igus ReBeL — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | igus |
|---|---|
| Model | ReBeL |
| Year | 2022 |
| Category | Industrial Lite |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $5000–$8000 |
| Weight | 8.2 kg |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, USB |
| Works with | ROS |
| Country of origin | DE |
Key features
- Polymer/plastic construction — lightest in class at 8.2 kg
- Under $8,000 — German-made budget cobot
- igus self-lubricating polymer — maintenance-free joints
- Native igus energy chain cable integration
- ROS and standard cobot programming interfaces
- German engineering at education/prototyping price
- Unique in market: German quality, plastic construction
What is it?
igus ReBeL is the world's first serious polymer-construction cobot — a German-made 2 kg arm under $8,000, using igus's self-lubricating plastic materials to achieve a unique lightweight low-cost design.
Who is it for?
- Education and vocational training programs needing affordable German-made cobots
- Prototyping and light automation at budget price points
- ROS research using a low-cost but credible hardware platform
Key specs
- Payload: 2 kg
- Reach: 664 mm
- Weight: 8.2 kg (lightest at this reach)
- Construction: igus self-lubricating polymer
- Programming: ROS; igus software stack
- Origin: igus GmbH (Cologne, Germany)
- Price: ~$5,000–8,000
Limitations
- 2 kg payload only
- Plastic construction limits durability in heavy-use production
- Smaller software ecosystem than UR or Franka
- Not suitable for precision industrial tasks
FAQ
How much does the igus ReBeL cost?
The igus ReBeL is priced between $5,000 and $8,000, making it an affordable option for educational and light automation applications.
What is the igus ReBeL used for?
The igus ReBeL is primarily used in education, vocational training, prototyping, and light automation, catering to users who need reliable cobot performance at a low cost.
What are the key specifications of the igus ReBeL?
The igus ReBeL features a 2 kg payload, a reach of 664 mm, and weighs only 8.2 kg, making it the lightest in its class. It integrates igus's self-lubricating polymer construction and runs on ROS and standard programming interfaces.
Who is the igus ReBeL designed for?
The igus ReBeL is designed for educational institutions, vocational training programs, and researchers who require a cost-effective German-made cobot for hands-on learning and prototyping.
How does the igus ReBeL compare to metal-framed cobots?
Unlike metal-framed competitors, the igus ReBeL utilizes a plastic construction, achieving a significant weight reduction to 8.2 kg and a lower price point, enhancing its suitability for budget-conscious users.
Is the igus ReBeL worth buying?
For users in need of a lightweight and affordable cobot, the igus ReBeL provides substantial value with its price range of $5,000 to $8,000 and robust features like a 664 mm reach and compatibility with ROS.