igus Robotics Delta Robot — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | igus Robotics |
|---|---|
| Model | Delta Robot |
| Year | 2020 |
| Category | Industrial Lite |
| Autonomy | programmable |
| Environment | indoor |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 35cm H |
| Payload | 1 kg |
| Reach | 300 mm |
| Country of origin | DE |
Key features
- 3-axis delta parallel kinematic architecture for high-speed pick-and-place
- 120 mm vertical stroke with 1 kg payload in a compact overhead footprint
- Base-mounted stepper motors keep moving platform mass minimal for fast cycles
- Engineering polymer construction with IGLIDUR bushings — no lubrication required
- Wash-down resistant construction suitable for food-adjacent environments
- CPRog software with Cartesian XYZ programming — no joint-angle programming required
- Python API and ROS compatibility for advanced integration
Overview
The igus Delta Robot is a suspended three-axis parallel robot implementing the classical delta kinematic architecture. Three upper arm segments connect via passive joints to a moving platform that carries the tool. Because all actuators are fixed at the frame rather than moved with the platform, the moving mass is very low, enabling the high accelerations characteristic of delta robots.
Technical Specifications
The working envelope is defined by a cylindrical volume approximately 300 mm in diameter and 120 mm in vertical stroke. Payload is 1 kg. igus rates the platform for high-speed pick-and-place cycles consistent with light packaging applications. All three axes are driven by stepper motors mounted at the overhead frame, consistent with the base-motor philosophy of the robolink family.
Construction and Materials
Structural arm members are manufactured from igus engineering polymers with embedded IGLIDUR bearing bushings at all pivot points. The low-friction polymer joints require no lubrication and are resistant to wash-down cleaning agents, making the system viable in food-adjacent environments where contamination control is important.
Software and Integration
The delta robot is integrated into the CPRog ecosystem, allowing trajectory programming via the same interface used for robolink articulated arms. Kinematic transformation is handled internally, so users programme in Cartesian XYZ rather than joint angles. Python scripting and ROS integration are available for advanced users.
Target Applications
High-speed pick-and-place over conveyor belts, pharmaceutical tablet or capsule sorting, confectionery packing lines, and laboratory sample handling are the primary use cases. The low entry cost makes it viable as a first deployment of delta-format automation before scaling to industrial-grade delta robots from established OEMs.
FAQ
What is a delta robot and what is it used for?
A delta robot is a parallel kinematic machine where three arms converge on a single moving platform from an overhead frame. Because all motors are fixed at the frame, the platform is very light and can accelerate and decelerate extremely quickly, making delta robots ideal for high-speed pick-and-place, sortation, and packaging tasks.
What payload and stroke does the igus Delta Robot support?
The igus Delta Robot supports a 1 kg payload and has a 120 mm vertical stroke. The working diameter is approximately 300 mm. This is appropriate for small, lightweight parts handled at high cycle rates.
Is the igus Delta Robot suitable for food production environments?
The engineering polymer construction and IGLIDUR bushings require no lubricants, and the structure can tolerate wash-down cleaning. This makes the robot suitable for food-adjacent applications, though operators should verify compliance with specific food safety regulations for their jurisdiction.
How does the igus Delta Robot compare to industrial delta robots from ABB or Fanuc?
ABB FlexPicker and Fanuc M-1 series delta robots offer significantly higher speed, payload, and cycle-time precision, and are backed by extensive industrial support networks. The igus Delta Robot is substantially cheaper and appropriate for lower-volume, lower-speed applications or for organisations evaluating delta automation before committing to industrial-grade equipment.
What software is used to programme the igus Delta Robot?
The robot uses igus's CPRog software, which presents programming in Cartesian XYZ coordinates. Python scripting and ROS packages are available for users who require programmatic or research-oriented control.