3D camera."
The user then asks which gripper would be suitable, to which the chatbot responds: "A parallel gripper from Zimmer would be a suitable choice." This process allows users to build their individual LCA solutions seamlessly and accurately.
Early adopters respond well to the new AI consultant
Companies experimenting with automation are enthusiastic about the new AI chatbot.
"Many customers have already told us they have entered into dialogue with the AI robot consultant, and it has given them a better sense of the possibilities of low-cost automation, assisting and speeding up their search for the right components," says Sanjurgo.
igus now plans to expand the AI advisor with additional functions in the future. This could include the possibility for the consultant to embed reference images and video material in its answers to develop complete LCA solutions within a target price.
