igus Robotics robolink RL-DP-5 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | igus Robotics |
|---|---|
| Model | robolink RL-DP-5 |
| Year | 2019 |
| Category | Industrial Lite |
| Autonomy | programmable |
| Environment | indoor |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 45cm H |
| Payload | 1 kg |
| Reach | 540 mm |
| Country of origin | DE |
Key features
- 5-axis wire-driven architecture with wrist rotation for expanded tool orientation
- 540 mm reach with 1 kg payload — larger envelope than 4-axis DP sibling
- Engineering polymer construction throughout for low cost and clean operation
- Base-mounted stepper motors minimise distal arm mass
- CPRog software with Python API and browser-based jog interface
- ROS-compatible via community packages for academic research
- Mountable in vertical, horizontal, or inverted orientations
- Available as kit or assembled system
Overview
The igus robolink RL-DP-5 extends the wire-driven robolink DP architecture to five axes by adding a wrist rotation joint. This additional degree of freedom allows the tool flange to rotate about its own axis, significantly expanding the range of orientations the robot can achieve without repositioning its base. For pick-and-place tasks involving objects that arrive in arbitrary orientations, or for research into five-axis motion planning, this capability is meaningful.
Technical Specifications
Reach extends to 540 mm with a 1 kg payload capacity. The five-axis configuration adds one additional stepper motor and cable run to the DP's four-axis design. Total arm weight is approximately 1.8 kg. Repeatability remains in the ±1 mm range characteristic of wire-driven transmissions. The additional axis increases the configuration space meaningfully while keeping price firmly in the entry-level bracket.
Construction and Materials
Component materials are identical to the rest of the robolink family: tribologically optimised igus engineering polymers for all structural and bearing surfaces. No external lubrication is required. The arm can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or inverted, with the base designed to accept standard machine frame interfaces.
Software and Integration
CPRog software covers all five axes with graphical trajectory planning and a Python API for scripted motion sequences. Community ROS packages support users in academic settings. A web browser interface is also available for basic jog and teach operations.
Target Applications
The RL-DP-5 is primarily deployed in university robotics labs as the physical platform for kinematics coursework, and in small research groups prototyping manipulation algorithms before scaling to more expensive hardware. It is also used in light-duty industrial prototyping where a disposable-cost test platform is preferable to risking an expensive production robot during process development.
FAQ
What does the 5th axis add to the robolink RL-DP-5 compared to the DP?
The fifth axis provides wrist rotation — the ability to spin the tool flange about its own axis. This allows the robot to orient a gripper or tool at different angles without repositioning the arm, which is essential for tasks where objects arrive in variable orientations.
What is the reach and payload of the igus robolink RL-DP-5?
The RL-DP-5 has a 540 mm reach and a 1 kg payload capacity, making it appropriate for light manipulation tasks, small component handling, and research experiments that do not require heavy-duty grasping.
Who typically uses the igus robolink RL-DP-5?
Primary users are university robotics departments and research groups that need an affordable physical platform for kinematics studies and manipulation experiments, and SMEs prototyping automation processes before committing to full-cost production hardware.
What programming options are available for the RL-DP-5?
The robot is programmed via igus's CPRog software, which offers graphical trajectory planning and a Python API. ROS support is available through community-maintained packages. A web-based jog interface is also provided.
How does the RL-DP-5 compare to the robolink DP?
The RL-DP-5 adds a fifth axis (wrist rotation) and extends reach from 460 mm to 540 mm compared to the four-axis DP. Otherwise the architecture, materials, and price philosophy are identical.