Robots Weblog | Humanoid robotics from Germany: igus brings a brand new service robotic onto the market

Iggy Rob platform ensures affordable and CE-compliant use of humanoid robots in industry and service

Cologne, June 2, 2026 – Humanoid robots are currently a big hype. They run marathons and dance the moonwalk to Michael Jackson. However, their use in practical industrial applications fails primarily because of the costs. This is exactly where igus comes in with its cost-effective humanoid Iggy Rob robots. After the company introduced the Iggy Rob Industrial for production environments in 2025, the company is now expanding the platform with a new variant: the Iggy Rob Home from 55,000 euros. With the new model, igus is transferring the existing platform concept to the service and household sector for the first time. Development and production take place entirely in Germany – from mechanics to electronics to software.

AMR instead of legs: The one 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 base (AMR), the ReBeLMove Pro, with a load capacity 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 comparatively easy to integrate into existing environments in a CE-compliant manner. For many real-world applications, a running system with legs is currently neither necessary nor economically viable. “Our world is built by people for people. That’s why it’s logical that automation technology will eventually take on human-like forms,” says Alexander Mühlens, authorized representative and head of the low-cost automation division at igus. “At the same time, we are convinced that humanoid systems only develop further in practical use. That’s why we rely on an open, robust platform that users can adapt to their requirements.” Depending on the configuration, the robots are between 1.30 and 1.70 m high, have 16 DOF for natural movements and achieve up to eight hours of autonomous runtime and navigate using LIDAR and 3D camera systems. As standard, both variants have two igus ReBeL robot arms with a load capacity 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, end effectors and sensors can be adapted 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 presented in spring 2025. It is designed for use in production and logistics environments, where it takes on typical tasks such as transport processes, machine loading or simple assembly work. With the Iggy Rob Home, igus is now extending this technology to applications outside of classic industrial environments for the first time. These include reception and information areas, education and research, catering and a wide range of service activities in buildings. But it is also suitable industrially for pick-and-place tasks, internal material transport or transport to changing stations. In addition, it serves as an ideal platform for AI training, data collection as well as for educational and research purposes at universities and institutes.

The hardware of the Iggy Rob Home is based on the same industrial platform as the Industrial model, but has been specifically supplemented with functions that are more focused on interaction and service. These include quieter motion profiles, a display that shows simple facial expressions and preconfigured service functions. An integrated linear axis also increases the working area of the arms. A back basket with a load capacity of up to 50 kg is also available for transporting items. An integrated 3D camera ensures reliable object recognition as well as precise grip and navigation tracking. Thanks to wireless charging, the robot can be operated without interruption, and the ROS 2 interface allows it to be seamlessly integrated into modern robotics environments. For maximum flexibility at the tool center point, the Iggy Rob Home can be equipped with different end effectors, including suction cups, two- or three-finger grippers and a bionic hand with integrated grip detection.

Mobility meets intelligence

Thanks to an intuitive programming interface, the Iggy Rob Home can be quickly deployed and operated even without in-depth knowledge of robotics. The stable system architecture ensures reliable operation. 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 started via the network and data can be exchanged bidirectionally in real time. This enables dynamic interaction with external AI systems within a mission. Mechanics, electronics and software come entirely from the development of igus in Cologne and Commonplace Robotics by igus in Osnabrück, so that individual adjustments and further developments can be coordinated directly. The Iggy Rob Home is available from 55,000 euros.

First test, 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 the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness together with igus. In this way, potential and limits can be realistically assessed at an early stage. In addition, igus operates the RBTX marketplace, where humanoid robot systems from various manufacturers are listed. At the Hannover Messe 2026, the range included around 100 models from 35 suppliers. In addition to hardware, consulting, integration and various usage and financing models are also offered.