A ReBeL Without the Cost: igus Drops Low-Cost AGV With Integrated Cobot

Motion plastics company igus has rolled out the new ReBeL Move, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that offers a fast deployment time and an affordable price tag — without skimping on load capacity. The new AGV is designed for small to mid-sized manufacturing and shipping operations.

The ReBeL Move, equipped with an optional ReBeL cobot, moving bins around a storage area. Image used courtesy of igus

The ReBeL Move AGV

The ReBeL Move is an AGV that can carry small loads across the factory floor without significant intervention from shop technicians. It makes hauling completed parts to the warehouse for shipping, moving raw materials to machines, and other such tasks easier and more ergonomically friendly for the technicians onsite.

The AGV itself can carry a 35 kg load at up to 1.5 m/s, making it fast enough to deliver parts for just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing operations without becoming a hazard to technicians who share the same spaces as the AGV. Its platform can hold small load carriers in either 30 cm x 40 cm or 60 cm x 40 cm sizes.

ReBeL Cobot Integration

The ReBeL Move AGV can be outfitted with a ReBeL collaborative robot for collecting small items and placing them on the platform. The ReBeL cobot has a load capacity of 2 kg, a reach of 664 mm, and cost just under $7,000. The cobot is made from high-strength polymer, requires little maintenance, and is suitable for near-continuous use. Ideally, this articulated payload arm could take some of the repetitive motions out of warehousing, packaging, and machine tending operations.

The ReBeL move can be fitted with igus’ low-cost ReBel cobot. Image used courtesy of igus

Simple, Low-Cost Automation

The two primary advantages of the ReBeL Move system are the low barrier to entry and the ease of configuration. An entry-level ReBeL Move is available for under $50,000, with the articulated arm running just under $7,000. It should be noted that similar articulated payload arms can run up to five times more in upfront costs, making this one a steal. Furthermore, the whole system can be rented to see if it will be a good fit for any particular facility.

Besides the affordability, the ReBeL Move AGV can be configured and deployed in under an hour. It maps out the warehouse floor, noting where it can safely navigate. From there, operators train it on where it needs to travel to pick up goods, “no go” areas, waiting stations, charging stations, and other important points.

This AGV is not a gimmick. It can run eight hours on a single charge, requiring only two to recharge. It can be a workhorse for virtually any manufacturing or shipping operation. According to igus, users can expect to see a return on investment (ROI) in less than 12 months.

Automating Material Handling

Warehousing, packaging, shipping, receiving, and machine tending operations can all benefit from the ReBeL Move. Their ability to be rapidly deployed makes them a good choice for the ever-changing manufacturing floor in small to medium-sized facilities.