The Iggy Rob platform enables affordable and CE-compliant use of humanoid robots in industry and service
Humanoid robots are currently all the rage. They run marathons and moonwalk to Michael Jackson. In practical industrial applications, however, their use is primarily hindered by cost. This is exactly where igus comes in with its cost-effective Iggy Rob humanoid robots. After introducing the Iggy Rob Industrial for production environments back in 2025, the company is now expanding the platform with a new variant: the Iggy Rob Home, starting at 55,000 euros. With this new model, igus is extending the existing platform concept to the service and household sectors for the first time. Development and manufacturing take place entirely in Germany—from the mechanics and electronics to the software.
AMR instead of legs: The Iggy Rob Industrial and the Iggy Rob Home are based on the same basic technical platform. Instead of two legs, the two humanoids use an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) base, the ReBeLMove Pro, with a payload of up to 250 kg. This decision is based on practical considerations. Mobile vehicles have proven themselves in industry and buildings, can be safely integrated, and are relatively easy to incorporate into existing environments in a CE-compliant manner. For many real-world applications, a walking system with legs is currently neither necessary nor economically viable. “Our world is built by people for people. That’s why it makes sense that automation technology will eventually take on human-like forms,” says Alexander Mühlens, authorized signatory and head of the Low-Cost Automation business unit at igus. “At the same time, we’re convinced that humanoid systems will only continue to evolve through practical use. That’s why we’re focusing on an open, robust platform that users can adapt to their specific needs.” Depending on the configuration, the robots are between 1.30 and 1.70 m tall, have 16 degrees of freedom (DOF) for natural movements, achieve up to eight hours of autonomous runtime, and navigate using LIDAR and 3D camera systems. As standard, both variants feature two igus ReBeL robotic arms with a payload of 2.5 kg per arm. Alternatively, cobots from other manufacturers or humanoid hands can also be integrated. Iggy Rob is designed as an open platform. Control is via ROS 2, and end-effectors and sensors can be customized or expanded. The systems are CE-certified and prepared for fleet operation in accordance with VDE 5050.
Iggy Rob Home: New Focus on Service, Education, and Interaction
The Iggy Rob Industrial was unveiled back in the spring of 2025. It is designed for use in production and logistics environments, where it handles typical tasks such as transport processes, machine loading, or simple assembly work. With the Iggy Rob Home, igus is now expanding this technology for the first time to applications outside of traditional industrial environments. These include reception and information areas, education and research, the food service industry, and a wide range of service activities within buildings. It is also suitable for industrial applications such as pick-and-place tasks, internal material transport, or transport between different stations. Furthermore, it serves as an ideal platform for AI training, data collection, and for educational and research purposes at universities and institutes.
The hardware of the Iggy Rob Home is based on the same industrial-grade platform as the Industrial model, but has been specifically enhanced with features that are more focused on interaction and service. These include smoother motion profiles, a display for showing simple facial expressions, and preconfigured service functions. An integrated linear axis further expands the arms’ working range. A rear basket with a payload of up to 50 kg is also available for transporting objects. An integrated 3D camera ensures reliable object recognition as well as precise grasping and navigation tracking. Thanks to wireless charging, the robot can operate without interruption, and via the ROS 2 interface, it can be seamlessly integrated into modern robotics environments. For maximum flexibility at the tool center point, the Iggy Rob Home can be equipped with various end-effectors, including suction grippers, two- or three-finger grippers, and a bionic hand with integrated gripper recognition.
Mobility Meets Intelligence
Thanks to an intuitive programming interface, the Iggy Rob Home can be quickly deployed and operated even without in-depth robotics knowledge. The stable system architecture ensures reliable operation. Thus, the Iggy Rob Home combines mobility with intelligent automation and opens up new possibilities for humanoid robotics in everyday life. With the Dynamic Mission Data Interface software add-on, missions can also be launched over the network and data exchanged bidirectionally in real time. This enables dynamic interaction with external AI systems within a mission. The mechanics, electronics, and software are entirely developed by igus in Cologne and Commonplace Robotics by igus in Osnabrück, allowing for direct coordination of customizations and further developments. The Iggy Rob Home is available starting at 55,000 euros.
Test first, then buy
The igus principle “Test before you invest” applies to both Iggy Rob variants. Users can test the systems in their own environment and evaluate technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness together with igus. This allows for a realistic assessment of potential and limitations at an early stage. In addition, igus operates the RBTX marketplace, which lists humanoid robot systems from various manufacturers. At the 2026 Hannover Messe, the offering included around 100 models from 35 suppliers. In addition to hardware, consulting, integration, and various usage and financing models are also offered.