Robots Weblog | ReBeL Transfer: Autonomous logistics car from igus for 29,838 euros

Easily installed and quickly amortized, the mobile robot enables cost-effective entry into the automation of logistics processes

Stuttgart/Cologne, October 8, 2024 – igus proves that the automation of intralogistics processes does not have to be expensive or complicated with the new ReBeL Move, which the Cologne-based motion plastics specialist is presenting at Motek 2024. The mobile robot moves autonomously through factory halls and transports products from A to B – and can also be combined with the ReBeL Cobot made of high-performance plastic. It can be put into operation within an hour with even the most basic IT knowledge and is available including the ReBeL Cobot for 34,808 euros.

Driverless transport systems (AGVs) simplify everyday life in industrial companies: employees working on machines, for example, no longer have to fetch tools and materials from the warehouse on foot, but can be supported by autonomous vehicles. More and more small and medium-sized companies with a low level of automation are realizing that such automation increases productivity and reduces costs in times of cost pressure and staff shortages. “Nevertheless, there are often reservations because there is a lack of experience and instead the fear of making a bad investment predominates,” says Alexander Mühlens, authorized representative and head of the low-cost automation division at igus. “In order to give these companies a barrier-free and low-risk entry into the automation of intralogistics processes, we have developed a cost-effective and intuitive AGV with an integrated cobot for gripping objects: the ReBeL Move.”

Investment pays for itself in less than 12 months
The autonomous transport vehicle can transport small load carriers (KLT) measuring 60×40 centimeters and 30×40 centimeters and a payload of up to 35 kilograms. It travels at speeds of up to 1.5 m/s, has a battery life of over eight hours and a charging time of under two hours. Optionally on board is the ReBeL, a cobot that igus manufactures almost entirely from robust and cost-effective high-performance plastic. With a unit price of just 4,970 euros for the fully equipped version, the articulated arm robot is five times cheaper than comparable metal models. It has a weight of 8.2 kilograms, a load capacity of 2 kilograms and a reach of 664 millimeters. “With a price of just 34,808 euros, the ReBeL Move only costs a fraction of conventional AGVs, so the investment pays for itself within 12 months,” says Alexander Mühlens.

ReBeL Move can be put into operation within an hour
The new AGV system is not only more cost-effective than comparable solutions, but is also particularly easy to put into operation – just as quickly as a robot lawn mower. In less digitized companies, the AGV works as an independent system that only requires a WiFi connection. For the configuration, the operator moves the vehicle along the future work areas using a hand controller. The ReBeL Move has a 360-degree camera and uses so-called slam technology to automatically create a digital map during the tour. After this first mapping trip, the operator can then use the tablet to define individual stations for working, waiting and charging. Likewise, no-go areas such as areas around stairs and elevators or zones in which the robot should travel at reduced speed so as not to disturb employees. In physical reality, the mobile robot then recognizes the target locations using a camera and reflectors at the individual stations, without the operator having to laboriously install guidelines or tracks on the floor.

The tablet can also be used to easily determine the jobs that the ReBeL Move should carry out in intralogistics, for example using the ReBeL Cobot to remove products from a container at station A and transport them to station B. The solution also includes software that enables intelligent fleet management so that multiple AGVs can work together efficiently. “The entire commissioning process is so easy that users can program simple jobs within 15 minutes,” says Mühlens. Integration into established IT landscapes, which, for example, enables synchronized interaction between robots and automatic roller doors, is also no problem thanks to interfaces such as IoT, VDA 5050, REST, SAP and ERP. Mühlens: “Since commissioning works so quickly, we can simulate small automation solutions on site at any time for interested customers and thus take away their fear of contact with the technology. In addition to the purchase model, we also offer a rental model.”