A German company has created a human-shaped robot that costs much less than others on the market - potentially bringing robot helpers within reach of many more businesses.

The $54,000 Robot Employee

Imagine having a worker who never gets tired, doesn't need breaks, and can work for eight hours straight. Now imagine that worker costs less than a luxury car. That's what German company igus is offering with their new humanoid robot called Iggy Rob.

Unveiled last week, Iggy Rob stands about 5'7" tall and is designed to handle tasks in factories, service areas, and transport jobs. What makes this robot special isn't just what it can do - it's how much it costs.

At €47,999 (about $54,500), Iggy Rob costs two to three times less than similar humanoid robots from other companies. This price difference could be a game-changer for businesses that have wanted to try robotics but found them too expensive until now.

Not Just Another Pretty Face

Despite its lower price tag, Iggy Rob comes packed with useful features. The robot includes:

• Two robotic arms that can work alongside humans safely
• Special hands that can grip objects carefully
• Sensors that help it see and navigate around obstacles
• 3D cameras for recognizing objects
• Software that allows it to be part of a fleet of robots

Unlike some humanoid robots that try to walk on two legs (and often fall over), Iggy Rob uses wheels to get around. This design choice makes it more stable and practical in real-world settings like factories, where floors are generally smooth and flat anyway.

"Because our environment is built by and for humans, the potential for humanoid robots is immense," explained Jan Hennecke from igus. "Iggy Rob offers a practical, affordable way for companies to begin integrating robotics into their operations."

From Plastic Parts to Full Robots

Igus didn't start as a robotics company - they're known for making plastic components that help things move. Over the past few years, they've been building more complex robotic systems:

• In 2022, they created an affordable robotic arm
• In 2023, they developed a low-cost robotic hand that won an innovation award
• In 2024, they launched a mobile robot base
• Now they've combined all these technologies to create Iggy Rob

The company says their experience with lightweight plastic components helps them create robots that are both affordable and effective.

Try Before You Buy

Understanding that buying a robot is a big decision, igus offers businesses a chance to test Iggy Rob before purchasing it. Their "test before you invest" program lets companies try the robot in their actual workplace with support from igus experts.

This approach helps businesses see exactly how the robot would function in their specific environment and what tasks it could handle before committing to the purchase.

What Can Iggy Rob Actually Do?

Igus suggests several ways businesses might use their humanoid robot:

• Working at reception desks to greet visitors
• Moving items around within facilities
• Helping in cafeterias by clearing dishes and utensils
• Placing components in manufacturing machines

The robot can carry up to 110 pounds and move around with a total weight of 220 pounds. It can work for up to eight hours before needing to recharge - essentially a full work shift.

The Future of Work?

Market analysts predict that by 2030, as many as 20 million humanoid robots could be working in industrial settings. If that prediction comes true, affordable options like Iggy Rob could play a major role in this workplace transformation.

For now, igus is planning to use their own robot internally for tasks like placing components in their injection-molding machines - showing they believe in their creation enough to put it to work in their own facilities.

Whether Iggy Rob represents the future of work or just another step toward more accessible robotics, it's clear that human-shaped robots are moving from science fiction into the real world of business - and at prices more companies can actually afford.