How IGUS is Democratizing Automation for Small Businesses at Automate 2025

At Automate 2025, Beyond the Bot caught up with Jacob from IGUS, a company that’s redefining what it means to make automation accessible, affordable, and adaptable. Known for their expertise in engineered plastics, IGUS is rapidly becoming a key player in the world of robotics and automation.

From Plastic Components to Robotic Systems

While IGUS may be best known for its high-performance plastic bearings, bushings, and cable management systems, the company has expanded into full-fledged automation solutions. With over 18 business units and a massive portfolio of plastic formulations tailored for strength, heat tolerance, and durability, IGUS is uniquely positioned to support a wide variety of industrial applications.

Their black e-chains, used for cable routing in robotic systems, are a staple in the automation industry. And now, their expansion into robotics, including linear rails and seventh-axis systems, has made them a go-to for integrators like Blue Sky Robotics.

What is RBTX? A Marketplace for Affordable Automation for Small Businesses

One of IGUS’s standout contributions is the launch of RBTX, their low-cost automation marketplace. Featuring more than 500 turnkey robotic solutions under $18,000, RBTX empowers small and mid-sized businesses to adopt industrial automation without breaking the bank. The platform includes videos, transparent pricing, and real-world application demos, making it easier than ever to compare and select the right solution.

This marketplace supports collaborative robotics (cobot capable robots), gantries, delta robots, and more, often leveraging IGUS’s own components alongside those of other partners. The goal?

To make automation accessible to manufacturers whose

projects typically fall below the $200,000 investment range,

an area often ignored by traditional integrators.

Solving the Knowledge Gap in Automation

Jacob notes that one of the biggest barriers to automation adoption isn’t cost, it’s knowledge. Many small businesses don’t know where to begin or what tools are available. That’s why IGUS is focusing on educational initiatives, like the RBTX Academy and the newly launched Axis Community.

Axis Community is a free, all-in-one platform that combines resources similar to Reddit, LinkedIn, and YouTube to deliver tutorials, networking opportunities, and live support. It offers courses on automation basics, like robotic kinematics, end-of-arm tooling, and application engineering. IGUS even runs contests that award training trips to their Rhode Island facility.

Supporting U.S. Manufacturing and Reshoring Efforts

As reshoring becomes a major trend in U.S. manufacturing, IGUS is leading by example. The company recently opened a facility in Rhode Island with 100 injection molding machines, allowing them to produce components domestically for faster delivery and better customer service.

This shift supports not only their own customers but also other manufacturers bringing production back to the U.S. Automation is key to making reshoring efficient, and IGUS is stepping up to provide both tools and training.

It’s Never Been Easier to Start with Automation

Jacob’s message to businesses and aspiring automation professionals is clear: the time to act is now. With accessible platforms, affordable robots, and a growing educational ecosystem, getting started with automation has never been easier.

Whether you're a manufacturer, integrator, or robotics enthusiast, IGUS and the RBTX ecosystem offer a gateway into the future of industrial automation.